News

Canary Media reports that Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill (HB 4120) that would establish a basic virtual power plant (VPP) program and require the state's two largest utilities to propose their own VPP programs by 2027. United's Samarth Medakkar spoke to the benefits of VPPs in lowering electricity costs and reducing strain on the grid during times of peak demand.

The Houston Chronicle reports on increasing uncertainty among developers over federal and state actions to phase out key clean energy incentives. United's Doug Pietrucha warns that waning support for renewables could drive off private investment, derail long-planned energy projects, and increase costs for ratepayers statewide. 

Utility Dive reports that New York has launched its first-ever bulk energy storage solicitation, seeking proposals to procure 1 GW of utility-scale battery storage. United's Kristina Persaud commended New York's commitment to its clean energy goals amid federal rollbacks, while United's Shawn Kelly highlighted new opportunities for advanced energy projects to thrive in states and regions across the country.

E&E News reports on the Department of Energy's recently issued report, which plays out worst-case scenarios for the US grid in the coming years. United's Caitlin Marquis stated that the study exaggerates the risk of blackouts and undervalues the contributions of advanced energy resources to alleviate grid strain across the states and regions.

Following the final passage of H.R.1, clean energy tax credits for battery, geothermal, nuclear, and manufacturing remain in place, but are now hamstrung by new "foreign entities of concern" (FEOC) rules. United's Harry Godfrey spoke with Canary Media about the potential disruption of these rules for clean energy projects, urging the Administration to provide clear compliance guidelines for developers.

Texas' economy is growing at a rapid pace and so is its energy demand. In an op-ed for the Rio Grande Guardian, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms outlines strategies for the state to keep up with soaring load growth, keep Texas' energy market booming, and utilize low-cost advanced energy technologies.

Inside Climate News reports that the Illinois state legislature failed to pass a comprehensive energy bill—aimed at advancing clean energy technologies and renewable energy projects—before adjourning their Spring legislative session. Concerns over increased load growth and rising electricity rates overshadowed the legislature's consideration of the bill. To combat these concerns, Illinois lawmakers and advanced energy experts, including United's Samarth Medakkar, engaged with stakeholders to find common ground on measures that will accelerate battery storage deployment to help relieve grid strain and reduce costs.

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.

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.