Advanced Energy Perspectives

In its November 7 order in the DTE Gas Co. rate case, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved several key decisions to protect consumers and pave the way for more affordable heating options in the cold-climate state.  

DTE filed its request to raise rates by $266 million on customers in January 2024, noting that most of the dollars would go toward pipeline maintenance and modernization. This comes as part of a broader trend affecting the industry – natural gas utilities across the country continue to raise delivery rates at unsustainable levels, leaving consumers with skyrocketing gas bills.  

As California moves toward a clean energy future, its demand for electricity is surging, fueled by the rapid electrification of homes, vehicles, and businesses across the state. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates that electricity demand could increase by 76% by 2045 (relative to 2022), making expansion of the state’s transmission infrastructure crucial to keeping the lights on.  At the same time, climate-related threats—such as wildfires, extreme heat, and severe weather events—are increasingly straining the grid, further highlighting the urgent need for modern and resilient transmission infrastructure. However, California is already grappling with an energy affordability crisis, and new transmission investments come with significant costs. To meet the state’s clean energy and reliability goals without further burdening ratepayers, innovative financing solutions will be critical. 

Net-Zero California’s (NZC’s) and Clean Air Task Force’s (CATF’s) timely report, Wired for Savings: Evaluating the Impact of Alternative Transmission Financing and Development Models on California Ratepayers, explores alternative transmission financing and development models and their impacts on consumers. The results show potential for substantial ratepayer savings of up to $3 billion per year, or about $123 billion over 40 years, to the extent that this infrastructure is financed and developed through public-private partnerships. 

Pennsylvania has roughly 270,000 energy workers – nearly half are employed by companies in the advanced energy industry, including those generating solar power, manufacturing energy storage batteries, and helping Pennsylvanians save money by reducing energy waste. While Pennsylvania’s history is rooted in fossil fuels, its present and future is as an advanced energy leader.

This month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three major investments aimed at enhancing the resilience and reliability of our nation’s electric grid in response to growing demand.

The investments made by DOE’s Transmission Facilitation Program, Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, and Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Program represent significant funding for the modernization of our country’s energy infrastructure, whether through transmission projects, innovative grid solutions, or manufacturing capabilities. Funded directly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), these programs are designed to create a reliable, clean, and affordable grid, while generating thousands of jobs and supporting disadvantaged communities. 

The advanced energy sector has experienced significant job growth in recent years, driven by technology advancements, increased investment in renewable energy sources, and supportive government policies aimed at combating climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuels. Investments in solar, wind, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery storage are creating millions of well-paying jobs across the advanced energy sector. As the advanced energy space continues to flourish, the future of the American workforce will evolve as well, contributing to economic development, energy independence, and positioning the U.S. as a leader in global advanced energy development.