IEA: solar, wind need new policies to tackle variability concerns
New report by the International Energy Agency identifies the integration of masses of variable renewable energy as the chief challenge facing next-generation solar and wind power, citing policy support as key in maximizing potential.
North Carolina urged to re-evaluate state’s solar policy
Among the issues up for discussion are third-party solar integration, a re-evaluation of solar’s 80 percent property-tax exemption and a re-evaluation of the state’s RPS.
Utah PSC grants utility’s request to suspend solar rate-increase request
In response to intense public reaction, Rocky Mountain Power requested the suspension so it could continue negotiating with solar stakeholders to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Trump transition team appoints fossil fuel advocates, climate action opponents to DOE, EPA, Interior
The list of ideologues appointed reads like a who’s-who of Koch brothers-funded right-wing think tanks.
DOE pushes back on Climate-Change ‘witch hunt’
In response to a questionnaire requesting the names of all employees involved with Climate-Change activities, an Energy Department spokesman flatly rejected the idea of giving any individual names to the president-elect’s transition team
Trump picks Perry to become Secretary of Energy
The man who once championed eliminating the Department of Energy (if he could remember its name) in 2011 will head the department if the Senate votes to confirm him
Oklahoma judge protects solar customers from extra charges
In a tentative agreement between Oklahoma Gas & Electric and consumer advocates — pending public service commission approval — would protect solar customers from arbitrary charges levied by the utility
PG&E to transition to net metering 2.0 by the end of the year
The second of California’s three large utilities expects to hit its cap under the original net metering program this month, with 2.4 GW of behind-the-meter solar installed.
Georgia reaches accord on renewable cost-benefit framework
Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission issued a joint recommendation on how to evaluate solar’s value to the state’s grid, with a view of using the framework in the Renewable Energy Development Initiative
Trump DOE witch hunt questionnaire suggests attacks on renewable energy & staff
Senator Edward Markey (D-Ma) has condemned the questionnaire, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has been called up for a Monday meeting.
