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December 2020
This article reviews the Energy Act of 2020, which was created through the passage of a pandemic relief bill in December 2020. The Energy Act of 2020 created several grants and programs designed to incentivize the development and implementation of microgrids, energy storage projects, and grid resilience measures.
December 2020
This paper, developed by the New York Power Authority, summarizes their decarbonization plan for the next ten years. The five priorities of VISION2030 are reviewed: preserve and enhance the value of hydropower, pioneer the path to decarbonize natural gas plants, be the leading transmission developer, owner, and operator for New York State, partner with customers and the state to meet energy goals, and reimagine the New York State Canal System for economic and recreational benefit. NYPA envisions the future of the energy grid to include a modernized electric grid, intelligent microgrids, distributed generation and storage, electrified buildings, onsite backup generation for essential customer facilities, electrified transport and charging infrastructure, smart home technology, vehicle-to-grid integration, two-way communication networks, and carbon-free electricity generation.
April 2020
This article evaluates the ways that communities across the country are moving towards electrification. While some cities have passed natural gas-prohibitive bans, other states are preemptively preventing such anti-gas laws from being passed in the future. The article also draws attention to California's Public Utilities Commission's pilot programs to fund electrification in disadvantaged communities, but suggests that the widespread adoption of similar programs may be hindered by affordable housing developer apprehension towards additional regulations.
December 2020
This article highlights utility regulation trends in 2020. Policies were enacted to support energy customers through COVID-related financial hardship, 18 total states have announced 100% clean energy or renewable energy goals, and new utility transportation electrification programs were approved. Additionally, several states reviewed coal self-scheduling practices, the number of states addressing performance-based regulation and distribution planning processes grew, several states implemented energy storage procurement programs, and legislation concerning utility data platforms was passed.
July 2020
This article on EcoWatch examines the plans of a new nonprofit, Rewiring America, to transform the power, transportation, building, and industrial sectors through electrification. The plan is projected to create millions of green jobs, and would require support from both the private and public sector. The article identifies effective legislation and political leadership as the missing factors that could make widespread electrification possible.
March 2021
This webpage provides an overview of NJ TRANSITGRID, a grid resilience project that is designed to support rail infrastructure in New Jersey. Within NJ TRANSITGRID are two projects: the NJ TRANSITGRID TRACTION POWER SYSTEM and NJ TRANSITGRID DISTRIBUTED GENERATION SOLUTIONS. The first project will electrify the rail tracks and power operations through a natural gas-fired power plant, and the second project will build grid resilience to power NJ TRANSIT-related operations during power interruptions with distributed energy, renewable energy, and other technology.
October 2020
In Iowa, the Utilities Board issued a correction to a previous filing in order to address electric vehicle charging services. This filing states that a commercial or public EV charging station is not considered a public utility if the station receives all of its electric power from a utility that is located in the same electric service area. The designation of the EV charging station as a public utility is at the discretion of the board if the EV charging station obtains electric power from a source other than the electric utility.
October 2020
In California, San Diego Gas & Electric filed an application to continue their Power Your Drive pilot program with the a modification: 2,000 charging ports will be installed at multi-unit dwellings and office buildings. The program will continue to incentivize charging during periods of low grid demand and provide heavily discounted or free installation of charging ports at multi-unit dwellings an office buildings.
May 2020
In Colorado, Black Hills Colorado Electric filed an application for approval of its transportation plan, "Ready EV," for 2021-2023. The proposed plan aims to support local EV adoption through implementing charging rebates, modifying the distribution line tariff, strengthening customer communication, and improving the education of customers.
June 2020
This article identifies high energy requirement as a shortcoming of vertical farming, a sustainable agriculture method, and identifies microgrids as a possible solution. The advantages of utilizing a microgrid in vertical farming operations are reviewed, and a case study of a modern farming company is evaluated.
August 2020
This article from Patty Durand, president and CEO at Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, reviews three key takeaways from their Beneficial Electrification: The Voice of the Consumer study. These findings concern the customer support of electric transportation infrastructure, customer motivation to switch to electric technologies, and barriers to customer adoption of residential electrification.
February 2021
This article highlights the legislative action that rulemakers are taking to ban or prevent the ban of natural gas following Berkeley, California's 2019 ban. Southern and mid-western states with more conservative leadership tend to oppose electrification policies originating from progressive California. Additionally, this article includes perspectives on electrification policy from various stakeholders, including the American Gas Association and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
February 2021
This article reviews Denver's goal to electrify all new residential and commercial buildings. The city promised to update building codes to require electrification in new construction, but challenges remain. The article identifies low consumer awareness and heat pump inefficiency in the cold climate as barriers to electrification, and also adds that a natural gas infrastructure ban is not being considered.
July 2020
This article explores the evolution of natural gas bans to more palatable calls for electrification. While effective in some cities like Berkeley, California, the term 'natural gas ban' can alienate policymakers, building developers, consumers, and natural gas stakeholders. The article identifies legislative strategies used in various cities to enact policies that encourage electrification without causing a significant rift.
March 2021
This article highlights the controversy of recent natural gas legislation in Arizona. The Arizona Public Service is opposing bills introduced in the House and Senate that prevent decarbonization mandates for utilities. This article details the legal debate and how it calls the authority of regulators in decarbonization into question.
January 2020
This report reviews Pacific Gas & Electric's (PG&E) smart grid initiatives within several focus areas: wildfire safety and grid resilience, DER integration and enablement, customer service and incentives, and physical and cyber security. For selected projects, PG&E evaluates project benefits and updates.
