News

WASHINGTON, DC, December 21, 2021 – National business association Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) continues to advocate in favor of the federal budget reconciliation legislation commonly known as the Build Back Better Act, and today released the following statement on behalf of its federal policy director Leah Rubin Shen: 

The Verge outlined how Congress can clean up the power grid, citing AEE's Leah Rubin Shen on popular provisions of the Build Back Better Act. Read snippets below and the full article here.

The future of America’s electricity grid hangs in the balance as Democrats try to salvage their giant environmental and social spending bill. After West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin imperiled Democrats’ Build Back Better bill — which would have transformed the grid and helped stave off catastrophic climate change — environmental advocates are figuring out a plan B.

INDIANAPOLIS, December 16, 2021 – This week Duke Energy Indiana announced what types of energy it expects to use to power homes and businesses in its coverage area over the next two decades, revealing plans to continue heavy use of fossil fuels despite more affordable advanced energy options on the market.

“Natural gas prices are rising and Hoosier ratepayers are already feeling the effects, but this plan by Duke Energy Indiana doubles down on a fuel that utility executives know is more expensive today and predictably volatile tomorrow,” says Sarah Steinberg, principal at Indiana Advanced Energy Economy (AEE). “It also delays the addition of advanced energy resources, like solar, wind, and battery storage, until the next decade, which will lock in higher bills for Hoosier ratepayers instead of making investments in more cost-effective options today.”

RTO Insider outlined Biden's executive order in support of 100% carbon-free power by 2030, quoting AEE's Harry Godfrey on the order's manufacturing and jobs benefits. Read snippets below and the full article here.

President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order Wednesday directing the federal government to use carbon-free electricity for its 300,000 buildings and to decarbonize its 600,000 vehicle fleet.

Utility Dive detailed the Colorado Public Utility Commission's report encouraging state's utilities to join some form of organized wholesale market, quoting AEE's Emilie Olson on the benefits of a regional transmission organization. Read snippets below and the full article here.

Participating in a regional transmission organization (RTO) could save Colorado's utilities up to $230 million a year, or 5% of their costs, while helping meet the state's clean energy goals, according to a study released Wednesday by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission...

CARSON CITY, December 2, 2021 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) applauded Governor Sisolak for his appointments to the Regional Transmission Coordination Task Force, which includes policy leaders in the advanced energy industry, including Enel North America’s Mona Tierney-Lloyd.

The Task Force was created by Senate Bill (SB) 448* (2021) to study the costs and benefits of joining a regional organized wholesale electricity market and to recommend policies that facilitate utility entrance into a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) by 2030. A western RTO would harness competitive market forces and transparent planning processes to make energy more reliable and affordable for Nevadan ratepayers, and will also spur new private investment and job creation in the state.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve Nevada and Governor Sisolak as the geothermal energy representative on the Regional Transmission Coordination Task Force,” said Mona Tierney-Lloyd, Head of State Public Policy and Institutional Affairs for Enel North America, an AEE member company. “Nevadans deserve all the benefits that come with a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. My goal is that the policies this Task Force ultimately recommends will deliver these benefits.”

A western RTO would increase competition and lower energy costs for Coloradans 

DENVER, CO, December 1, 2021 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) commended the members of Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for acknowledging the consumer, environmental, and economic benefits of a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). A new report by Colorado’s PUC found that electric utility participation in a regional wholesale market could reduce electricity costs for consumers by up to 5% annually while accelerating the state’s clean energy goals.

“Coloradans deserve the energy security and economic benefits that a Western RTO will provide, and going it alone is not an option we can stake Colorado’s energy future on,” said Emilie Olson, Principal at AEE. “This report shows that good regional planning and coordination with our neighbors is the answer to developing a clean energy system that lowers energy costs for households and businesses.