News

Inside Climate News reports that Virginia Governor Youngkin is currently reviewing critical advanced energy legislation aimed at enhancing the state's commitment to renewables by diversifying energy sources beyond large-scale utility projects. With concerns about energy affordability, United's Jim Purekal argued that rising electricity costs are primarily driven by escalating fuel prices and storm recovery expenses.

In a guest column piece for The Virginia Pilot, United's Jim Purekal discusses critical advanced energy legislation that has made it to Governor Youngkin's desk for final approval. Purekal highlights the benefits of these bills to balance the state's energy needs with economic considerations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable power supply while keeping costs low for ratepayers.

Inside Climate News reports that Virginia is debating the establishment of the Virginia Energy Facility Review Board, a proposed body that would evaluate solar farm projects across the state. United's Jim Purekal spoke to the benefits of solar power and other renewable energy sources, stating that a diverse set of large-scale advanced energy projects is necessary for Virginia to meet its clean energy goals. 

Virginia's Clean Cars Standard will help facilitate adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the state, reducing the risks of long-term environmental impacts. United’s Jim Purekal shares his experience with The Virginia-Pilot of purchasing an EV as a second car, and why the state should do more to work toward a cleaner future by facilitating adoption of EVs.

Public News Service reports that Virginia's clean energy initiatives are being stunted due to wide-spread misinformation. United's Jim Purekal debunks false claims made against solar and offers alternative, reliable clean energy methods that can provide power to consumers throughout the state.

RTO Insider reports on United's August 2024 webinar, Reforming State and Local Policies to Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment, which explored core policy principles decision-makers and stakeholders should consider when reforming state policy frameworks that govern the siting and permitting processes of large-scale renewable and energy storage projects. The article quotes both United's Trish Demeter and Jim Purekal, who led the webinar discussion.