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.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas is facing policy uncertainty regarding advanced energy deployment at both the federal and state levels. Matthew Boms, Executive Director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA), pointed to the Lone Star State's soaring electricity demand, emphasizing the importance of using a wide array of advanced energy solutions to meet new load growth.

At crossover in the Maryland General Assembly, Inside Climate News reports that lawmakers are backsliding on climate commitments and statutory obligations. United's Ryan Gallentine spoke on behalf of the clean energy industry and criticized legislation that would delay enforcement of the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks standards, noting delayed enforcement creates a negative feedback loop.

POWER MAGAZINE reports on Advanced Energy United's webinar, "How PJM Can Deliver Affordable, Reliable Power Faster," where expert panelists, including United's Director Jon Gordon and Managing Director Morgan Pinnell, examined how PJM can deliver the reliable, sustainable, and affordable power its 13-state region needs to meet growing energy demand.

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.

RTO Insider reports on Maryland's Crossover Day, covering bills that were passed, amended, and still waiting for a decision. United's Katie Mettle explained Maryland's unique crossover process, noting that bills that do not cross over can still move forward with a special vote in the rules committee of either house.

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.

Albuquerque Business First reports on House Bill 93, which requires utilities to develop 'advanced grid technology plans.' United's Michael Barrio explains how the bill aims to ensure the grid delivers power more affordably, efficiently, and reliably while accelerating clean energy. 

POLITICO reports that The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications will discuss the West-Wide Governance Pathway Initiative, a proposal to unify the West's electricity markets, which critics say makes California vulnerable to Trump’s FERC. United’s Edson Perez defends the proposal, saying that it will reduce electricity prices by increasing efficiency while preserving California’s authority over its clean energy and transmission policies.

E&E News reports that Bonneville Power Administration has issued a draft decision to join Southwest Power Pool's Markets+. This move could cement a bifurcated electricity market in the West. United's Brian Turner expressed concerns that a split market would create inefficiencies, increase costs, and limit the ability to share clean energy resources across the region. Studies indicate that a split market will result in seams that will create economic and operation friction.