News

California lawmakers passed two virtual power plant (VPP) bills—AB 44 and AB 740—that now await Governor Newsom's signature, reports PV Magazine. United's Edson Perez spoke to the benefits of VPPs in reducing grid strain, lowering energy costs, and increasing grid reliability, urging Governor Newsom to sign the bills into law.

Canary Media reports that Assembly Bills 740 and 44 continue to advance with provisions to expand virtual power plant programs in California, while last-minute amendments stripped away key provisions from Senate Bill 541. United's Edson Perez warned that California can’t afford to sideline tools that make the grid cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable. 

Latitude Media reports that Ørsted's Revolution Wind project, nearly complete but stalled by the Trump administration's stop-work order, should serve as a warning for the entire advanced energy industry. United's Kat Burnham spoke about the need for developers to engage at the state and regional levels, and for state leaders to step up to defend the industry and keep individual projects moving.

In an opinion piece for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, United’s Leah Rubin Shen urges the California legislature to pass Senate Bill 540, which would allow California to join a West-wide regional energy market this year. She warns that failing to act could leave California isolated from the rest of the West. The benefits of joining such a market would save ratepayers $1B annually, improve grid reliability during extreme weather, and make better use of existing clean energy resources.

In an interview with Paul Gerke from Factor This, United's Kat Burnham discusses the repercussions of the Trump administration's order to halt construction on Rhode Island's Revolution Wind project. She encourages state leaders to step up to meet climate and energy reliability goals as federal support decreases. 

As California's 2025 legislative session comes to a close, state lawmakers have several advanced energy bills to consider. United's Edson Perez spoke with POLITICO about how, if passed, these bills could increase affordability, expand access to renewables, and modernize the state's overall grid.

Inside Climate News reports on continuing concerns over demand in the PJM Interconnection region, including a possible push for re-regulation. United's Amisha Rai joined experts in pushing back, defending competitive markets and encouraging states to press grid operators to make improvements that ensure lower costs for consumers.

In an opinion piece for Colorado Politics, United’s Emilie Olson praises Governor Polis’ recent executive action as a strong step toward keeping energy reliable and affordable despite the rollback of clean energy tax credits from H.R. 1. Olson urges all corners of Colorado’s government to act swiftly on low-cost solutions, such as deploying advanced transmission technologies, expanding virtual power plants, and advancing integrated infrastructure planning to meet growing energy demand without raising costs to deliver on Colorado’s clean energy promises. 

Stateline reports that state officials across the country are rushing to fast-track solar and wind projects before clean energy tax credits are removed. United's Managing Director Harry Godfrey warns that abrupt halts on tax incentives will derail long-planned energy projects, while United's Senior Vice President of Advocacy Amisha Rai notes that nationwide demand for electricity is expected to continue propelling renewable deployment over the long-term.

The Denver Post reports on Colorado Governor Polis' letter directing state agencies to streamline advanced energy projects amidst federal setbacks. United's Emilie Olson commended the Governor's swift action and commitment to Colorado's clean energy goals, highlighting the importance of strong leadership as the state faces growing energy affordability and reliability challenges.