News

1,350 more miles of electric transmission lines needed to meet Texas’ growing energy needs 

AUSTIN, TX – A new report by Texas-based energy analysis group IdeaSmiths LLC has modeled the most cost-effective path for the Texas electric grid to meet the state’s growing electricity needs by 2040, aiming to more effectively guarantee lower pricing for consumers. According to the report, keeping up with the demand for electricity will require the construction of approximately 1,350 miles of new transmission lines.

"The report lays out a clear, actionable roadmap for the ERCOT grid," says Matt Boms, Executive Director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA), which co-funded the report with national business association Advanced Energy United. "Our findings underscore the urgent need for modernizing Texas’s electricity infrastructure. Adopting this roadmap will lower electricity bills for millions of Texans, bolster grid reliability and create thousands of jobs in the Lone Star State." 

Western commissioners’ letter signals positive collaboration around regionalization to deliver reliable, affordable energy to the West and calls for action on Western RTO development 

SACRAMENTO, CA -  Today, commissioners from Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington sent a letter to the leadership of the Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB) and the Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation (CREPC) outlining their intent to work collectively toward a West-wide Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). The letter represents a breakthrough in efforts to advance the regions’ energy landscape and is key to creating a market that fosters collaboration, improved reliability, and economic growth. Advanced Energy United, the national clean business association, applauded the effort and released the following statement:

The report makes it clear there are plenty of places to responsibly develop solar in Massachusetts, and the state needs policies to make it a reality.

BOSTON, MA – Today, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources published its “Technical Potential of Solar Study” report and the results are in: its geospatial analysis of potential solar land use confirms the state has up to 18 times the solar potential than what will ultimately be needed. This report lays the groundwork for the next chapter in Massachusetts’ solar policy. 

“Solar energy is key to our clean energy transition and has the potential to sustain good jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Kat Burnham, Massachusetts state lead at Advanced Energy United, the national business association working to achieve 100% clean energy in America. “This study by the Department of Energy Resources shows that there is ample potential to grow our solar industry, generate clean energy, and protect our open space. Succeeding will require a sustained commitment to build solar in all of its forms – on roofs, over parking lots, and on land. We can do this, but it won't happen by accident.”

SACRAMENTO, CA — This week the California legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom reached a state budget agreement that reflects California’s challenging fiscal landscape and results in difficult reductions. Advanced Energy United, the national clean energy business association, recognizes the importance of an approach that considers both economic realities and the imperative to accelerate advanced energy across the state. The budget prompts continued conversation on strengthening clean energy infrastructure and protecting crucial programs that advance California’s clean transportation goals.  

Advanced Energy United commends Michigan legislators for passing a strong budget that will advance transportation electrification, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resiliency. Work remains—the legislature must take bold action on clean energy after summer recess.

Similar bills that help the state save money on fleet procurement costs have been signed by Republican governors in Nevada and Virginia

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed SB 284, a widely popular bipartisan bill that passed the Legislature nearly unanimously and would have saved Florida taxpayers up to $277 million on state-owned vehicles. The legislation would have allowed the state to consider fuel and maintenance costs in purchasing decisions for state fleets, making it easier for the state to transition to more cost-effective electric vehicles.

“This veto is a baffling decision that will cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Michael Weiss, Florida state lead at Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America. “The Florida legislature saw the clear economic and taxpayer benefits of a modern and efficient state fleet, but Gov. DeSantis somehow didn’t get the memo.”

Advanced Energy United and Interwest Energy Alliance call on Nevada to establish regular, predictable competitive solicitations for energy resources to catch up with other western peers and ensure least-cost, most reliable energy for ratepayers

CARSON CITY, NV, JUNE 21, 2023 – Late last week, Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 524, a bill making changes to the state’s integrated resource planning (“IRP”) process for electricity. The IRP is a chance for NV Energy, the state’s only investor-owned electric utility, to determine what generation and other resources it needs over the long-term to serve Nevadans with reliable and affordable electricity.

Advanced Energy United applauds Senator Rochelle Nguyen, the Nevada legislature, and Governor Lombardo for coming together to modernize the state’s gas utility regulations to prepare for a rapidly changing energy system.

Advanced energy technologies and services proved resilient in tough economic times, and landmark federal legislation will provide a historic opportunity for growth

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2023 — Today, Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America, announced that the total revenue for advanced energy worldwide reached $2.1 trillion in 2022, and reached $374 billion in the U.S. alone, with both markets growing by about 14% over 2021. 

These findings, along with details by market segment, are found in the Advanced Energy Now 2023 Market Reportproduced by Guidehouse Insights for Advanced Energy United (formerly Advanced Energy Economy / AEE). The 2023 edition covers global and U.S. revenue for 2021 and 2022 – two years impacted in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recovery. 

State takes important next step in identifying critical EV charging infrastructure to fast-track 

ALBANY, NY, June 12, 2023 -- Today, Advanced Energy United thanked the New York Legislature for passing S4830/A5052, a bill that directs state agencies to assess where in the state the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to require strengthening or expanding the state’s electricity grid. Such analyses—and subsequent grid improvements—will ensure the grid is ready for the uptick in electricity demand that EVs will bring, and save money in the long run compared to the status quo of reactive and piecemeal grid upgrades. 

“New York’s transition to EVs is a critical undertaking, but that transition will be slower and more expensive without proactive strengthening of the electricity grid,” said Karlito Almeda, New York state lead for Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve a 100% clean energy and electrified transportation future. “Charging infrastructure projects can take nine months to two years to complete. That’s why studying and recommending grid improvements is an important first step, but we stand ready to work with state agencies, along with the legislature next year to put the resulting study into action as soon as possible.”