H.G. Chissell

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has proposed significant final changes to its regulations for the Permanent Community Solar Program. These updates aim to enhance access and streamline processes for community solar projects across the state. In this alert, Dan Skowronski and Pamela Goodwin highlight the key changes to be aware of ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eyzSs94w #SolarEnergy #PublicUtilities

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The #solarenergy sector in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is growing; LandGate reveals the potential for 11 GW of additional capacity through planned/proposed projects. Beyond 46 existing utility-scale solar farms, hundreds more are in development, signaling unprecedented momentum in clean energy investment. More here: https://lnkd.in/gAHeUA6A

🚨Important Update for Massachusetts Municipalities!🚨 According to a recent report from the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has completed a nearly year-long investigation and issued uniform guidelines for approving future municipal aggregation plans. Through an aggregation program, municipalities can purchase electricity in bulk from investor-owned utilities on behalf of their residents, providing competitive pricing, increased renewable energy content, and price stability for the community. This is a huge step towards more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for Massachusetts towns and cities! Learn more about how your community can benefit from this program by visiting https://ow.ly/ta3e50TH9my #MunicipalAggregation #RenewableEnergy #PriceStability #Massachusetts #EnergySolutions #CSS

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On December 23, the Maine Governor's Energy Office has recommended that the Public Utilities Commission procure up to 200 MW of energy storage to enhance grid resilience, reduce electricity costs, and advance the state's clean energy goals.💡 This initiative supports Maine's statutory energy storage targets of 300 MW by 2025 and 400 MW by 2030. ➡️Learn more: https://ow.ly/leIS50UyO93 ➡️Recommendation Report: https://ow.ly/i7HN50UyOj2

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PV Squared Solar and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts have officially combined the power of their missions: addressing food insecurity and expanding renewable energy in our region. "This installation reflects what is possible when federal support and local expertise come together. A lot of people contributed to this installation of 1,269 modules totaling 615.465kW DC” added Maya Fulford, Worker-Owner & System Designer “It’s inspiring to see solar energy powering an organization that does so much to uplift our region.” Kate Carter (she/they), Worker-Owner & member of the Management Team shared, “As a company rooted in Western Massachusetts, we’re committed to delivering renewable-energy solutions that not only benefit the environment but also strengthen vital community organizations. By installing solar, the Food Bank is reducing their energy costs allowing them to focus even more resources on their mission of feeding those in need. Solar projects like this are good for the planet, and the bottom line.” Brittany Hathaway, Worker-Owner & Marketing Specialist stated, "Bringing solar energy to the Food Bank is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a way to contribute to their mission of community support and sustainability... making this one of the most rewarding initiatives we’ve undertaken." The project was made possible through a congressionally directed Community Funding Project grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with the support of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey. PV Squared Press Release: https://lnkd.in/eT3FZJfx FBWM Press Release: https://lnkd.in/gfBT7GeT

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From Richard Ellenbogen who has installed solar, heat pumps, and a CHP unit talking about the New York's plan to drastically reduce carbon emissions: " ➡ New York is letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, prohibiting or frustrating viable solutions that could reduce emissions.  ➡ Instead, New York is relying on older, less efficient power plants, in hopes that wind and solar—built in more rural areas or offshore—can someday replace them.  ➡ Even if New York were to build the wind, solar and battery backup necessary to keep the lights on without fossil fuels, the storage requirements, either onsite or grid-based, would be cost-prohibitive. " Read about how in his experience, we aren't ready to rely on a fully renewable grid. https://lnkd.in/eyNrRdNE

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Grid analysts challenge Bonneville Power’s pace in adopting advanced conductors--my latest for PV Magazine USA. As the White House encourages utilities to use advanced conductors to help interconnect new renewable generation, the federally-owned utility Bonneville Power is moving slowly to use the high-capacity conductors, analysts said. Mike O'Boyle, Casey Baker, Michelle Solomon #AdvancedConductors

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Recent developments in grid modernization focus on enhancing grid reliability, resilience, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Innovations such as 'advanced reconductoring' are being explored to upgrade existing power lines for higher capacity, facilitating the transmission of electricity from renewable sources over longer distances. Additionally, there's a push towards creating a more resilient and responsive grid to accommodate the increasing demand from clean technology and AI.

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“Evaluation metrics include cost-saving regional benefits, project costs, urgency of need, environmental impact, siting, and other factors. ‘Since larger transmission projects can help transfer power from larger renewable resources in rural areas to more densely populated areas, these projects may offset the need for new generating resources in urban and suburban locations. Methods to measure such benefits are included in the evaluation process,’ ISO-NE said.” #energy #transmission #electricity #policy #marketregulation https://lnkd.in/emtv5Kmn

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“… the co-location of an Amazon data center at Talen Energy’s Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania could lead to cost shifting …” Just like the complaints about roof-top PV leading to cost shifting. If only it was possible to make network service pricing cost-reflective 🧐 Btw, you can model “behind-the-meter” nuclear power plants in Gridcog 😀

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@RenewableEnergyWorld reporting that community solar is advancing again in PA. Maybe it will finally pass this time? "On March 26, 2024, the Community Solar Act, HB 1842, was passed by vote of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and sent for consideration by the Senate. The Act establishes a third-party-owned community solar program in the Commonwealth. Under the legislation, community solar facilities must have a maximum nameplate capacity of 20 MW (AC) for facilities located on a brownfield or rooftop and 5 MW (AC) if located elsewhere. Community solar facilities cannot have any single offtaker with a subscription for more than 50% of the facility’s capacity or energy output, except for master-metered multifamily residential or commercial buildings. At least 50% of the facility’s subscribed capacity must be for subscriptions of 25 kW or less. Some or all of the facility’s generated electricity must be credited to subscribers’ electric bills to offset all charges except volumetric or demand-based distribution charges. Community solar facilities may be remotely located and are not required to provide energy serving on-site load." Read more at https://conta.cc/49SgukV #solar #energy #solarenergy #renewables #renewableenergy #electricity #energystorage #ESS #distributedenergy #sola

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