News

E&E News reports that Southwest Power Pool (SPP)—the Arkansas-based U.S. regional grid operator—has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve its Expedited Resource Adequacy Study, a process to fast-track connection agreements for power plants to meet growing energy demand. United's Lisa Barrett criticized the plan, arguing that the priority should remain on the ongoing efforts to resolve the existing interconnection backlog.

The Colorado Sun reports that Colorado's largest utility, Xcel Energy, is facing criticism over its proposed plan to join SPP's Markets+ day-ahead market. United's Brian Turner urges Xcel to look West to CAISO's EDAM, where studies show greater savings and stronger alignment with Colorado's clean energy and affordability goals. 

Arizona has long been known as a business-friendly state, but inconsistent energy policies and regulatory uncertainty are putting that reputation at risk. United's Michael Barrio authored an opinion piece forthe Arizona Capitol Times, urging decisionmakers to restore investor confidence and secure long-term economic growth by advancing policies that support clean energy investment and keep Arizona competitive.

CT Mirror reports that New England's electric grid is facing significant uncertainty as the region attempts to modernize its energy infrastructure. Most notably, plans to enhance interregional transmission are being threatened by potential policy changes and proposed budget cuts. United's Kat Burnham emphasized the need for more transmission infrastructure, urging regional coordination between the states amidst federal uncertainty.

Utility Dive reports on the U.S. House of Representatives' narrow passage of a budget bill that guts federal support for wind, solar, storage and other advanced energy industries. The article cites experts from clean energy advocates, including Heather O'Neill, United President and CEO, who speaks to the repercussions of the bill for America's economy if enacted.

Reuters reports on the U.S. House of Representatives' narrow passage of a budget bill that significantly undermines the nation's clean energy sector. The article features a statement from Heather O'Neill, President and CEO of United, who warned that the bill would undermine the reliability of the U.S. power system, drive up electricity costs, and eliminate tens of thousands of American jobs.

The Nevada Current reports that NV Energy is seeking to make demand pricing charges mandatory for all customers, potentially adding between $20 to $38 to the average monthly bill for Southern Nevada residents. United's Sheila Hallstrom pointed out that this plan could actually penalize and increase costs for customers that have already taken advantage of independent energy solutions.

The Center Square covered a recent House Energy Committee hearing on electric transmission and emerging load growth in the Northeast. Industry experts, including United's Chloe Holden, spoke to the benefits of implementing grid-enhancing technologies, advanced transmission technologies, and virtual power plants as a way to meet growing energy demand.

Federal tax credits have led to an economic boom in Texas, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the state's grid, and helping families save money on electric bills. In an opinion piece featured in San Antonio Express-News, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance Executive Director Matthew Boms and Freedom Solar Chief Executive Officer Bret Biggart highlight the importance of the tax credits and argue why Congress should leave them in place.

RTO Insider reports that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey filed the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act to help reduce energy costs for state residents and businesses. United's Kat Burnham stated that the bill is a step in the right direction towards saving ratepayers money, bringing more renewable energy to Massachusetts, and increasing accountability for utilities.

The Nevada Independent reports that proposed federal policy changes could jeopardize billions in renewable energy investments and thousands of jobs. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that the anticipated demand destruction from these cuts could undermine the economic viability of Nevada's lithium industry, warning that the state's clean energy investment forecasts may not endure under the proposed changes.

Canary Media reports on the proposed restrictions in the House Republicans' tax bill that could gut clean energy tax credits and put hundreds of billions of dollars in investment at risk. United's Harry Godfrey cautioned that the bill's "fundamentally unworkable" rules would create uncertainty, deterring investors, halting projects, and derailing domestic clean energy growth. 

Inside Climate News reports on the advancement of legislation to repeal key clean energy tax credits. United's Harry Godfrey and other advocates warn that that this move could increase energy costs, jeopardize thousands of clean energy jobs, and threaten America's energy dominance.

Reuters reports on Advanced Energy United's launched advertising campaign aiming to communicate the importance of key clean energy tax credits currently under threat by the recently released federal budget proposal. Heather O'Neill, United President and CEO, speaks to the vital role that these tax credits provide for job creation, economic growth, and maintaining American energy dominance.

E&E News reports that the Bonneville Power Administration has opted to join the Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ day-ahead market instead of the California Independent System Operator's Extended Day Ahead Market, a decision with major implications for the Western power grid's future. United's Leah Rubin Shen condemned the move, cautioning that it risks creating a fragmented market structure, increasing costs, and reducing grid reliability.  

Inside Climate News reports that nine Northeastern states have unveiled the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission plan, which aims to identify, advance, and finance interregional transmission projects that prioritize public interest goals over market profits. United's Jon Gordon noted that the plan reflects the states' growing frustration with regional grid operators over stalled energy projects.

Canary Media reports that Illinois lawmakers are pushing to pass legislation that would jumpstart large-scale battery storage deployment to meet the state's clean energy goals and growing energy demand. United's Samarth Medakkar called on state legislators to swiftly pass the proposed bills, emphasizing that prompt action would enable Illinois to procure energy storage projects—enhancing grid reliability, stimulating economic growth, and lowering electricity costs for consumers.

RTO Insider reports on Bonneville Power Administration's decision to join Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ day-ahead market over California Independent System Operator's Extended Day Ahead Market, a move that will impact the future of Western electricity markets. United’s Leah Rubin Shen criticized the decision as premature and warned that it could entrench costly market seams and inefficiencies and undermine efforts to build a unified Western grid. 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed two bipartisan clean energy bills that aimed to expand small solar projects and energy storage across the state. Inside Climate News spoke with several clean energy experts and advocates, including United's Jim Purekal, who stated that the veto was a missed opportunity to increase grid reliability, reduce costs for ratepayers, and bolster energy security across the state.

Utility Dive reports that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is likely to be targeted for cuts as Congress aims to cut spending by $2 trillion. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that tax credits included in the IRA are critical to building U.S. energy dominance, creating good-paying jobs, and boosting economic development.

Inside Climate News reports on President Trump's proposed cuts to the 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes deep cuts to renewable energy research, low-income heating assistance, and environmental justice programs, reflecting a broader rollback of energy and infrastructure spending. United’s Harry Godfrey advocated that advanced energy technologies are essential for an economy with abundant and affordable energy and criticized the budget request for seemingly defunding programs based on keywords, such as 'renewable energy.'

Canary Media reports on Massachusetts advocates urging Governor Maura Healey to stay the course on enforcement of the state's long-established ACCII standards, amid concerns that the administration may backtrack on those commitments. United’s Kat Burnham observes the pressure to roll back these standards isn’t coming from consumers, and notes the state already has incentives and infrastructure in place to support the transition to electrified transportation.