Advanced Energy Perspectives

As we near the end of 2024, I’m pleased to share some good tidings and a bit of hope. While uncertainty hangs heavy on the horizon, Massachusetts offers a bright example of how states can shine when they choose to step up.

Governor Maura Healey recently signed a landmark clean energy package that will accelerate clean energy deployment in Massachusetts, and, in turn, will increase local jobs and lower energy costs. The act includes critical reforms to streamline siting and permitting processes, as well as provisions to expand grid-enhancing technologies, energy storage, and other advanced energy technologies.  

In 2025, the advanced energy sector faces uncertainty as changes in political leadership in Washington, D.C. raise concerns about shifting priorities in the federal agencies, and the potential for rollbacks of key policies within the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other recent legislation. 

To address how the advanced energy industry can sustain its momentum amidst these challenges, Advanced Energy United recently hosted a webinar entitled “Beyond the Ballot: Mapping State Clean Energy Strategies Post-Election.” Moderated by Jeff St. John, Director of News and Special Projects at Canary Media, the discussion featured insights from panelists Amisha Rai, Vice President of Advocacy at United; Harry Godfrey, Managing Director of Federal Investment and Manufacturing at United; and Kim Jemaine, Managing Director of the clean energy advocacy organization Counterspark. 

Last week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Advanced Energy United was joined by state legislators and a coalition of stakeholders advocating for electric school buses and a bill that would allow more school districts in the state to buy them. Legislators experienced the benefits of electric school buses firsthand, riding along in one provided by Steelton-Highspire School District, which procured new buses with funding from the federal government for clean transportation.  

Earlier this week, Advanced Energy United (United) co-hosted and organized an Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) candidate forum, bringing together interested member companies from the United West Working Group to engage in thoughtful conversations and dialogue with ACC candidates.

On August 29, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (the Department) issued a pivotal order that could shape the state’s future energy landscape. This ruling marks a significant, though incremental, step toward modernizing the Commonwealth’s distribution grid, offering a preliminary roadmap to guide Massachusetts on its journey toward a more advanced energy infrastructure.