News

In Texas, companies are pioneering virtual power plant (VPP) initiatives by offering homeowners at-home battery systems through a subscription model that supplies power back to the Texas grid. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's (TAEBA's) Matthew Boms spoke to San Antonio Express-News about the benefits of VPPs, encouraging the Texas government to invest in advanced energy technologies to increase grid reliability.

RTO Insider reports that the PJM Board of Managers have approved $6 billion for the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. United's Jon Gordon spoke about the plan's lack of comprehensive regional planning and competitive bidding, noting the total 5-year cost is approaching $40 billion, which will be passed directly on to ratepayers.

PV Magazine reports on RE+ Northeast's panel "VPPs: Maximizing Their Value Through Smart Regulatory Choices," where several advanced energy experts, including United's Kat Burnham, discussed grid modernization strategies, and the role virtual power plants play in creating a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective grid.

Advanced energy manufacturing in the U.S. is facing increased business uncertainty amid threats to undo the tax credits that have been fueling record investment. United’s Harry Godfrey spoke with The New York Times about how manufacturing companies look not only at tax programs for building new plants but also market demand for products when weighing future investments.

RTO Insider reports that California state lawmakers have introduced a bill (SB 540) to implement "Step 2" of the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative. United's Leah Rubin Shen highlighted the reliability and cost-saving benefits of sharing resources across the West, commending the Pathways Launch Committee for their support of the bill.

The Nevada Current reports that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has acknowledged the positive impacts of federal programs and spending for the state, but despite this recognition, he has not actively defended these programs against federal rollbacks. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized the widespread uncertainty that the federal funding freezes have caused for both businesses and individuals alike, raising concerns about the future of advanced energy initiatives that have contributed to Nevada's economic growth.

To address potential electricity shortages, PJM Interconnection has proposed measures to expedite the development of new power plants in order to enhance grid reliability. Canary Media spoke with clean energy advocates, including United's Caitlin Marquis, who argued that reforming current interconnection processes and investing in grid expansion could facilitate the integration of advanced energy solutions to meet electricity demand while supporting decarbonization goals.

In Texas, Bandera Electric's virtual power plant (VPP) pilot program is utilizing distributed energy resources to bolster the grid and lower energy costs for consumers. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms spoke with The Texas Tribune about the many benefits of VPPs in creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable grid while meeting growing energy demand.

RTO Insider reports on the Step 2 bill of the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative, which aims to modify CAISO’s governance structure by creating an independent regional organization (RO) to oversee the Western Energy Imbalance Market and Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM). United's Brian Turner and Leah Rubin Shen emphasized that the bill should strictly enable CAISO’s participation in a regional market without imposing California’s clean energy policies on other states.

Imperial Valley Press reports on California State Senator Steve Padilla's new legislation that would establish pilot projects designed to develop, finance, and operate electrical transmission lines. United's Edson Perez emphasized the importance of expanding transmission efficiently and affordably to meet growing energy demand across the state.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved PJM Interconnection's proposal to expedite the development of new power plants. Erie New Now spoke with United's Jon Gordon who explained that this new approach favors fossil fuels over clean energy solutions and does not address the root of the issue, which is a faulty interconnection process.

The Nevada Independent reports on NV Energy's decision to convert the North Valmy Generating Station from coal to natural gas instead of retiring it as originally promised. United's Brian Turner criticized this decision, saying that NV Energy missed an opportunity to transition to renewable energy, and warned that this move will keep Nevada dependent on fossil fuels and burden ratepayers with the costs for decades. 

The Nevada Independent reports on President Trump's executive order to halt all Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) disbursements. United's Leah Rubin Shen warns that this freeze will hurt families, small businesses, and local economies.

The Washington Post reports on President Trump's halt on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative to expand EV charging stations across America. United's Ryan Gallentine urged state transportation agencies and program administrators to continue EV project development until new guidance is finalized.

With the recent suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, the Federal Highway Administration has directed states to decertify their implementation plans, halting construction of new EV charging stations and placing existing projects at risk. Bloomberg quoted United's Ryan Gallentine, who stated that the order has created enormous uncertainty for billions of dollars that both states and private companies have invested in EV infrastructure.

The Boston Globe covers President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding for solar energy projects, causing significant implications for numerous solar initiatives in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. United's Jeremy McDiarmid expressed concern that the administration's funding freeze could hinder the region's progress toward clean energy goals, increase costs, and slow economic growth.

President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding has led to significant economic disruptions nationwide, and although federal courts have ordered the resumption of funding, the path forward remains uncertain. United's Harry Godfrey spoke with Canary Media, emphasizing the economic strains, layoffs, and grid challenges Americans are facing across the country due to the freezes.