News

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.

Canary Media reports on the potential funding cuts to California's Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) virtual power plant (VPP) program, which has proven highly cost-effective and reduces reliance on fossil-fueled power plants. United's Edson Perez stated that VPPs are vital for the state to enhance grid reliability, increase affordability, and meet rising load growth.

Utility Dive reports that Arizona regulators voted unanimously to begin the process of repealing the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) rules, which required electric utilities to deliver 15% renewable energy by 2025. United's Michael Barrio criticized the decision, warning that the repeal will scare off private investment and jeapardize Arizona's multi-billion dollar advanced energy economy.

Canary Media reports on the recent comments by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on a stalled natural gas project in the Northeast. United's Jeremy McDiarmid pointed out that the narrative that natural gas will create downward pressure on consumer costs is misguided and pointed to advanced energy technologies as a better solution to reliability and affordability worries.

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.

E&E News reports on the recent guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, which rewrites decades-old standards for how wind and solar projects can qualify for federal tax incentives. United's President and CEO Heather O'Neill warned that ratepayers will suffer higher energy bills and a less reliable grid unless state leaders take executive action to fast-track advanced energy projects.

The Arizona Republic reports on the Arizona Corporation Commission's vote to continue the process of repealing the Renewable Energy Standard & Tariff (REST) rule and the Energy Efficiency (EE) Standards. United's Michael Barrio said that policies like the renewables standard will reduce costs from increased demand, support jobs, and keep the state's economy ticking. 

E&E news reports on the upcoming guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, which aims to dismantle the long-standing safe harbor for large-scale wind and solar projects. United's Joey Paolino warned that the potential disruption of advanced energy projects could increase costs for ratepayers, weaken the grid, and drive off private investment.

In an interview with Echo Communications Advisors' Chris Moyer, United's President and CEO Heather O'Neill discussed United’s unique position in the clean energy landscape, lessons learned from the passage of H.R. 1, and her own personal career journey.

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.