Non-wires alternatives (NWAs) use distributed energy resources and microgrids to defer or replace the installation of more traditional 'wires and poles' infrastructure. When utilities choose non-wires alternatives, they often save ratepayers money by avoiding investments in costly infrastructure. By utilizing distributed energy resources (DER) at … [Read more...]
The New York Public Service Commission recently revamped utility standby and buyback rates to tackle the vexing problem of ratepayer equity in an age of distributed energy. The changes represent the next iteration in the state’s efforts to encourage wider adoption of clean energy while bringing rates more in line with market forces, all part … [Read more...]
Sometimes the reason for microgrids is so obvious it comes like a big blue flash in the sky. Such was the case in late December when Consolidated Edison’s system malfunctioned causing a gas flare that had some New Yorkers looking to the skies and wondering if space aliens had come to Queens. It took an announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to … [Read more...]
New York utility Orange & Rockland has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a microgrid of up to 17 MW to serve as a non-wires alternative to a substation upgrade in Orange County. Proposals are due March 7. The Consolidated Edison subsidiary seeks business partners to offer a microgrid that employs solar panels, fuel cells, … [Read more...]
Well, okay, some microgrids are electrical islands, particularly those that are on a literal island or in a desert or on a mountaintop or somewhere no central grid exists. They function in a stand-alone fashion, or in industry parlance islanded. Others operate independently just some of the time, separating from the central grid during a … [Read more...]
New York state regulators yesterday approved energy storage goals of 1,500 MW by 2025 and 3,000 MW by 2030, plus a strategy to reach them, including a $310 million incentive program. The commission has been considering its energy strategy for several months and collecting recommendations from industry players that ranged from accelerating … [Read more...]
New York is crafting one of the most ambitious energy storage targets in the nation, but major barriers could make it difficult to meet the target, according to a recent filing with state regulators by storage developer GI Energy. The affiliate of Shell New Energies US argues that energy storage developers face “massive uncertainty” … [Read more...]
EV programs may soon come to a grid near you as states continue to expand and refine charging efforts. Here's a look at some big moves this week in California, Massachusetts and New York. Massachusetts okays one of largest EV programs In Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Utilities on September 10 okayed a $25 million charging … [Read more...]
New York is outstripping the nation in development of community distributed generation, and now it’s got a plan to more than double installations. Also known as shared renewables, community solar or solar gardens, the approach creates communal local energy meant largely to benefit apartment dwellers, those with shady roofs or other … [Read more...]
A number of states are embracing the electric vehicle revolution, enacting programs intended to boost EV use on our nation’s roads. Most recently, New Jersey, New York and California announced plans to invest in EV infrastructure. As EV-friendly measures continue to be enacted, innovative rate structures and smart charging can cushion the … [Read more...]
Pierre Delforge, an NRDC senior scientist, describes an historic decision by the city of Berkeley, California that requires electrification of all new buildings — and the trend it may foretell.
Microgrids represent a relatively new concept that requires adapting existing frameworks. Because of that, projects must involve careful coordination between the developer, utility and the developer’s energy consultant to ensure a successful outcome. Download the new white paper from Velioa that explores how to navigate local utility requirements for microgrids.
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