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Extended Day-Ahead Market Shows Critical Mass with Sixth Utility Committing to Join

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 31, 2024

One step closer to advancing Western integration  

Today, national business association Advanced Energy United applauds NV Energy’s signal of intent to join the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) extended day-ahead market (EDAM), recognizing the several benefits of joining a unified regional electricity market in the West. NV Energy becomes the sixth market participant to indicate it intends to join EDAM.

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Topics: Wholesale Markets, Press Releases, Leah Rubin Shen, Western RTO, California

California Legislators Approve Cuts to Critical Energy Programs Amid Budget Negotiations

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 30, 2024

California Lawmakers vote to cut funding for programs that help avoid blackouts

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Senate Budget Subcommittee 2 and the Assembly Budget Committee approved funding cuts to the Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) and Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) proposed in Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise.

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

Michigan Energy Industry Groups Applaud Support of Michigan’s Renewable Energy Future

Posted by Rory Coleman on May 30, 2024

Advocates look forward to building a stronger, cleaner energy landscape in the Great Lakes State

LANSING, MI - Advanced energy industry groups, including the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), American Clean Power Association (ACP), and Advanced Energy United (United) today applauded Michiganders’ continued support for recent laws that will bring even more benefits to the state from renewable energy, including new income for local governments and lowered electricity costs.

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Topics: Press Releases, Michigan, Trish Demeter

New Electric Fleet Incentive Bill Will Help Expand Use of Electric Buses and Trucks in Illinois

Posted by Rory Coleman on May 30, 2024

Advanced Energy United applauds the legislation that now heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk 

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Legislature this week voted to create a new incentive program for electric fleet vehicles, such as delivery trucks and school buses. House Bill 4196, sponsored by Representative Martin J. Moylan and Senator Ram Villivalam, establishes the first-in-the-Midwest program to help small businesses, school districts and public fleet owners overcome economic barriers to purchase electric vehicles, which can have higher upfront costs but significantly lower lifetime costs to own and operate.

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Topics: Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Electric school buses, Illinois, Samarth Medakkar

New Initiative Will Provide States With Federal Tools to Upgrade Electric Grid

Posted by Adam Winer on May 28, 2024

White House and DOE announcement will help support deployment of GETs 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative aimed at bolstering America’s power grid by using tools like grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and doing advanced reconductoring. Joining the Initiative are 21 inaugural states that have agreed to partner with the federal government to speed improvements to the power system.

“At a moment when our electric grid has been neglected, and the demand for energy is on the rise, we must make immediate grid upgrades while we also plan for more long-range transmission lines,” said Verna Mandez, Director of Transmission at Advanced Energy United. “There’s a whole suite of proven, reliable, and cost-effective technological innovations able to make our electric grids do more with less. If we don’t use these proven technologies right away, consumers will be left paying more for a less reliable energy system.”

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Topics: Federal Policy, Press Releases, Transmission, Verna Mandez

Virginia Mercury: Virginia Explained: Data Center Expansion, With All Its Challenges and Benefits

Posted by Charlie Paullin on May 28, 2024

Virginia Mercury reports on the prevalence of data centers that support artificial intelligence in Virginia quoting United's Kim Jemaine on the importance of grid-enhancing technologies to support the increase in power demand that data centers generate.

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Topics: State Policy, Virginia, United In The News, Kim Jemaine

Energy News Network: Advocates See Missed Opportunities as Virginia Lags Its Neighbors in Clean Energy Manufacturing

Posted by Elizabeth McGowan on May 28, 2024

Energy News Network reports on the growing gap between Virginia and its neighbors in clean energy manufacturing, quoting United's Kim Jemaine on the unlikelihood that Governor Youngkin will be able to support Virginia in catching up to other states in the Southeast.

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Topics: State Policy, Virginia, United In The News, Kim Jemaine

Industry Should Lean Into, Instead of Litigate Against, the Energy Transition

Posted by Adam Winer on May 22, 2024

Advanced Energy United calls on industry to stop dragging its feet and embrace more cost-efficient and reliable advanced energy solutions 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a petition was filed in federal court against the recently finalized U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations for existing coal-fired power plants and new gas plants. National business association Advanced Energy United expressed support for the regulations when they were announced in April, and today urged against industry litigation and instead called for the embrace of cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable solutions for powering the electric grid.

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Topics: Federal Policy, Press Releases, Heather O'Neill

The Colorado Sun: With Colorado Governor’s Signature, the State’s Electric Utilities Now Must Invest in Upgrades for the Future

Posted by Emilie Olson on May 22, 2024

In an opinion column featured in The Colorado Sun, United's Emilie Olson advocates for Colorado Governor Jared Polis to sign Senate Bill 218, which would require state electric utilities to proactively and strategically invest in distribution grid updates and connect communities to clean energy efficiently and transparently.

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Topics: State Policy, United In The News, Colorado

City & State: NY's EV Wave is Coming. Are We Ready?

Posted by Kristina Persaud on May 20, 2024

In an opinion piece in City & State New York, United’s Kristina Persaud supports the passage of New York’s Build to Need legislation (S.9113), which aims to expedite and improve the planning and implementation of grid infrastructure upgrades in New York to support the growing demand for electric vehicle charging.

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Topics: State Policy, Advanced Transportation, United In The News, New York

AB 1999 Passes First Hurdle to Implement Safeguards to Fixed Charges

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 15, 2024

AB 1999 passes the California Assembly Committee on Utilities & Energy. 

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the California Assembly Committee on Utilities & Energy passed Assemblymember Irwin’s Assembly Bill (AB) 1999, marking a significant victory for consumer protection and clean energy progress. This crucial bill now moves forward to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and we urge lawmakers to continue supporting it to protect Californians from exorbitant fixed charges. 

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

Indiana Capital Chronicle: Indiana Needs Affordable, Reliable, Renewable Energy to Attract the 21st Century Gold Rush

Posted by Caryl Auslander on May 15, 2024

In an opinion piece featured in Indiana Capitol Chronicle, United's Caryl Auslander writes that Indiana is at a crossroads: to power the state with forward-looking advanced energy technologies or cling to inefficient, costly coal.

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Topics: State Policy, United In The News, Indiana

Associated Press: US Energy Panel Approves Rule to Expand Transmission of Renewable Power

Posted by Matthew Daly on May 13, 2024

Associated Press reports on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s approval of rules aimed at improving long-term regional planning for high-voltage interstate electric transmission lines. The article quotes United President and CEO Heather O'Neill, who voiced support for the rulemaking and emphasized the need for the buildout of more multi-state transmission lines to keep up with our growing energy needs.

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Topics: Wholesale Markets, United In The News, FERC, Heather O'Neill, Transmission

New FERC Order Empowers States to Expand America’s Electricity Superhighways

Posted by Adam Winer on May 13, 2024

FERC Order No. 1920 will improve transmission planning and make it easier for states to improve their transmission grid

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted to approve new rules aimed at improving long-term regional planning for high-voltage interstate electric transmission lines. 

“Families and businesses are paying the price for utilities’ and grid operators’ failure to address our critical electricity infrastructure needs,” said Heather O’Neill, President and CEO at national business association Advanced Energy United. "Building more multi-state transmission lines unclogs the traffic jams on America’s electricity superhighways and unlocks our ability to keep up with our growing energy needs. This FERC Order sends the message that transmission planning needs to change, and recognizes that states deserve a central role in ensuring a reliable electric grid built for the future.” 

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Topics: Wholesale Markets, Press Releases, Caitlin Marquis, FERC, Heather O'Neill, Transmission

California Revised Budget Maintains Delays and Fund Shifts to Clean Energy and ZEV Programs

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 10, 2024

Further commitments are needed to ensure GGRF funds are spent on critical programs

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the May Revision to his 2024-2025 budget proposal, which maintains most of its multi-year commitments to critical clean energy programs, including the Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) Program, and clean transportation programs, including those related to zero-emission school buses and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, through shifts to Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. 

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

New York Times: California Will Add a Fixed Charge to Electric Bills and Reduce Rates

Posted by Ivan Penn on May 10, 2024

The New York Times reports on the California Public Utilities Commission's approval of a monthly fixed fee that will be added to customers’ monthly utility bills. Quoted in the article, United's Edson Perez spoke out against the fixed charge, emphasizing that the policy will negatively impact California’s electrification efforts and discourage investments in energy efficiency and distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar and battery storage.

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Topics: State Policy, United In The News, California, Edson Perez, Building Decarbonization

E&E News: Colorado’s Boost to Electric Grid Could Be National Model

Posted by Jason Plautz on May 10, 2024

E&E News reports on the passage of legislation in Colorado that, if signed into law, would help to modernize the state's electric grid and compel Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, to make upgrades to the distribution system. In the article, United's Emilie Olson commends Colorado lawmakers for their support of the bill's holistic approach in addressing distribution system needs while aligning with the state's goals for decarbonization.

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Topics: State Policy, Advanced Transportation, United In The News, Colorado, Emilie Olson, Building Decarbonization

RTO Insider: Electrifying MHD Vehicles Could Lower Grid Costs

Posted by James Downing on May 10, 2024

RTO Insider highlights Advanced Energy United's recently released report on medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) electrification and outlines conversations held during its May 7 webinar that examined the report's findings.

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, United In The News

POLITICO Pro: California imposes monthly $24 charge on electricity bills

Posted by Debra Kahn on May 9, 2024

POLITICO Pro reports on the California Public Utilities Commission imposing a monthly $24 charge on electricity bills. The article quotes United's Edson Perez, calling the decision "another blow to California’s clean energy goal."

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Topics: United In The News, California, Edson Perez

The California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Move Forward With Fixed Charge

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 9, 2024

CPUC approves a $24 fixed fee for utility customers’ monthly electricity bill  

SACRAMENTO, CA—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved a monthly fixed fee that will be added to customers’ monthly utility bills. This fee is a result of a 2022 bill, Assembly Bill 205, thatdirected the CPUC to add a fixed charge to utility bills based on household income in exchange for lowering volumetric rates.The approved plan willadd a fixed charge of $24.15 to monthly utility bills (reduced to $12 or $6 for lower-income customers) 

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

CBS 21: Electric Vehicles and PA Power Grid

Posted by Candace Scalese on May 8, 2024

Pennsylvania news station CBS 21 discusses the increased demand that the growing number of electric vehicles is placing on the state's power grid. In a video interview, United's Nick Bibby states that proactive upgrades need to be made soon to avoid costly improvements in the future.

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Topics: United In The News, Pennsylvania, Electric Vehicles, Nick Bibby

U.S. DOE Announces Communities Poised to Benefit from Transmission Corridors Program

Posted by Adam Winer on May 8, 2024

A lack of electric transmission is harming or may soon harm households and businesses across the country

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a preliminary list of 10 potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) to accelerate the development of transmission projects in areas that have an urgent need for expanded transmission. DOE is now seeking public input on the process. 

“As America’s energy needs grow, the backbone of the energy system needs to grow with it,” said Verna Mandez, Director of Advanced Energy United’s transmission program. “Transmission is how we get affordable electricity from where it’s made to where it’s needed so we can keep the lights on and lower energy bills.” 

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Topics: Federal Policy, Press Releases, Transmission, Verna Mandez

Clean Energy Businesses Celebrate Colorado’s Passage of Landmark Distribution System Planning Bill

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 7, 2024

Senate Bill 24-218, a bill that will modernize Colorado’s energy distribution system, passed the House Floor and now awaits the Governor's signature

DENVER, CO— Groundbreaking legislation, Senate Bill 24-218, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, Senator Chris Hansen, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Representative Kyle Brown, garnered significant support on the House Floor and passed the legislature. The bill now moves to Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s desk for signature. 

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Topics: Press Releases, Colorado, Emilie Olson

The Colorado Sun: Xcel’s Grid, Facing Growing Power Demands, to Get Help From a Bill Racing Through the Legislature

Posted by Mark Jaffe on May 1, 2024

The Colorado Sun reports on new legislation, Senate Bill 24-218, introduced that would modernize the state's distribution system. The article quotes United's Emilie Olson on the state of the current distribution grid and how upgrades are crucial to powering more generation. 

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Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Emilie Olson