Arizona regulators mock utility, set solar power standard contract at 18 years long – is a PURPA solar boom coming?
For the first time, the state’s public utility commission has created a standard contract length for PURPA solar projects — in stark contrast to utility APS requesting a two-year term.
Fed and state regulators are pressuring PURPA, responses are being filed
A group of organizations representing Southeastern rate payers are arguing against proposed changes to PURPA by FERC, noting – among other items – that long term contracts at fixed, publicly available pricing is necessary to fight against the monopoly power of local utilities.
South Carolina wants Energy Freedom, but on the cheap
Regulators voted to cut the avoided cost rate paid to PURPA solar power projects in the state by ~33% to 2.134¢/kWh, while also shortening the length of the contracts to 10 years – which represents the lowest rates and contract lengths in the nation.
PURPA so good it hurts, still needed though
An analysis by a utility backed group suggests that the competitive market for solar power is producing better rates than the legally required PURPA marketplace, suggesting revisions to the pricing mechanism. Market activity suggests the political lever of the tool is still needed though, and the report has some issues.
FERC moves to gut PURPA
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a proposal to allow states to remove the long-term price certainty in PURPA, and shrink the size of facilities that automatically quality for contracts from 20 MW to 1 MW.
Third-party, or not so third party?
Solar advocates in South Carolina have noticed the close ties between the advisor chosen by the state’s Public Service Commission to set rates for PURPA contracts and the state’s utilities, and are crying foul.
Cuomo signs mega mandate for renewables, a Montana hollerin’ match, more! : pvMB 7/19/19
It’s a scorcher out there – but at least its a Friday! Today we have the recommendation of a utility leader on how to make solar customers “go away”, new hires at SunPin Solar and EQ Research, and more!
Cypress Creek to quit EPC business, diversify development
The developer’s new “Go Forward” strategy focuses on development in wholesale markets, diversification beyond PURPA contracts and a wider national reach.
Montana solar project wins in court, will triple state’s capacity
A judge has set rates for an 80 MWac solar project at 3.833¢/kWh for 25 years after previously finding that state regulators had violated due process in intentionally setting rates too low for the facility under PURPA.
The Energy Freedom Act has passed the South Carolina Senate
South Carolina’s solar industry is close to a big revival, with a long-awaited bill to eliminate net metering caps and transform the way utilities procure energy. But it has get back through the House by the end of the day tomorrow (Thursday).
