Chris Womack

Did you know that in December 2022 Virginia utility Dominion Energy began implementing an onerous requirement for midsize solar projects (“direct transfer trip”) that raised costs for affected clean energy systems by 20-40%? IREC intervened and in August 2023, the Commission struck down Dominion’s direct transfer trip requirement for the newly affected systems, in part based on IREC’s comments. Unfortunately, a few months later the Commission approved a request from Dominion to reinstate the requirements until a final decision is reached and it has not set a deadline for a resolution. Read more about this issue and how IREC is fighting for a solution: https://lnkd.in/ge_uSeYJ.

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Dominion Energy Announces Closing of Sale of Public Service Company of North Carolina - Dominion Energy has completed the sale of its Gastonia, North Carolina-based natural gas utility, Public Service Company of North Carolina, to Enbridge for approximately $3.2 billion. - This sale represents the final step in a series of transactions involving the sale of gas utilities in Ohio, Utah, and North Carolina totaling about $14 billion. - The previous two transactions in this series closed in March and May of 2023. - Dominion Energy's CEO emphasized the company's commitment to employee protections for nearly 3,500 workers who are now part of Enbridge. - The company has achieved significant financial milestones, including $18 billion in debt reduction to enhance its balance sheet. - Dominion Energy has plans to sell a 50% noncontrolling interest in the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, potentially leading to an additional $3 billion in debt reduction by year-end. - Dominion Energy serves 3.6 million customers and is a leading developer of offshore wind and solar power in the United States. - The company's mission focuses on providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to its customers. https://lnkd.in/gaDHpx27

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Maryland electric customers face up to 24% bill hikes from PJM capacity auction: report. Reliability-must-run contracts for two Talen Energy power plants added about $5 billion to PJM’s capacity costs in its last auction, Synapse Energy Economics found. For the majority of the PJM region, capacity prices for the 2025/26 delivery year soared to $269.92/MW-day, up from $28.92/MW-day in the last auction, the grid operator said in an auction report. Prices hit zonal caps of $466.35/MW-day for the BGE zone in Maryland, and $444.26/MW-day for the Dominion zone in Virginia and North Carolina. The capacity prices in Maryland reflect the need for power lines and power supplies, according to PJM. Last year, PJM received power plant “deactivation notices” totaling nearly 2.7 GW in Maryland, according to a PJM infrastructure report on the state and the District of Columbia. Maryland and D.C. had about 11.2 GW of installed capacity at the end of 2023, according to the report. PJM’s interconnection queue in Maryland totals about 7.3 GW, including 3.9 GW of storage, 3.2 GW of solar and 45 MW of gas-fired generation, according to the report. TNi Energy-BESS 1.20MW 10HR LDES, we've innovated a groundbreaking method that repurposes recycled lead-acid batteries, extending their life span to 25 years for C1 to C20 Energy Storage purposes. Previously, the industry lacked a safe and environmentally conscious alternative to lithium | sodium-ion batteries. However, our proprietary technique reveals that lead-acid batteries are not only SAFER but also 60-75% more cost-effective than their hazardous counterparts. Made in the USA #TNiEnergy,#10HRLDES,#ELDES,#C1toC20,#nebulositycloud, #BESS,#C3Energy,#Energy, #ZEROemmissions, #ZEROcarbon, #energytransistion, #LeadAcid Battery, #windpower, #solarpower, #VPP, #MicroGrid, #DERM, #HydroPower, #BitCoinMining 

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PJM Interconnection and its members have adequate resources to serve the forecasted demand for electricity this winter under expected conditions, although reserve margins continue to shrink with continued generator retirements and increasing demand. PJM, the grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia, expects to have approximately 179,800 MW of resources to meet the forecasted peak demand of approximately 141,200 MW, plus a forecast average of about 5,500 MW of electricity exports to neighboring systems. The system should also remain reliable under several more extreme and less likely scenarios involving lower levels of gas and/or renewable generation, higher electricity demand or increased exports, but extreme weather scenarios may require the use of emergency procedures. “The PJM system is reliable today, but we are keenly aware of the challenges we face as system reserves continue to erode,” said PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana. “The trends we are seeing raise system risk under the kind of extreme weather we have seen over the past few years.” PJM remains concerned that increasing demand, ongoing generator retirements and the slow pace of new projects coming online are tightening reserves. Since Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022, forecasted winter peak demand has risen by over 4,000 MW, while the number of thermal generation resources have decreased. Read more at PJM Inside Lines. https://lnkd.in/ecGDndYW

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As countless industry and government leaders discuss the clean energy transition this week during #ClimateWeekNYC, we can’t forget the important role of transmission in connecting our communities to renewable energy sources. I recently sat down with RTO Insider to discuss the urgency of transmission investment and permitting reform to ensure a resilient grid and meet our clean energy goals. Read the full story below for more on the need for comprehensive policy reform. 

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Duke Energy, North Carolina’s regulated monopoly utility, is planning to launch a new program for large energy customers, like big-box retailers, to purportedly support our state’s clean energy transition. The catch? The central option in the program fails to speed up carbon pollution reduction or the development of clean energy projects, like new solar power. A bipartisan state law requires Duke to reduce heat-trapping carbon pollution by at least 70% below 2005 levels by 2030. The program encourages large customers to pay the utility a premium to support clean energy projects that the utility is already required by law to procure. The program would confuse and mislead North Carolinians, who will expect participating businesses to make a difference in keeping our communities safer from the impacts of climate change. It also snubs companies, cities, and universities with strong climate action commitments, who have repeatedly emphasized the importance of establishing programs that allow participants to more meaningfully support the development of clean energy projects. On behalf of our partner SACE, and jointly with NCSEA, we’re asking the utilities commission to reconsider its approval of Duke’s disappointing program: https://lnkd.in/eEks8DdQ #CleanEnergy #NorthCarolina #ClimateChange #DukeEnergy

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Elevate Renewables’ Tonja Wicks said PJM has been messaging that new entry isn’t set to keep pace with deactivations and accelerating load growth, driving the need for process to quickly replace retiring generators with new resources. She also noted that only a small subset of projects that have cleared PJM’s interconnection queue in recent years have entered commercial operation, an issue she argued could be helped by focusing on proposals that can be quickly studied and are likely to be assigned minimal network upgrades. “We need new approaches to address this new problem that we’re seeing as we deploy new technologies,” she said. “We didn’t have reserve deficits 10 years ago.” Wicks said the Elevate package would establish a nine-month study process that would remain quicker than the two years she said it would likely take resources to typically clear PJM’s new approach. Not only would that allow some resources to receive ISAs faster, she said, but it would resolve a timing misalignment between when resources deactivate and when their CIRs can be passed on to a new resource. https://lnkd.in/g_yWWWuG #ElevateRenewables #PJM #regionaltransmission #RTOInsider #capacityinterconnectionrights

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A new report highlights recommendations of best practices PJM can take for long-term transmission planning: ✔️ PJM should continue to improve estimates of electrification within its footprint. ✔️ PJM must plan more proactively for retirements across the entire long-term planning horizon. ✔️ PJM should run economic capacity expansion models along with production cost modeling to ensure the optimal buildout of new generation and transmission while delivering the lowest system cost. ✔️ Developing new methodologies, best practices, or results should be done in clear communication with interested parties and allow ample opportunity for input. By 2040, PJM estimates energy demand will increase above the 2024 load forecast by approximately 8% for the expected scenario. See the full report: https://hubs.ly/Q02BBGBZ0 #PJM #Electricity #Energy

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There is still time and tickets available for the 2024 Virginia Energy Summit! The 2024 Virginia Energy Summit will focus on the relationship between energy, critical infrastructure, and national security. Industry leaders and Federal/State regulators will compare the Virginia Energy Plan and the Virginia Clean Economy Act to the energy experiences of select states, European Union states, and Asian countries. This Summit continues the work of previous years to establish a better understanding of the costs and benefits of renewable energy, the fuel and infrastructure needs of critical infrastructure sector industries, the pending threats to electric grid stability, the national and economic implications of electrifying the economy, the burgeoning cost of electric transmission infrastructure, and the regulatory transparency needed to protect consumers and producers from imprudent, unaffordable costs. #VirginiaEnergyPlan #VirginiaCleanEconomyAct #fuel #infrastructure #gridstability #consumerprotections https://ow.ly/5Jc550SntRp

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According to Georgia Power, economic growth is driving a rapid change in Georgia's energy landscape that is leading to increased demand for electricity. This update will impact rates, renewable energy options, and the state's overall energy mix, and our resident expert, Kevin Kelly, a policy advisor at Southface Institute, has the details. Dive deeper for the full story: https://lnkd.in/gZ_2HtJM

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The launch of the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) by the Youngkin administration marks a significant step forward for clean energy progress in Virginia. As conservatives supporting a transition to cleaner energy, we see this as a practical approach that addresses both environmental concerns and economic growth. With $10 million in seed funding, the VCEIB is set to bridge financing gaps for innovative energy projects, ensuring Virginia's competitiveness in a rapidly changing energy landscape. While skepticism exists across the aisle regarding the administration's motivations, it's important to recognize that bold, decisive action is often necessary for effective governance. The focus on collaboration among state agencies—rather than competition—is a strategic move that can unlock federal resources more efficiently. The emphasis on innovation and adaptability positions the VCEIB to lead in clean energy solutions, aligning with our core values of economic responsibility and environmental stewardship. By embracing this opportunity, the VCEIB demonstrates that conservatives can be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. This initiative is more than just a financial commitment; it’s a path to a resilient energy future, benefiting both our economy and environment. Ultimately, supporting clean energy innovation fosters job creation, economic growth, and a sustainable future for Virginia. #virginiawantssolar #solar #energyrightus Read more on the VCEIB here https://bit.ly/3YgYPQY or visit our website at www.energyrightus.org for information on energy initiatives.

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Capacity market prices for energy in PJM surged, signaling a crucial demand for additional generation. PJM Interconnection's footprint is set to allocate $14.7 billion for capacity in the 2025/26 delivery year, a substantial rise from $2.2 billion in the previous auction. Stay informed about the energy sector's evolving landscape: [Link to the article] #EnergyMarket #CapacityAuction #PJMInterconnection

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Just recently the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued Order 1920, a transformational order that will help to advance a holistic, forward-looking transmission planning process that incorporates states' policy goals for a more reliable and cleaner electric grid. While we are still reviewing the order, we believe it is a significant step in the right direction for Eversource Energy and for New England achieving its climate goals. #transmission #gridmodernization #gridofthefuture #cleanenergy

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The North American Energy Markets Association is posting this RFP on behalf of our member the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Introduction: This announcement constitutes a Request for Proposal (RFP) notice soliciting proposals from qualified solar energy providers to design, engineer, build, operate, and maintain a photovoltaic (PV) power generation facility at a specific site designated by TVA. This RFP does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that TVA will take action in this matter. TVA will not be responsible for any costs incurred in furnishing TVA responsive information. TVA is interested in understanding the current availabilities, flexibilities, and preferences of market participants interested in developing a PV generation facility within the Lawrence County Solar footprint (Site). TVA has developed the Site and is now considering the transfer of this Site and procured assets for the Site via a real property easement/lease, and transfer documents for PV panels, and GPU transformer to a selected third party. The third party will construct, operate, and maintain the Site in conformance with the easement/lease and fulfill the obligations of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with TVA. General Background:  TVA is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies, serving more than 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. • TVA’s renewable energy programs reflect TVA’s ongoing commitment to a diversified energy mix that best serves the power needs of businesses and residents of the Tennessee Valley in a clean, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Find the full RFP here: https://lnkd.in/evG6YR-G

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The #Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) mandates top utilities in the Commonwealth to move to 100% #CleanEnergy by 2050. To fuel our economy and meet this goal, we must pursue a regional approach to #transmission planning, build new transmission lines, and upgrade the existing grid with grid-enhancing technologies (GETs). There’s a lot to do here, but the payoff is huge! Check this out. https://hubs.ly/Q02Blr760

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