News

E&E News reports that the Bonneville Power Administration has opted to join the Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ day-ahead market instead of the California Independent System Operator's Extended Day Ahead Market, a decision with major implications for the Western power grid's future. United's Leah Rubin Shen condemned the move, cautioning that it risks creating a fragmented market structure, increasing costs, and reducing grid reliability.  

Inside Climate News reports that nine Northeastern states have unveiled the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission plan, which aims to identify, advance, and finance interregional transmission projects that prioritize public interest goals over market profits. United's Jon Gordon noted that the plan reflects the states' growing frustration with regional grid operators over stalled energy projects.

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.

RTO Insider reports on Bonneville Power Administration's decision to join Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ day-ahead market over California Independent System Operator's Extended Day Ahead Market, a move that will impact the future of Western electricity markets. United’s Leah Rubin Shen criticized the decision as premature and warned that it could entrench costly market seams and inefficiencies and undermine efforts to build a unified Western grid. 

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.

Utility Dive reports that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is likely to be targeted for cuts as Congress aims to cut spending by $2 trillion. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that tax credits included in the IRA are critical to building U.S. energy dominance, creating good-paying jobs, and boosting economic development.

Inside Climate News reports on President Trump's proposed cuts to the 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes deep cuts to renewable energy research, low-income heating assistance, and environmental justice programs, reflecting a broader rollback of energy and infrastructure spending. United’s Harry Godfrey advocated that advanced energy technologies are essential for an economy with abundant and affordable energy and criticized the budget request for seemingly defunding programs based on keywords, such as 'renewable energy.'

Canary Media reports on Massachusetts advocates urging Governor Maura Healey to stay the course on enforcement of the state's long-established ACCII standards, amid concerns that the administration may backtrack on those commitments. United’s Kat Burnham observes the pressure to roll back these standards isn’t coming from consumers, and notes the state already has incentives and infrastructure in place to support the transition to electrified transportation.

RTO Insider reports on the Pathways Bill, SB 540, as it advances through the Judiciary Committee with new amendments aimed at protecting California’s clean energy leadership, addressing federal overreach, and ensuring continued stakeholder engagement. United's Leah Rubin Shen voiced support of SB 540, noting that the bill balances diverse stakeholder interests while strengthening regional collaboration. 

In an opinion piece for Crain's Chicago Business, United's Samarth Medakkar and Climate Control Group’s Joe Parsons highlight the cost savings and grid benefits of geothermal heating and cooling, urging lawmakers to expand access to these proven technologies by passing House Bills 3399 and 3609.