News

Canary Media reports on California's Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program, facing over $100 million in proposed budget cuts, putting the future of virtual power plants at risk. United's Edson Perez cautioned that repeated funding cuts undermines California's efforts to keep the lights on during grid emergencies. 

RTO Insider reports on SB 540, the Pathways Bill, passing the California Senate and advancing to the Assembly. United's Edson Perez is quoted emphasizing that joining a Western regional energy market is essential to keeping energy costs under control while continuing California's clean energy leadership. 

In an opinion piece for The Colorado Sun, United's Emilie Olson urges Colorado to maintain its clean energy leadership by laying out smart, actionable policy opportunities for 2026, such as expanding transmission buildout, implementing coordinated gas-electric system planning, and investing in proven advanced energy technologies that ensure a reliable and affordable grid. As this was a slower legislative year for clean energy advancements, Olson calls on lawmakers to rise to the challenge next session and follow through on Colorado’s clean energy promises.

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.

President Trump's proposed bill aims to dismantle key tax incentives, which have been instrumental in driving billions in private investment and creating more than 11,000 jobs in Virginia. United's Harry Godfrey spoke with Inside Climate News, stating that the rollback of these incentives would threaten to stall Virginia's progress in renewable energy development, economic growth, and job creation, undermining efforts to create a more reliable and affordable energy future.

RTO Insider reports that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey filed the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act to help reduce energy costs for state residents and businesses. United's Kat Burnham stated that the bill is a step in the right direction towards saving ratepayers money, bringing more renewable energy to Massachusetts, and increasing accountability for utilities.

In an opinion column featured in Capitol Weekly, United's Callie McKenna makes the case for lower-cost, all-electric alternatives when rebuilding gas infrastructure after the Los Angeles wildfires, urging policymakers to rein in unchecked utility spending to protect ratepayers and meet California’s climate and clean energy goals.

The Texan reports on State Senator Hancock's SB 2455, which would establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to make recommendations for coordinating and improving state agency programs that reduce energy waste. Matthew Boms, Executive Director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, highlighted the benefits of the legislation, including improved grid reliability, increased regional coordination, and meeting soaring energy demand across the state.