Advanced Energy Perspectives

Last week, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued its first order in the Commission’s groundbreaking Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) proceeding.  We have been covering REV since it was announced last year and, as AEE’s Lisa Frantzis characterized it in a statement, the PSC’s order is “a huge step toward a better energy future for New York State.”

Energy efficiency is the fastest and cleanest way for the nation to meet our energy needs. It is also an enormous market opportunity for businesses within the sector and has the potential for billions in savings for consumers. Unfortunately, this win-win energy resource has come under attack in state legislatures across the country the past two years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) plan to regulate carbon emissions is just the latest challenge facing the U.S. electric power system. Technological innovation is disrupting old ways of doing business and accelerating grid modernization. Earlier this year, AEE released Advanced Energy Technologies for Greenhouse Gas Reduction, a report detailing the use, application, and benefits of 40 specific advanced energy technologies and services. This post is one in a series drawn from the technology profiles within that report.

Waste-to-energy (WTE) is the process of generating electricity and/or heat by combusting municipal solid waste (MSW).

This Wednesday, March 4, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing titled "The 21^st Century Electricity Challenge: Ensuring a Secure, Reliable and Modern Electricity System." This hearing begins a dialogue that is an important one: What are the steps that Congress should take to ensure that the electric grid offers reliable, affordable, and clean energy that allows for consumer engagement in their electricity choices? How can the federal government establish policies that spur the growth of the advanced energy industry and help consumers at the same time?

AEE Members will be prominently featured in this hearing. Naimish Patel, CEO of Gridco, will testify about how software and analytical advances can help utilities incorporate higher amounts of renewable energy and energy efficiency into the grid. Paul Nahi, CEO of Enphase, will testify about his company's microinverter technology and how it can help solar industry penetrate the market at even higher levels. [Edit: watch the recorded testimony here.]

This week we saw announcements of significant cost savings for SolarCity, a major advanced energy investment from Citigroup, and a move into Mexico for Pattern Energy. So, costs are down, investment is up, and AEE members are taking their influence worldwide. Bottom line: It’s a good time to be in advanced energy.