Philip Krain

Community solar offers a unique opportunity to lower energy bills and boost clean energy access in California. Despite the support from diverse stakeholders, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering a proposal that would limit these benefits for renters and low-income communities. The Utility Reform Network urges CPUC to reconsider. Community solar enables customers to benefit from centralized solar farms, receiving economic credits on their utility bills without installing panels themselves. This is crucial for renters and low-income households often excluded from solar benefits. California’s Assembly Bill 2316 supports a fair approach, ensuring at least 51% of benefits go to low-income customers. Unlike expensive rooftop solar incentives, community solar provides cost-effective bill reductions and enhances grid reliability, especially when paired with battery storage. CPUC must reject the flawed proposal and embrace community solar to achieve energy affordability and sustainability for all Californians. #communitysolar #cleanenergy #affordableenergy #california #renewables #sustainability #solarpowered #solarintallation #solarenergy

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"Small amounts of clean-burning hydrogen are flowing on the NW Natural grid," announced Portland Business Journal! Read excerpts from the report about Modern's onsite hydrogen production technology here 👇 "It's early-stage technology — the pilot project is a first for a U.S. natural gas distribution utility. Developer Modern Hydrogen bills the methane molecule cracking system as a faster and less expensive pathway to decarbonization than abandoning gas infrastructure and deploying electric appliances fueled by renewable sources, a transition that will require a vastly bigger, more advanced power grid." "NW Natural CEO David Anderson told the crowd, 'This is a really big deal for us.' In an interview he cast the technology as one of several possible contributors to decarbonizing building energy needs." "'It can go anywhere on our distribution system,' Anderson said, gesturing back to the Modern Hydrogen installation. 'So as we prove this out, Tony and his team are going to start going into commercial mode, you can do more and more of this on the system.'" Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gy6gbBXb #Hydrogen #milestone #news #Portland #Oregon #PNWClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #Decarbonization #NaturalGas #Infrastructure #EnergyTransformation #CleanEnergy

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Aspen Power's Kristy Zaragoza will be on GridTECH Connect Forum's upcoming panel: "Community solar: A California dream?" Expect an interesting discussion on the heels of the recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to adopt a flawed community solar program. If you have questions or would like to connect in advance let us know! By siding with utilities, the CPUC has made a choice that not only undermines the interests of ratepayers but also poses a significant setback to California's ambitious climate goals. Distributed energy generation supports the equitable and sustainable growth of community solar initiatives, and our progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Learn more about the panel here: https://lnkd.in/eAw87QMP #GridTECH #Sustainability #Solar

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Community solar is an important solution for advancing the transition to sustainable energy sources and providing energy bill relief to lower-income communities who don't have access to rooftop solar. Yet the community solar proposal recently approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) threatens to undercut those benefits.       Generate has spent a decade catalyzing the #communitysolar market through our sustainable infrastructure financing and operating platform, and we want this market to continue to thrive in our home state of California through policies that adequately support its benefits.    https://lnkd.in/g7APu2TW  

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✅ California's community solar potential is not being fulfilled amidst stakeholder demands, leading to a controversial vote by the CPUC. ✅ Alliant Energy in Wisconsin completes 200 MW solar project, part of a 12-project buildout, with combined capacity reaching over 1 GW. ✅ Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) advances in competition with lithium-ion batteries, offering lower costs over larger periods. From community solar projects in California not reaching their full potential owing to a contentious CPUC vote, to unprecedented solar accomplishments in Wisconsin where Alliant Energy wraps up a 200 MW solar project - part of an ambitious multi-phase assignment spanning 12 projects aiming for over 1 GW! The post also discusses remarkable advancements in Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES), expected to overtake lithium-ion batteries with lower costs over extended periods. In international news, price trends in the global solar industry are fluctuating due to complex intercontinental trade environments, with the solar wafer prices softening. As for weather, unique irradiance patterns recorded across North America due to the Gulf's heat dome and a polar jet stream have brought fascinating changes to solar outputs in May. Adding to exciting developments, Chinese wafer manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan aims to acquire a majority stake in Maxeon, boosting its financial strength. Lastly, Canadian Solar, a global manufacturer, is challenging the widespread support for tariffs among fellow solar manufacturers. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com ☀️

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☑️ California's Community Renewable Energy Act (AB 2316) aims to promote the use of solar energy through community projects, yet recent proposals by the CPUC have created uncertainty. ☑️ The US community solar market is predicted to grow by 118% over the next five years, showcasing the massive potential if the guidelines are clear. ☑️ The takeaway for property owners is that solar power is not just for individual residences and can help to create a more resilient energy grid. People, let's dive into the exciting yet complex terrain of California's community solar project regulations! With the surge in popularity solar energy has seen recently, coupled with the introduction of innovative solutions for capturing the sun's bounty, the solar industry is thriving more than ever. But, a recent revised proposition by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding AB 2316 has whipped up a sector-wide uproar. The issue lies in the alleged conflict between Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and federal laws, making the future of community solar program vague. Despite such a setback, the immense potential of community solar projects is undeniable, with predictions indicating a whopping 118% growth in the US community solar market over the next few years. If regulated properly, California could spearhead a thriving solar market in the US, encouraging homeowners to invest in solar arrays and decentralized energy production. Let's keep an eye on community solar programs, making every home and business an ally towards achieving energy independence. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

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As California phases out gas infrastructure, even utilities are recognizing the need for home electrification. Jeff St. John outlines these zonal electrification efforts in a recent piece for Canary Media Inc. Since the article was published, Governor Newsom signed SB 1221 into law, laying the groundwork for 30 neighborhood electrification pilot projects. But utilities want homeowners to electrify and continue to source their electricity from the grid, leaving them vulnerable to rising and increasingly volatile electricity prices. At Balto, we know there is a better way. Homeowners can save significantly by embracing electrification through solar-first solutions—a strategy utilities continue to resist. As the grid accelerates its shift toward electrification, staying ahead with Solar-Led Electrification is the smartest path to energy independence and long-term savings. Contact us to learn more about SLED, and how you can electrify and save.

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We need these initiatives in India soon : In 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission issued a mid-term reliability (MTR) mandate requiring utilities to procure 1,000 MW of non-weather-dependent, non-battery, zero-emission energy to increase the reliability of the state’s electric grid. This decision catalyzed demand for geothermal, which provides firm, carbon-free power, filling gaps left by weather-dependent renewables like solar and wind. https://lnkd.in/dTkRDs2P

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When is a utility NOT a utility, and how can they affect massive change for EV charging optimization at scale? In California, one of the largest Community Choice Aggregators (#CCA) is MCE which provides retail electricity to nearly 1.5 million residential and business customers in the Bay Area. Our company, ev.energy, provides MCE and its customers with a method to ensure that EV charging happens 1) to avoid stress on the electric grid and 2) when the most abundant renewable energy is available. In the video here, MCE's customers explain in their own words how the ev.energy app allows them to "set it and forget it" to optimize charging to keep electricity bills as low as possible, while keeping their EV charged and ready to go when they need it. We at ev.energy are bringing this forward-looking approach to managed charging not just to utilities around the country and the world, but also to emerging organizations dedicated to clean transportation. #electriccars #electricvehicles #virtualpowerplant #vpp #EVcharging #utilities #tesla #marincounty #loadmanagement #demandresponse

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Important update from California: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has implemented new monthly fixed charges on electricity bills. While the charges are lower than initially proposed, they still impact California residents. Stephanie Doyle from Solar Energy Industries Association emphasizes the need for careful consideration regarding the impact on #rooftopsolar, #storage adoption, and #electrification measures crucial for climate goals. Amidst concerns, SEIA remains committed to advocating for policies that address high utility rates and promote sustainable energy solutions. Stay informed as we navigate these changes together. 💡🔋 #california #energypolicy #renewableenergy #climateaction

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This Wednesday, September 11th, please join our partners in the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative at the World Forestry Center in Portland for the first annual Oregon Clean Grid Summit. At the summit, you have the chance to meet and hear from community leaders of the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative, industry experts, and federal and state officials as they dialogue about how to reliably, equitably, and affordably deliver clean energy to households and businesses in Oregon. The event is free for non-profit organizations. Register today! https://bit.ly/3XxQV5v #OCGC #Energy #cleanenergy #Portland #PortlandOR #Environmentaljustice #climate #climatejustice #environment #oregon

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Rooftop solar benefits everyone. Three non-surprises: 1) utility-driven lies about solar were wrong, 2) utilities have no right to claim a customer's solar production as their own and 3) Canary Media gets the scoop again. https://vist.ly/3mmqpwk

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved a utility-backed decision for the state’s community solar program, disappointing solar advocates. The decision, supported by major investor-owned utilities, makes minor adjustments to existing programs instead of implementing a new Net Value Billing Tariff proposal, which was backed by a coalition including solar industry groups and ratepayer advocates. Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, criticized the decision, stating it fails to establish a viable community solar market and ignores the demands for a functional program. Aaron Halimi, founder of Renewable Properties, echoed these concerns, highlighting that the decision hinders investment in community solar projects and does not support California’s climate goals. Stephanie Doyle, California State Affairs Director for the SEIA, emphasized that the decision blocks low-income Californians from participating in the clean energy economy and threatens California's clean energy progress. #communitysolar #solarenergy #cleanenergy #renewableenergy #california #energyjustice #sustainability #CPUC #solaradvocacy #policy #decision #drawback #setback #solar

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Anaheim Public Utilities Assistant General Manager for Electric Services Janet Lonneker recently discussed the utility’s efforts to place transmission lines underground in an interview with the American Public Power Association (APPA).   “It's one of our prized programs,” she said. “We've been undergrounding major roadways in Anaheim under our program since 1990, similar to the investor-owned utilities Rule 20 program,” she noted. Rule 20 is the tariff in California that governs utility undergrounding of overhead wires at the request of third parties (e.g., local governments, businesses, and residential customers).   “Projects are determined and prioritized by a five-person underground conversion subcommittee, which is made up of utility board members and our city's planning department. To date, we've undergrounded about 140 circuit miles of overhead lines in Anaheim and we also feature the first fully underground substation in the United States,” Lonneker said in a recent episode of APPA’s Public Power Now podcast. #undergrounding #powerlines #powerdelivery #gridresilience #gridreliability #gridmodernization #underground #powergrid #infrastructure #transmissionlines #substation #criticalinfrastructure #damageprevention #electricgrid #PDi2 City of Anaheim https://lnkd.in/eHrbRPDs

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