America is at a crossroads. For the first time in decades, we’re experiencing a sharp rise in load growth driven by data center expansion, a resurgence in domestic manufacturing, and increased electrification. Without effective policies, consumer costs could rise, businesses may face investment uncertainty, and grid reliability may be at risk. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
In recent years, tax policies such as the 45x manufacturing production credit, the investment and production tax credits , transferability, and direct pay have helped consumers, producers, and developers make affordable energy decisions. Right now, Congress is deliberating the next major tax, spending, and debt limit package. This process, known as budget reconciliation, will determine whether these cost-saving clean energy tax credits persist. Throughout this process, Congressional Republicans will consider the benefits and costs of various tax provisions as they look to pay for additional tax cuts prioritized by the Trump Administration.
Advanced Energy United is proud to contribute to these conversations with data-driven examples of how the clean energy tax credits have created jobs, driven investments in communities, and strengthened grid reliability. To illustrate these benefits, we’ve launched UnlockingAdvancedEnergy.com, a resource showcasing success stories of advanced energy projects across the country.
These projects are taking place in red and blue districts alike (indeed, more often in red than blue), creating jobs, helping communities save money, and providing state-of-the-art energy solutions for consumers. To date, we have highlighted over 55 projects across 16 states.
Here are just a few examples of what you can find on the website:
A Church in Central Pennsylvania Saves with Direct Pay
St. Andrews Episcopal is a pillar of its community. For years, St. Andrews has served Lewisburg, Pennsylvania not only as a gathering place for worship, but as a key supporter of the local food bank and homeless shelter.
But the COVID-19 pandemic threatened their future as donations declined and utility bills soared. Seeking innovative solutions, the church turned to “Direct Pay”, allowing them to unlock the investment tax credit and reduce the upfront cost of solar despite not having a tax liability. Ultimately, installing solar is helping St. Andrews to save thousands of dollars on its electric bills, ensuring it can continue serving the community.
Rural Illinois School District Goes Electric
In 2024, the school districts in Hardin County—the smallest county in Illinois—embarked on a project to cut costs and modernize its bus fleet by investing in American-made electric school buses.
The Commercial Clean Vehicles tax credit was crucial to enabling this transition. Switching to electric school buses has ultimately saved the district enough money to increase its drivers’ wages while also providing students with cleaner, quieter transportation. This tax credit is helping drive similar success stories across the country, bolstering domestic production and deployment of these state-of-the-art vehicles.
Embracing Solar Continues the Commonwealth’s Energy Legacy
Southwest Virginia, once famous for its coal production, has seen many mines close in recent decades. But that’s not the end of their story.
Today, former coal mines are being repurposed for an abundant, affordable, and reliable energy source—solar power. By utilizing the Investment Tax Credit and Energy Communities adder, Sun Tribe Development is working to transform an abandoned coal site into the Wildcats Solar project. In the process, this project will create 80 good-paying jobs and generate roughly $2 million in local economic impact.
Richard Keeps the Lights on During Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast United States. Entire communities faced blackouts, downed power lines, and extreme storm surge. And while many of his neighbors had no power, Richard kept the lights on thanks to his rooftop solar and home batteries.
The Investment Tax Credit has made stories like this possible across the country. This credit has made these technologies more affordable for consumers, saving them money and providing reliable power during extreme weather events when they need it most.
These are just a few examples of the thousands of success stories emerging across the country, thanks in no small part to smart tax policies. Advanced Energy United has created this resource as a way to highlight the benefits these tax credits provide. But without them, we risk divestment, rising costs, and decreased reliability.
Advanced energy will continue to contribute to an American energy abundance and dominance agenda. Advanced energy not only helps balance supply and demand, but ensures a resilient grid, providing cutting-edge solutions to 21st-century problems. Maintaining these tax credits is essential to supporting American jobs, keeping costs down, fostering business certainty, and securing our energy future.
