News

The Nevada Independent outlines the decision of NV Energy to invest in a new natural gas peaking plant, quoting Sarah Steinberg on how this decision isn't cost effective for Nevadans and prevents further investment in advanced energy alternatives.

At times of peak energy use — often the hottest summer days when everyone is turning on the A/C at once — Western utilities, including NV Energy, have issued emergency alerts. They have urged customers to conserve energy and reduce demand. During these times, utilities have had to import energy from out of state, calling on a crowded regional market when prices can spike. 

The POWER Act will accelerate the clean energy transition, ensure the construction of transmission lines, and create quality jobs in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 10, 2023 – Today, national business association Advanced Energy United celebrated the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act (SB781/HB793), known as the POWER Act. Advanced Energy United represents the full range of technologies and services needed for 100% clean energy in Maryland and nationally, ranging from solar installers and EV manufacturers to energy efficiency companies and transmission developers, and more. The legislation, which is expected to be signed by Governor Wes Moore, lays a foundation for offshore wind and transmission line development in Maryland.

Utility Dive highlights the importance of moving away from natural gas reliance in California, quoting Sarah Steinberg and Brian Turner on the importance of demand-side management, batteries, hydro storage, and more.

As California reels from the impact of high natural gas prices this winter – as well as the ripple effects on the electricity sector – some experts are urging policy-makers to focus on reducing the state’s dependence on natural gas in the first place.

Gas prices in the West touched their highest annual point in the second half of December and began to subside in January, although still at a relatively high level. CAISO pointed to several reasons for that in its recent report: colder than usual temperatures in the West and Canada pushed up gas demand; there were lower gas storage inventories than usual – in part because of the higher gas usage during the heatwave California experienced last summer; as well as California’s lack of local gas supply and position at the end of the interstate pipeline system. 

Demand-side management is one of the best short-term policies that policymakers and consumers have at their fingertips to mitigate the impact of gas and electricity price swings, according to Brian Turner, policy director, Western states, with Advanced Energy United. This can include adjusting electricity use through consumer behavior, but also using advanced energy devices. 

Ohio Capital Journal outlines the strengthening opposition to renewable developments, quoting J.R. Tolbert about the complex siting and permitting process, as well as the importance of selling the merits of renewables. 

Across the country — from suburban Virginia, rural Michigan, southern Tennessee and the sugar cane fields of Louisiana to the coasts of Maine and New Jersey and the deserts of Nevada — new renewable energy development has drawn heated opposition that has birthed, in many cases, bans, moratoriums and other restrictions.

Inside Climate News outlined the states most likely to make commitments to 100 percent carbon-free or renewable energy. Trish Demeter was quoted on Michigan's likelihood to pass major clean energy legislation.

With remarkable speed, Minnesota lawmakers have passed a bill requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040.

The legislation, signed by Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday, means Minnesota joins a group of 10 states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington) plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, I’m wondering which states are most likely to join the 100 percent club with new laws. I asked a bunch of people who would know, and these are the places they suggested I watch most closely:

Utility Dive detailed the future of DER advancements in three key areas: wholesale markets, distribution systems, and new voices. The article quoting Caitlin Marquis' and pulling key findings from United's report on FERC Order 2222.

To meet federal and state electrification and decarbonization policies, 2023 will see major advances for DER aggregations in wholesale markets and at the distribution system level, utility representatives, DER advocates and policy analysts agreed. And 2023 may also see new community and consumer stakeholders take a more central role in driving growth, some experts said.

RTO Insider interviewed Advanced Energy United's President Heather O'Neill about the organization's rebranding and its plans for market-changing advocacy as it moves into its second decade. Read snippets below and the full article here. 

Advanced Energy Economy has started 2023 with a new name, Advanced Energy United, reflecting both the progress the group has made since its founding and the challenges ahead.

The group’s original name reflected its goal of creating an economy powered by advanced energy. Now, although there is broad consensus around its objective, the group says, the challenge is harmonizing the technologies needed to achieve it and breaking down the barriers in the way.

“It’s a recognition of the moment in time,” President Heather O’Neill said in an interview with NetZero Insider. With $369 billion — or more — in clean energy tax credits, incentives and new programs available under the Inflation Reduction Act, the group’s goal is “having the industry come together to accelerate the energy transition and take advantage of the massive opportunities in front of us,” she said.

A new joint report from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition estimates up to $277 million in savings for Florida government entities when vehicles’ lifetime fuel and maintenance costs are considered. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 20, 2023 – A new report from national business association Advanced Energy United found the state of Florida could save almost $280 million by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions, compared to the current practice of only considering purchase price. The report, a joint effort between Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition with support from Atlas Public Policy, highlights the lower lifetime maintenance costs that ultimately make an electric fleet significantly more affordable for the state. 

DENVER, March 21, 2023 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy United (formerly Advanced Energy Economy) applauded the selection of Maury Galbraith as Executive Director of the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (“CETA”). 

“We’re delighted to see Maury Galbraith take on this important leadership role at CETA,” said Emilie Olson, Senior Principal at Advanced Energy United. “Maury brings a strong track record of Western interstate cooperation to CETA and will, in this same vein, ensure Colorado is well positioned to capitalize on the benefits of clean energy growth and resource sharing across the region as we are filling infrastructure gaps here in the state.  With a new Executive Director at the helm, a fully-staffed CETA can get to work bringing the economic and grid reliability benefits of a modernized, regionally connected transmission system to fruition for the state.”  

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 17, 2023 – The Maryland State Senate is expected to pass the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act (POWER Act – SB 781), which would advance offshore wind production in Maryland as well as the transmission infrastructure that is critical to support offshore wind and other new renewable energy sources. Focus will soon turn to the Maryland House of Delegates, where action is expected quickly in the Economic Matters Committee. Advanced Energy United’s Managing Director Nathan Willcox issued the following statement in response: