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E&E News: Great Plains Grid Operator Asks to Fast-Track Power Plants

Posted by Jeffrey Tomich on May 30, 2025

E&E News reports that Southwest Power Pool (SPP)—the Arkansas-based U.S. regional grid operatorhas 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.

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Topics: United In The News, Lisa Barrett, Interconnection

California Assembly Advances Virtual Power Plant Legislation to Cut Energy Costs

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 29, 2025

AB 44, a bill designed to streamline utility use of distributed energy resources, passed the California Assembly with bipartisan support

SACRAMENTO, CA— California homes and businesses are one step closer to achieving lower energy bills as the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 44 with bipartisan support. AB 44, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, is designed to lower energy costs and improve grid reliability by streamlining processes for utilities to use demand-side technologies like virtual power plants (VPPs) to reduce electricity use during peak demand.

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

The Colorado Sun: Xcel’s $30M Plan To Join Regional “Power Pool” Panned for High Cost, Lack of Benefit

Posted by Mark Jaffe on May 28, 2025

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. 

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Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Western RTO, Brian Turner

New Report Shows Greater Benefits to Colorado from a Bigger Energy Market

Posted by Adam Winer on May 23, 2025

Xcel Energy has proposed joining a smaller market with less clean energy, whichmeans higher costs for ratepayers

DENVER, CO — A new report from Aurora Energy Research assesses the potential for Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to join a regional electricity market in the West.  

The report evaluates the economic benefits of different day-ahead market participation scenarios and found that Xcel Energy’s proposal to join the relatively small and disjointed Markets+, run by the Arkansas-based Southwest Power Pool (SPP), would increase both costs and greenhouse gas emissions compared with other options. Compared to Markets+, participating in the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) would yield between $4.2 and $13.2 million per year greater savings through 2060.

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Topics: Press Releases, Colorado, Western RTO, Brian Turner

Arizona Capitol Times: Opinion - Is Arizona Still Open for Business? Energy Policy Choices Will Shape the State’s Economic Future

Posted by Michael Barrio on May 23, 2025

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 Timesurging decisionmakers to restore investor confidence and secure long-term economic growth by advancing policies that support clean energy investment and keep Arizona competitive.

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Topics: United In The News, Arizona, Michael Barrio

Texas Senate Passes HB 5323 to Meet State's Growing Energy Needs

Posted by Alissa Rivera on May 23, 2025

Legislation will establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee

AUSTIN, TX – Today, HB 5323 passed the Texas Legislature. This forward-thinking legislation establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, composed of leaders from key state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to coordinate efforts aimed at reducing energy waste, improving efficiency, and enhancing grid reliability.

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Topics: Press Releases, Texas, Energy Efficiency

CT Mirror: The Future of New England’s Electric Grid Can Be Described with One Word - Uncertainty

Posted by Jan Ellen Spiegel on May 23, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Transmission, Connecticut

Utility Dive: House GOP Budget ‘Worse Than Feared’ for Clean Energy' - Analysts

Posted by Brian Martucci on May 22, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Heather O'Neill, Federal Priorities

Reuters: House Budget Bill Effectively Kills US Clean Energy Boom

Posted by Valerie Volcovici on May 22, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Heather O'Neill, Federal Priorities

Advanced Energy United Calls House Tax Package a ‘Meat Cleaver,’ Urges Senate to Preserve Tax Credits, Restore Business Certainty

Posted by Adam Winer on May 22, 2025

In response to the House’s major tax reform legislation, Advanced Energy United makes clear that the bill withdraws the U.S. from the global race for energy dominance

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed a job-killingtax reform package that dismantles sound, long-standing energy tax credits. The bill passed by a vote of 215-214. Earlier this year, Advanced Energy United launched a campaign, Unlocking Advanced Energy, highlighting the $3 trillion in economic benefits, $846 billion in household savings, and 13.7 million American jobs these credits would generate over the next decade.

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

Nevada Current: NV Energy Peak Usage Plan Could Be Costly for Southern Nevadans

Posted by Dana Gentry on May 21, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Energy Efficiency, Nevada

The Center Square: Electric Transmission Upgrades at Crucial Turning Point

Posted by Lauren Jessop on May 21, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Transmission, Chloe Holden, Virtual Power Plants

San Antonio Express-News: Eliminating Federal Energy Tax Credits Will Hurt Texas Economy, Households

Posted by Matthew Boms and Bret Biggart on May 19, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Texas, Matthew Boms, Federal Priorities

RTO Insider: Mass. Gov. Healey Introduces Energy Affordability Bill

Posted by Jon Lamson on May 19, 2025

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.

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Topics: State Policy, United In The News, Kat Burnham, Massachusetts

The Nevada Independent: IRA Cuts Have Clean Energy Advocates Concerned About Growth of Nevada Industry

Posted by Gabby Birenbaum on May 17, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Nevada, Federal Priorities

New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Bill to Shine Light on Utility Votes at PJM 

Posted by Savannah Gribbins on May 15, 2025

Committee Vote Marks Step Toward Greater Public Oversight of Utility Positions on Regional Grid Decisions 

TRENTON, NJ – A bill to bring long-overdue transparency to how New Jersey’s utilities vote at PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator that serves New Jersey, cleared a key legislative hurdle today with a successful committee vote in the New Jersey Legislature. The legislation, sponsored by Committee Chair Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, moved out of the New Jersey Assembly State and Local Government Committee with broad bipartisan support.

“If your electric bill is going up, you deserve to know who’s behind that and why,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. “This bill makes sure our utilities aren’t making those decisions in back rooms with no one watching.” 

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Topics: Wholesale Markets, Press Releases, New Jersey, Katie Mettle

Canary Media: GOP Budget Plan Contains a Massive Poison Pill for Clean Energy

Posted by Jeff St. John on May 15, 2025

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. 

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Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities

Inside Climate News: Congress Begins Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits With ‘Sledgehammer Approach’

Posted by Marianne Lavelle and Dan Gearino on May 14, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities

California’s May Budget Revision Kicks Off Negotiations Critical to Achieving an Energy System of the Future

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 14, 2025

Budget revision invests in key programs, but lacks vision that risks undermining the state’s affordability and reliability goals

SACRAMENTO, CA— In the face of rising electricity costs, growing reliability challenges, and ambitious climate goals, California needs to invest in building a more modern, flexible, and resilient electricity grid. While the May Revision to the 2025–26 state budget maintains some investments in critical programs that help ensure affordable, reliable energy, it falls short of the broader vision needed to unlock customer-driven cost-saving energy solutions, empower customers, and reduce dependence on costly, polluting resources.

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Topics: Press Releases, California, Edson Perez

Reuters: Last-Ditch Lobbying Blitz Seeks to Save Biden's Clean-Energy Tax Credits

Posted by Valerie Volcovici on May 13, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Heather O'Neill, Federal Priorities

Maryland Gov. Moore Signs Utility Transparency and Accountability Act, Bringing Needed Sunshine to Utilities’ Role in PJM Decision-Making

Posted by Savannah Gribbins on May 13, 2025

New law requires Maryland utilities to disclose votes at regional grid operator PJM, improving public oversight and ensuring alignment with state energy goals. 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a landmark move, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Utility Transparency and Accountability Act into law today, making Maryland the first state to require its utilities to publicly disclose how they vote at PJM Interconnection, the powerful regional grid operator that makes decisions affecting energy costs, reliability, and clean energy deployment across 13 states. 

The legislation, sponsored by Del. Lorig Charkoudian and Sen. Katie Fry Hester, received bipartisan support and backing from a broad coalition of clean energy industry advocates, consumer groups, and local business voices. 

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Topics: Wholesale Markets, Press Releases, Katie Mettle

Advanced Energy United Warns Tax Package Will Lead to Higher Costs and Threatens America’s Energy Supply

Posted by Amey Bruno on May 12, 2025

Advanced Energy United urges bipartisan support for policies driving affordable, reliable energy and economic growth.

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today Advanced Energy United’s CEO Heather O’Neill issued the following statement in response to the release of the House Ways and Means Committee full reconciliation proposal, which includes a range of concerning changes to important tax policies that support American energy projects:

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

E&E News: Bonneville Power Finalizes Decision to Join Western Market

Posted by Jason Plautz on May 12, 2025

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.  

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Topics: United In The News, Leah Rubin Shen, Western RTO

Inside Climate News: Northeastern States Unveil New Grid Planning Strategy in Attempt to Regain Control Over Energy Future

Posted by Aman Azhar on May 12, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Jon Gordon, Interconnection

Canary Media: Illinois’ Grid Needs Batteries. Can the Legislature Deliver?

Posted by Kari Lydersen on May 12, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Illinois, Samarth Medakkar, Battery Storage

New Massachusetts Report from Advanced Energy United: Smarter Rates Can Unlock Savings for Electrifying Homes

Posted by Savannah Gribbins on May 12, 2025

Study found with time-of-use rates households could cut bills and ease grid strain 

BOSTON, MA — New research released today by Advanced Energy United finds that smarter electric rate design could significantly reduce energy bills for Massachusetts households that switch from gas furnace heating to clean electric heat pumps. 

The report, prepared by Advanced Energy United and Demand Side Analytics, “Massachusetts Study on Time-Varying Rate Design to Enable Electrification,” found switching to “time-of-use” electric rates, where electricity costs less during off-peak hours when demand on the grid is low, can eliminate cost-barriers to electrification, and even save households money. 

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Topics: Regulatory, Press Releases, Sarah Steinberg, Shawn Kelly, Building Electrification

RTO Insider: BPA Chooses Markets+ over EDAM


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. 

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Topics: United In The News, Leah Rubin Shen, Western RTO

In New York State Budget, Bright Spots for Electric Vehicles and Clean Heating

Posted by Savannah Gribbins on May 9, 2025

  New York’s newly passed 2026 budget positions the state to capture the economic benefits of electrified transportation and building decarbonization 
 

ALBANY, NY –  The New York State Legislature has passed its 2026 budget, including provisions that prioritize cost-saving clean energy policies that will drive investment, minimize cost to New Yorkers, and modernize the grid. The budget delivers key clean energy investments, funding electric school buses, expanded electric vehicle (EV) charging, and efforts to decarbonize buildings across the state. 

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Topics: Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Electric school buses, New York, Kristina Persaud, Building Electrification

Inside Climate News: Youngkin Vetoes Clean Energy Bills That Garnered Support From Dominion, Environmental Groups

Posted by Charles Paullin on May 9, 2025

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.

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Topics: Virginia, United In The News, Jim Purekal, Solar, Battery Storage

Utility Dive: IRA’s Fate Unclear as Republicans Look to Finance Megabill

Posted by Diana DiGangi on May 8, 2025

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.

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Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities

Colorado Legislature Passes NextGen Highways Bill, Unlocking More Transmission Development in the State

Posted by Caroline Grace on May 7, 2025

HB25-1292 will open existing state highway rights-of-way for electric transmission lines, helping meet Colorado’s growing demand for clean, reliable energy

DENVER, CO—Today, the Colorado Legislature has officially passed HB 25-1292, known as the “NextGen Highways” bill, marking a major step forward in modernizing Colorado’s electric transmission infrastructure. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature.

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Topics: Press Releases, Colorado, Emilie Olson, Transmission

Inside Climate News: Proposed Cuts to Energy and Environment Programs in Trump’s Budget Worry Advocates and Elected Officials

Posted by Sarah Shemkus on May 7, 2025

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.'

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Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities

Smart Grid, Smart Move: Virginia Governor Greenlights Virtual Power Plant Pilot

Posted by Savannah Gribbins on May 2, 2025

 

The Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) makes way for community-powered clean energy, cutting costs and boosting reliability 

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) into law. The new law directs Dominion Energy to launch a 450-megawatt virtual power plant pilot, allowing homes and businesses to aggregate solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and smart devices into a flexible grid resource that can reduce peak demand, lower electricity costs, and improve grid reliability. 

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Topics: Virginia, Press Releases, Jim Purekal, Virtual Power Plants

Canary Media: Massachusetts Should Uphold the State’s Clean Car Rules, Advocates Say

Posted by Sarah Shemkus on May 1, 2025

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.

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, United In The News, Electric Vehicles, Kat Burnham, Massachusetts