News

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. 

Facing unprecedented load growth due to population increases and energy-intensive industries, Texas lawmakers are reevaluating their energy strategies by incorporating diverse energy resources, including renewables. The Texas Tribune spoke with clean energy experts, including Matthew Boms, Executive Director of United's state affiliate Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA), who encouraged the use of advanced energy technologies to meet rising electricity demand within the state.

In Texas, companies are pioneering virtual power plant (VPP) initiatives by offering homeowners at-home battery systems through a subscription model that supplies power back to the Texas grid. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's (TAEBA's) Matthew Boms spoke to San Antonio Express-News about the benefits of VPPs, encouraging the Texas government to invest in advanced energy technologies to increase grid reliability.

PV Magazine reports on RE+ Northeast's panel "VPPs: Maximizing Their Value Through Smart Regulatory Choices," where several advanced energy experts, including United's Kat Burnham, discussed grid modernization strategies, and the role virtual power plants play in creating a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective grid.

Advanced energy manufacturing in the U.S. is facing increased business uncertainty amid threats to undo the tax credits that have been fueling record investment. United’s Harry Godfrey spoke with The New York Times about how manufacturing companies look not only at tax programs for building new plants but also market demand for products when weighing future investments.

The Nevada Current reports that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has acknowledged the positive impacts of federal programs and spending for the state, but despite this recognition, he has not actively defended these programs against federal rollbacks. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized the widespread uncertainty that the federal funding freezes have caused for both businesses and individuals alike, raising concerns about the future of advanced energy initiatives that have contributed to Nevada's economic growth.

To address potential electricity shortages, PJM Interconnection has proposed measures to expedite the development of new power plants in order to enhance grid reliability. Canary Media spoke with clean energy advocates, including United's Caitlin Marquis, who argued that reforming current interconnection processes and investing in grid expansion could facilitate the integration of advanced energy solutions to meet electricity demand while supporting decarbonization goals.

In Texas, Bandera Electric's virtual power plant (VPP) pilot program is utilizing distributed energy resources to bolster the grid and lower energy costs for consumers. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms spoke with The Texas Tribune about the many benefits of VPPs in creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable grid while meeting growing energy demand.

Imperial Valley Press reports on California State Senator Steve Padilla's new legislation that would establish pilot projects designed to develop, finance, and operate electrical transmission lines. United's Edson Perez emphasized the importance of expanding transmission efficiently and affordably to meet growing energy demand across the state.