July 2014

Vol. 17, No. 7


This newsletter has been designed to provide state-level policy updates and capture emerging regional trends in net metering, interconnection and related topics. Please send any relevant news or upcoming events to [email protected].

Note from the Editor

The New Mod Squad - Grid modernization for our shifting energy resources 

 

LaurelP

We've heard a lot about smart grid over the past decade, but to achieve a truly intelligent grid we need to do much more than switch out analog meters for their digital counterparts. We must also implement comprehensive new regulatory structures to make use of the data and functionality provided by these equipment upgrades.  In other words, we need to modernize the grid in addition to our modes of interacting with it.

 

Many topics can fall under the umbrella of grid modernization.  To name a few: data security, customer engagement, system reliability, distributed energy resources (DER), energy storage, rate design and infrastructure updates. It seems most states have taken on at least some of these challenges in a piecemeal fashion, depending on their immediate needs.

 

Read more at irecusa.org

State News In Detail

Northeastern States

Maine rate-case settlement avoids extra charges for net metering customers.  Read more. 

 

Vermont's Washington Electric Co-op resumes net metering. Read more.

 

 

Mid-Atlantic States 

A plan to boost low-income solar options in D.C.  Read more.

 

 

Midwestern States      

Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of third-party solar. Read more.

 

Michigan PSC report continues solar push for utilities.  Read more.

 

Nebraska's Lincoln Electric System gets 78 proposals for community solar energy project. Read more.

 

Wisconsin co-op launches first-in-state community solar project.  Read more.

 

 

Southern States    

South Carolina passes net metering law, initiates regulatory docket. Read more.

 

 

Western States     

California City of Palo Alto issues community solar RFP. Read more.

 

LADWP report suggests charging net metering customers more for grid access.  Read more.

 

Colorado Springs Utilities sells out Community Solar Garden before construction.  Read more.

 

Study: Costs of rooftop solar were not passed along to non-solar ratepayers in Nevada. Read more.

 

Austin Energy plans shared renewable solar array. Read more.

 

Utah PSC sets solar fee hearings.  Read more.

 

 

Other States        

Hawaiian Electric sees widespread interest in developing energy storage projects.  Read more.

 

Federal and Miscellaneous News
 
Regulators OK novel plan for 'real time' power sharing in the West. Read more.
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
July 7-10
San Francisco, CA

July 29, 2014
Call-in available

September 23-26
St. Louis, MO

October 20-23
Las Vegas, NV

About this Newsletter
Connecting to the Grid is a free, electronic newsletter published each month by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC).

 

 

Disclaimer

IREC does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation. See the fair use notice here. 

 
Interstate Renewable Energy Council | 518-458-6059 | [email protected]
| http://www.irecusa.org
P.O. Box 1156
Latham, NY 12110-1156

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