Because they only sell 11% of the country’s electricity and they largely overlap politically conservative areas, electric cooperatives are often the forgotten stepchild of the clean energy movement. But with 7 of the top 10 dirtiest power systems (as measured by carbon intensity) and territory that overlaps some of the best renewable energy resources in the country, electric … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Midwest Energy News’ Bentham Paulos’ new analysis of mid-western cities charts different implementations of distributed generation resources. Wisconsin ‘health hazard’ ruling could shock wind industry Texans see long-term benefit in distributed generation. Featured Stories: Beyond Utility 2.0: Part 1 “A prelude to the future” by John Farrell, CleanTechnica Midwest cities pushing … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Ohio groundswell gathers around reinstatement of renewable energy mandates. Utah group condemns utility’s false claims to promoting renewable energy Vox’s David Roberts, in a 2-part series, seeks to break down the dominance of 20th century style electric utilities. Featured Stories: The Federal Solar Tax Credit extension: can we win if we … Read More
Vox, September 11, 2015 In my last post, I explained the core problem facing US electric utilities: They are still structured as monopolies that bundle together disparate energy services, despite new technology making it possible, and desirable, to “unbundle” those services. That core problem explains why so many utilities are fighting rooftop solar, hostile to energy … Read More
Second quarter data from the Energy Information Administration and the Solar Energy Industries Association came out this week and distributed solar continues its surging growth. Over 650 megawatts (MW) of new distributed solar capacity was grid connected between April and June, 10% of new power plant capacity. Even more impressive than the steady growth each quarter … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: California utilities attempt to reduce residential solar, much to solar company ire. Solar energy amendment fight heading to Florida Supreme Court. Inefficient Ohio utility seeks to save money on coal power by passing the cost onto their customers. Featured Stories: This Ohio utility has an innovative plan to save coal power: … Read More
Market Watch, September 4, 2015 When Louis Gray bought his two-story Sunnyvale, Calif., home in 2010, a solar power array was already in his plans. He finally took the plunge in March 2014, paying Sunrun Inc. $18,000 for 20 years of electricity. Since then, he said, his monthly gas and electric bill has fallen from as … Read More
In 16 months, the solar industry faces the end of the line for the 30% federal tax credit. The Investment Tax Credit will fall to 10% for businesses and to zero for residential solar customers. Some have called this the “solar cliff.” There may be a silver lining in this tax credit expiration cloud, but it’s … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Solar advocates win big victories in Nevada and Colorado and keep net metering policies intact. Michigan solar energy fight garners unusual advocates for distributed generation. Clean Power Plan drawing criticism from utility-funded reports. Exellon-Pepco merger thwarted by grassroots efforts. Featured Stories: 5 Reasons Utilities Are Hating On Their Solar-Producing Customers … Read More
