News

E&E News reports that Southwest Power Pool (SPP)—the Arkansas-based U.S. regional grid operator—has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve its Expedited Resource Adequacy Study, a process to fast-track connection agreements for power plants to meet growing energy demand. United's Lisa Barrett criticized the plan, arguing that the priority should remain on the ongoing efforts to resolve the existing interconnection backlog.

The Colorado Sun reports that Colorado's largest utility, Xcel Energy, is facing criticism over its proposed plan to join SPP's Markets+ day-ahead market. United's Brian Turner urges Xcel to look West to CAISO's EDAM, where studies show greater savings and stronger alignment with Colorado's clean energy and affordability goals. 

Arizona has long been known as a business-friendly state, but inconsistent energy policies and regulatory uncertainty are putting that reputation at risk. United's Michael Barrio authored an opinion piece forthe Arizona Capitol Times, urging decisionmakers to restore investor confidence and secure long-term economic growth by advancing policies that support clean energy investment and keep Arizona competitive.

CT Mirror reports that New England's electric grid is facing significant uncertainty as the region attempts to modernize its energy infrastructure. Most notably, plans to enhance interregional transmission are being threatened by potential policy changes and proposed budget cuts. United's Kat Burnham emphasized the need for more transmission infrastructure, urging regional coordination between the states amidst federal uncertainty.

Utility Dive reports on the U.S. House of Representatives' narrow passage of a budget bill that guts federal support for wind, solar, storage and other advanced energy industries. The article cites experts from clean energy advocates, including Heather O'Neill, United President and CEO, who speaks to the repercussions of the bill for America's economy if enacted.

Reuters reports on the U.S. House of Representatives' narrow passage of a budget bill that significantly undermines the nation's clean energy sector. The article features a statement from Heather O'Neill, President and CEO of United, who warned that the bill would undermine the reliability of the U.S. power system, drive up electricity costs, and eliminate tens of thousands of American jobs.

The Nevada Current reports that NV Energy is seeking to make demand pricing charges mandatory for all customers, potentially adding between $20 to $38 to the average monthly bill for Southern Nevada residents. United's Sheila Hallstrom pointed out that this plan could actually penalize and increase costs for customers that have already taken advantage of independent energy solutions.

The Center Square covered a recent House Energy Committee hearing on electric transmission and emerging load growth in the Northeast. Industry experts, including United's Chloe Holden, spoke to the benefits of implementing grid-enhancing technologies, advanced transmission technologies, and virtual power plants as a way to meet growing energy demand.

Federal tax credits have led to an economic boom in Texas, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the state's grid, and helping families save money on electric bills. In an opinion piece featured in San Antonio Express-News, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance Executive Director Matthew Boms and Freedom Solar Chief Executive Officer Bret Biggart highlight the importance of the tax credits and argue why Congress should leave them in place.

The Nevada Independent reports that proposed federal policy changes could jeopardize billions in renewable energy investments and thousands of jobs. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that the anticipated demand destruction from these cuts could undermine the economic viability of Nevada's lithium industry, warning that the state's clean energy investment forecasts may not endure under the proposed changes.