News

Greentech Media reported details about the just-passed Virginia Clean Economy Act quoting Virginia AEE's Harry Godfrey. Read excerpts below and the entire GTM piece here. North American Windpower, Solar Power World, CleanTechnica, SmartGrid Today (sub. req.), and E&E News also covered the news, quoting Godfrey.

The Clean Economy Act passed Virginia’s House of Delegates by a 51-45 vote on Thursday and the state Senate by a 22-17 vote on Friday, clearing the way for the bill to be signed by Governor Ralph Northam, who issued an executive order calling for it last year. Both votes were carried by Democrats who won majorities in both houses from Republicans in last year’s election, although one House Democrat voted against it and one Republican Senator voted in favor of it. 

National business group applauds Virginia Senate for completing legislation that puts Commonwealth on path for 100% clean energy by 2045, saving customers money, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. 

RICHMOND, March 6, 2020 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy applauded the Virginia Senate for passing SB 851, the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), a bill that puts the Commonwealth on a historic path for 100% clean energy by 2045 while saving customers money, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. The Senate vote was 22-17 for SB 851, the same bill passed by the House of Delegates late yesterday.

“Today, we passed the most significant clean energy legislation in Virginia history. This historic legislation is a major step forward towards investing in clean energy and job creation across Virginia,” said Senator Jennifer McClellan*. “The Virginia Clean Economy Act will move Virginia from the back of the pack to become a leader on clean energy."

"We applaud the Virginia Senate for completing final passage of this historic legislation, which puts Virginia on a path to 100% clean energy by 2045 by transitioning to more energy efficiency, solar and wind energy resources," said Harry Godfrey, director, Advanced Energy Economy. "This is a truly remarkable leap forward in Virginia energy policy! With passage of this legislation, practically overnight our Commonwealth goes from a laggard to a leader in the race to 100% clean energy." 

Virginia Mercury covered the passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act in both the House and Senate including floor debates and challenges quoting AEE's JR Tolbert and AEE member Sigora Solar. Read excerpts below and the entire Virginia Mercury piece here. This story was also covered by the Washington Examiner (quoting Godfrey), Richmond Times Dispatch  (Godfrey pictured with bill patrons, sub. req.), and August Free Press (quoting Godfrey).

The Virginia Clean Economy Act cleared its last hurdle in the General Assembly this week when both the House of Delegates and the Senate agreed to a final version that reflected the more aggressive House timeline of making Virginia’s electric grid carbon-free by 2045 while also incorporating stronger protections for electric utility ratepayers. The bill, SB 851, heads to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam, whose administration has been heavily involved in pushing it forward. Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, the Senate patron of the bill, called the passage “a major historic moment” that will “break our reliance on fossil fuels...”

Associated Press covered the Virginia Clean Economy Act's passage in the House as it makes its way to the Senate, noting AEE's role and analysis of positive ratepayer impact. Read excerpts below and the entire AP piece here. 

A sweeping energy bill that supporters said would make Virginia a national leader in addressing climate change passed the state House Thursday amid warnings by critics that it will carry a steep price tag. The legislation, called the Virginia Clean Economy Act, moved to the Senate for its expected final passage. One of the new Democratic majority’s priorities this session, the bill would overhaul how Virginia utilities generate electricity, laying out a path toward zero carbon emissions by 2045. It paves the way for an enormous expansion of offshore wind generation, solar or onshore wind generation, and the use of battery storage technology, which advocates say will create thousands of jobs...

National business group applauds House of Delegates for putting Commonwealth on path for 100% clean energy by 2050, saving customers money, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. Senate action up next, with session ending Sat., March 7

RICHMOND, March 5, 2020 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy applauded the Virginia House of Delegates for passing SB 851, the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), a bill that puts the Commonwealth on a historic path for 100% clean energy by 2050 while saving customers money, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. The final vote was 53-45*.

Renewable Energy World covered unanimous approval of FPL's new customer-driven solar energy program by the Florida Public Service Commission, quoting AEE's Gloria Li. Read excerpts below and the entire Renewable Energy World piece here. (This news was also reported by S&P Global and Solar Builder) 

This week, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), located in Tallahassee, unanimously approved the Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) SolarTogether program. The program entails the development of 1,490 MW of solar capacity in the next two years and aims to help propel Florida as a leading provider of solar energy. Reduction of the state’s dependence on fossil fuels is a major goal of the project as well.

E&E News covered Florida PSC's approval of FPL's SolarTogether, the largest utility customer solar program ("green tariff") in the nation quoting AEE's Dylan Reed. Read excerpts below and the entire E&E News piece here. 

The largest community solar program in the nation will go ahead in Florida, after regulators approved a $1.79 billion slate of projects yesterday from utility Florida Power & Light Co. SolarTogether, as the program is known, will bring 20 new solar farms online by the middle of next year, adding up to just under 1,500 megawatts. That will double the country's current amount of community solar capacity, according to FPL.

Utility Dive covered unanimous approval of FPL's new customer-driven solar energy program and tariff by the Florida Public Service Commission, quoting AEE's Dylan Reed and Caitlin Marquis. Read excerpts below and the entire UD piece here. 

The Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved a 1,490 MW community solar program by Florida Power & Light, the largest in the nation, on Tuesday. FPL's "SolarTogether" program reserves 75% for the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector and 25% for the residential sector. The project more than doubles community solar capacity in the U.S., according to FPL. 

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2020 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy reacted to Indiana Senate passage of its amended version of HB1414, a bill that would require Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approval before a utility can close a coal plant. The Senate vote was 37-11. The House passed its version February 3.

Florida Public Service Commission approval makes Florida a leading provider of customer-driven solar "green tariff" options. Recent study shows meeting C&I demand for renewables would drive investment of up to $1 billion a year and create nearly 60,000 jobs through 2030 from solar energy development across the state.

TALLAHASSEE, March 3, 2020 – Today national business association Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) reacted to the unanimous approval of Florida Power & Light's (FPL's) new customer-driven solar energy program and tariff by the Florida Public Service Commission (Docket 20190061*). This makes FPL's program the largest customer solar "green tariff" option currently offered by a utility in the nation.

FPL's proposed SolarTogether program gives customers (retail, commercial and industrial) the option to subscribe to blocks of solar energy capacity to offset their energy needs with no long-term commitment. The solar power resources will come from 20 dedicated 74.5 megawatt (MW) solar power plants to be developed by FPL in Florida.