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10.11.18 Regulation & Policy 4

“We are updating the PCIA formula now because everyone agrees it is broken.

California to Hike Fees for Community Choice Aggregators, Direct Access Providers

CPUC says the PCIA change will balance utility and CCA costs. CCAs say it will burden them unfairly and stifle growth.

by Jeff St. John

10.10.18 Regulation & Policy 0

A new ruling reopens access to long-available data.

California Utilities Ordered to Reopen Grid Maps

Regulators have resolved a conflict between utilities and distributed energy resource providers over grid edge data access—for now.

by Jeff St. John

10.03.18 Regulation & Policy 4

Dueling Proposals Emerge for Remaking PJM’s Capacity Market

The grid operator’s plan for meeting FERC order faces a counter-proposal from clean energy advocates. The future of state-subsidized nuclear, wind and solar power may be at stake.

by Jeff St. John

10.03.18 Regulation & Policy 10

Nevada has a chance to expand retail electricity choice.

Industry Perspective

NRG Chief Executive: We Need More Retail Electricity Competition

As Nevada considers opening up more retail choice, NRG CEO Mauricio Gutierrez writes about the importance of competition.

by Mauricio Gutierrez

10.03.18 Regulation & Policy 1

“Direct access really gives our customers both access and control over their energy choices.

How a New California Law Will Expand the State’s Competitive Energy Market

Commercial and institutional customers can now buy more power from competitive retail providers, while regulators are set to explore further program expansion.

by Jeff St. John

10.01.18 Regulation & Policy 0

Electrification’s best case emerges when utilities actively manage the time and location of new electric end uses.

Industry Perspective

Beneficial Electrification: How to Make It Work

Widespread beneficial electrification requires anticipating and removing technical and institutional barriers to take full advantage of technological trends.

by Mike O’Boyle

Transcript: CPUC President Picker’s Top Priorities in the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy

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Transcript: CPUC President Picker’s Top Priorities in the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy

The full Political Climate interview with California’s lead utility regulator.

by Julia Pyper | September 28, 2018

Explaining the Unfolding Conflict Over Grid Data Access in California

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Explaining the Unfolding Conflict Over Grid Data Access in California

California’s big utilities are planning to unveil online maps that give distributed energy developers much deeper data on grid edge capacity. But they’ve also just banned access to the maps they already have based on data security concerns.

by Jeff St. John | September 21, 2018

09.19.18 Regulation & Policy 0

Combating climate change is a global effort. But the spotlight last week was on California.

California’s Top Utility Regulator on the Quest for Deep Decarbonization

Building renewable energy projects isn’t the hard part—it’s managing the shift to a low-carbon economy, says CPUC President Michael Picker.

by Julia Pyper

09.12.18 Regulation & Policy 3

Key policy decisions could support or undermine CCA clean energy plans.

How Community Choice Aggregation Fits Into California’s Clean Energy Future

CCAs are pushing ahead of California utilities’ renewable energy goals—and facing challenges in sharing the burden with investor-owned utilities.

by Jeff St. John

The live broadcast of Blockchain in Energy Forum on September 11 From San Francisco.

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Watch the Blockchain in Energy Forum Now On-Demand

Watch experts talk about bringing blockchain to the energy world. Become a GTM Squared member to get the live broadcast and video on demand!

by Nicholas Rinaldi | September 11, 2018

09.10.18 Policy 11

“California is committed to doing whatever is necessary to meet the existential threat of climate change.

It’s Official: Gov. Brown Signs 100% Clean Energy Into Law

He also signed an executive order directing California to achieve carbon neutrality—economy-wide—by 2045.

by Julian Spector

09.10.18 Grid Optimization 10

DNV GL Predicts ‘Massive’ Grid Expansion and Automation

Power line length and capacity to triple by 2050, risk management firm says.

by Jason Deign

09.04.18 Regulation & Policy 6

Mixed reactions to major pieces of California electricity policy.

California Lawmakers Pass PG&E Wildfire Relief Bill, Let Grid Regionalization Expire

A bill to allow ratepayer-backed bonds to cover fire damages passes despite being attacked as a bailout, while grid regionalization falters under fear of federal interference.

by Jeff St. John

08.31.18 Energy Storage 24

The incentives should help add about 3,000 megawatts of behind-the-meter batteries to the state by 2026.

California Passes Bill to Extend $800M in Incentives for Behind-the-Meter Batteries

SB 700 would extend the Self-Generation Incentive Program by about $166 million per year through 2023.

by Jeff St. John

The Grid Edge Implications for California’s 100% Clean Energy Plan

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The Grid Edge Implications for California’s 100% Clean Energy Plan

How distributed solar, demand-side flexibility, EVs, behind-the-meter batteries and energy-smart buildings might fit into a carbon-free electricity system.

by Jeff St. John | August 31, 2018

08.29.18 Regulation & Policy 62

The Senate affirmed SB 100 after Tuesday's suspenseful Assembly vote.

On to Governor Brown’s Desk: What 100% Clean Energy Means for California

The big goal is set, but the path to get there is still unknown.

by Julian Spector

08.28.18 Regulation & Policy 2

The final days of California's legislative session are jam-packed with energy bills.

California Lawmakers Press Forward With Utility Wildfire, Grid Regionalization Bills

A new bill spars with alternatives to managing utility wildfire costs, while California’s grid expansion efforts get new protections.

by Jeff St. John

Navigating the Electric Vehicle Policy Landscape, Part 2

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Navigating the Electric Vehicle Policy Landscape, Part 2

The utility role in EV charging and regulatory tools to guide the process.

by Julia Pyper | August 24, 2018

The Latest Pilot Projects Out of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision

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The Latest Pilot Projects Out of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision

Utilities are adding and expanding pilot projects under their latest Distributed System Integration Plans. Here are the key facts and figures.

by Jeff St. John | August 24, 2018

08.24.18 Regulation & Policy 74

NRDC argues replacing the nuclear plant with clean energy resources will ultimately save customers money.

California Passes Bill Requiring Diablo Canyon Plant to Be Replaced With Carbon-Free Resources

A bill headed for Gov. Brown’s desk would also restore funding for worker retraining and community support at the shuttering nuclear plant.

by Jeff St. John

08.20.18 Regulation & Policy 6

A host of other bills could help PG&E weather financial disaster.

The Dueling California Wildfire Bills That Could Decide PG&E’s Financial Fate

Inverse condemnation reform won’t happen this year—but several bills to protect utility and ratepayers from fire damages are still on the table.

by Jeff St. John

08.20.18 Regulation & Policy 6

Germany is looking to expand its power grid to host more renewables.

Can a Renewed Political Push Accelerate Germany’s Grid Expansion?

Germany’s powerful economic affairs and energy ministry released a new plan to hasten the build-out of the country’s power grid.

by Justin Gerdes

08.13.18 Regulation & Policy 1

Military leaders haven't stopped thinking about climate risks.

Trump Signs Military Funding Bill That Includes Focus on Energy, Climate Security

While the Trump administration denies climate change, U.S. armed forces are preparing for energy and climate resiliency.

by Jeff St. John

08.09.18 Policy 26

While the administration has gone officially silent, work on the coal and nuclear bailout is taking place behind the scenes.

Trump Admin’s Push for Coal, Nuke Bailout Reflected in Key Staff Positions at Federal Agencies

Plans to nominate a pro-coal partisan for FERC commissioner, partisan comments from FERC’s chief of staff, and more evidence of political pressure at DOE.

by Jeff St. John

How Cheap and Abundant Can Clean Power Get?

Climate Fintech Startup Atmos Financial Puts Savings to Work for Clean Energy

Could Chile’s Auction Help Save CSP From Oblivion?

What the Coming Wave of Distributed Energy Resources Means for the US Grid

Extreme Weather Keeps Maxing Out the Grid

A Wartime Plan for Electrifying America

An Island’s Path to 100% Renewables

Are Batteries at a Turning Point?

Storage Integrator FlexGen Gains New Leadership at Crucial Time

Vestas Ventures Makes First Investment With Stake in Wooden Tower Start-Up

Vestas Launches World’s Largest Turbines as 'Big 3' Competition Ramps Up

BP, RWE and EnBW Win Big in UK Offshore Wind Leasing Round

How Cheap and Abundant Can Clean Power Get?

Climate Fintech Startup Atmos Financial Puts Savings to Work for Clean Energy

Could Chile’s Auction Help Save CSP From Oblivion?

Regulation & Policy

California to Hike Fees for Community Choice Aggregators, Direct Access Providers

California Utilities Ordered to Reopen Grid Maps

Dueling Proposals Emerge for Remaking PJM’s Capacity Market

NRG Chief Executive: We Need More Retail Electricity Competition

How a New California Law Will Expand the State’s Competitive Energy Market

Beneficial Electrification: How to Make It Work

Transcript: CPUC President Picker’s Top Priorities in the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy

Explaining the Unfolding Conflict Over Grid Data Access in California

California’s Top Utility Regulator on the Quest for Deep Decarbonization

How Community Choice Aggregation Fits Into California’s Clean Energy Future

Watch the Blockchain in Energy Forum Now On-Demand

It’s Official: Gov. Brown Signs 100% Clean Energy Into Law

DNV GL Predicts ‘Massive’ Grid Expansion and Automation

California Lawmakers Pass PG&E Wildfire Relief Bill, Let Grid Regionalization Expire

California Passes Bill to Extend $800M in Incentives for Behind-the-Meter Batteries

The Grid Edge Implications for California’s 100% Clean Energy Plan

On to Governor Brown’s Desk: What 100% Clean Energy Means for California

California Lawmakers Press Forward With Utility Wildfire, Grid Regionalization Bills

Navigating the Electric Vehicle Policy Landscape, Part 2

The Latest Pilot Projects Out of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision

California Passes Bill Requiring Diablo Canyon Plant to Be Replaced With Carbon-Free Resources

The Dueling California Wildfire Bills That Could Decide PG&E’s Financial Fate

Can a Renewed Political Push Accelerate Germany’s Grid Expansion?

Trump Signs Military Funding Bill That Includes Focus on Energy, Climate Security

Trump Admin’s Push for Coal, Nuke Bailout Reflected in Key Staff Positions at Federal Agencies