Will Troppe

Karen Herter, this is an incredibly timely and helpful report. Most telecom and energy engineers are focused on deploying two-way networks and IP connectivity to everything. In contrast, this report provides strategic quantification of the benefits of using multiple existing networks to provide hyperconnectivity to demand response devices. Well done!!!

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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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Getting to zero emissions: a call for unified energy planning To help speed decarbonization, state regulators should plan around a unified energy sector, according to a new Stanford-led report. Without coordinated action, the energy transition could become slower, more expensive, and more inequitable, the authors warn. Unified energy planning means regulators coordinating gas and electric utilities to accelerate the transition to zero emissions. The paper argues that competition between electricity and power sectors, particularly in heating and cooking, creates inefficiencies and slows decarbonization. Regulators should treat gas and electricity as a single energy system to reduce costs, prevent unnecessary infrastructure investments, and ensure equitable progress. Without coordination, the energy transition could become more expensive and burdensome, especially for low-income households. This strategy is crucial for achieving climate goals efficiently The report, co-authored by Stanford and Notre Dame scholars, advocates for proactive coordination, aiming to streamline the transition while addressing safety, equity, and climate concerns. Read the news article Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment: https://lnkd.in/g9VNgG-r #netzero #gas #electricity

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An example of the energy transition is the transition from local local local to local local micro grid when describing a desirable place to live.

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✅ The transition from a net energy metering (NEM) policy to a net billing tariff (NBT) structure is reshaping the solar industry, particularly in California. ✅ While customers may initially have less financial incentive due to this transition, it has prompted a significant increase in battery energy storage inclusion which can offer substantial advantages including backup power and storage for high demand periods. ✅ Despite fears of a downturn, solar installations remain consistent, and there has been a surge in consolidation, implying a stronger, more robust solar market. Discover how California's shift to a new solar market structure has unexpectedly spotlighted the benefits of integrating battery storage with solar panels, defying initial fears and not only sustaining, but strengthening the solar industry with a surprising boost in battery energy storage inclusion. Explore the evolving dynamics of solar installations, the shift in customer financing, and how these changes have resulted in an increase in ownership rates. Plus, you'll learn about market consolidation: the top five solar installers now control 51% of the market under NBT. Even amidst policy changes, the solar industry continues to innovate and provide opportunities for homeowners to capitalize on clean, renewable energy. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com 🌞🔋🌎

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How are digital product identifiers forging a more equitable energy transition? A digital identifier, via a QR code, that shares the battery’s unique composition, charging rates, and state of health gives consumers assurance that their purchase of a used zero emissions vehicle meets certain requirements. This level of transparency through California’s ACCII regulations instills confidence for underserved communities in adopting used EVs and hybrids, creating broader uptake of zero emission transportation and reducing tailpipe emissions both in underserved communities and the state as a whole. Our latest newsletter discusses ACCII in more detail: https://lnkd.in/egiJQ4Ay Or learn more on the full scope of benefits of digital identifiers here: https://lnkd.in/ex_3SyRX #DigitalIdentifiers #ACCII #CARB #ZeroEmissions Douglas Johnson-Poensgen Ellen Carey Yue Jin Tay Bill Zierolf Shannon Carabetta Karolin Langfeldt Luise Müller-Hofstede Rhys Mason Jessica Green Ben Steinberg Qing Rong, Aloysius Lim Shehan Mathew

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When describing the future of the #grid, flexibility is critical in fulfilling the power demands of tomorrow. ⚡️ Listen in to the latest episode of Grid Forward Chats as Brenda Chew, director of product management at Virtual Peaker, and Franco Albi, director of regional integration at Portland General Electric, discuss how to scale virtual power plants for lowering cost, creating grid flexibility, and reaching decarbonization goals. 💡 🎙️ https://lnkd.in/dWsgU5k 🎙️

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The CPUC can't control what isn't attached, at some point the lower cost of solar and storage will allow communities to just drop off the grid... https://lnkd.in/gdZWWKVR

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Gas #loadflexibility is growing in importance as a way to help utilities support affordability, resiliency, and decarbonization, but it’s fundamentally different in key ways from electric demand management. In a new paper published in The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) #SummerStudy24 proceedings, researchers from Copper Labs and E Source help put gas load flexibility into context, explain why gas and electric approaches should differ, provide a comprehensive summary of residential pilot results to date, and share how specific measures—from smart thermostats and water heater controls to behavioral approaches—might best support utility needs. Check it out here! https://lnkd.in/eV87sXXY #demandresponse #nonpipelinealternatives #utilityofthefuture

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Today I'm recognizing my 17th anniversary in the renewable energy and sustainability industry. It's not as significant as several of my colleagues' recent 20 year celebrations, but is still meaningful for me. We've had massive advancements in those near two decades, with renewables moving from a minor to a major grid position, and the majority of large companies acting on decarbonization. Plus, we've seen the acknowledgment of the need to preserve biodiversity, soils, forests, and more. And yet, the goal line keeps moving. The parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere just keeps going up. ESG is under assault, and by association, DEI. The impacts of climate change are now obvious and felt rather than nascent and theoretical. For me, that's a call to action to keep fighting as we're in a marathon for the future of our species and every other in the balance. So here's to the next year!!

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Investing in transmission isn't just about powering homes today — it's about ensuring affordability, strengthening grid reliability and paving the way for the energy needs of tomorrow. MISO projects its latest portfolio can create $83 billion in net benefit over 40 years across the Midwest. Read more from Utility Dive's Ethan Howland: https://lnkd.in/g_z4GmD5

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One question we frequently get from customers is: "Can the grid support the rising number of EVs in California?" The short answer is, yes! In fact, EVs will actually benefit the grid—and energy consumers—in several ways. Here's how: 1. Excess Capacity: The electricity #grid is built to meet the highest demand times, which means it has excess capacity most of the time. EVs can be charged during these off-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid. 2. Grid Support: Vehicle-to-Grid #V2G technology can return electricity to the grid during peak times, helping to stabilize it and prevent blackouts. 3. Cost Benefits: Multiple studies have been conducted analyzing #electricityrates that EV owners pay compared to the marginal cost of providing that electricity (generation, transmission, and distribution costs), plus the expenditures associated with utility EV programs. The researchers concluded that EVs have increased utility revenues more than they have increased utility costs, leading to downward pressure on electric rates for EV-owners and non-EV owners alike. 4. Future #GridUpgrades: California is already planning grid upgrades to handle more EVs and clean energy through Assembly Bill 2700 and Senate Bill 410, ensuring the grid remains reliable as electrification increases. Overall, EVs are not only good for the environment by reducing emissions, but they also benefit everyone by lowering electricity rates and supporting grid stability. This creates a positive cycle that encourages more people to adopt EVs, which further strengthens the grid and reduces costs for all utility customers. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

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Catch the replays of our May webinar, "Back to Compliance: Where Innovation Meets Regulation," and learn from our experts about the value of public transparency dashboards for utilities. Check out this highlight on public transparency dashboards: "It provides a central location for the public, reporters, and anyone interested to find the information they're looking for, making it accessible." Learn more about how public transparency dashboards can benefit your utility, regardless of its size. 💧Register to watch the replays here: https://bit.ly/3J2cof1 #digitalwater #waterquality #LCRR #LCRI #waterpolicy #drinkingwater #GetTheLeadOut

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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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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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