We can move faster installing microgrids, but you need to make some changes. That’s the overarching message from microgrid companies to California regulators as the state faces utility power shutoffs for years to come. The recommendations are pouring into the California Public Utilities Commission as it attempts to translate into regulation … [Read more...]
As California’s wildfire season approaches, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) faces regulatory delays of up to two years for 100 MW of proposed storage-backed microgrids that aim to provide resiliency, especially to protect essential community services. “As a utility company, our mandate and charge is to provide safe and reliable … [Read more...]
The California Public Utilities Commission late last week terminated its docket on transportation electrification and opened a new one to create a more coordinated strategy for electric vehicles and their integration into the electric grid. The order, particularly in its draft form, attracted opposition from industry stakeholders, who filed … [Read more...]
California lawmakers gave a final okay late last week to a microgrid bill (SB 1339), designed to boost microgrid development and streamline what at times is a lengthy wait to interconnect projects. The Assembly approved the legislation in a 54-19 vote during the waning hours of the legislative session August 31. The Senate had passed the … [Read more...]
Given its influence, it’s never a pretty sight when California goes astray on energy policy. The energy crisis of 2000-01 still looms large. Its rolling blackouts and skyrocketing costs impaired America’s then nascent customer choice movement. But fast forward nearly two decades and customer choice is reborn -- although not in the way the … [Read more...]
California's passage of two aggressive climate bills offers good news for microgrids, since they can act as levers to help the state reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Once again, the state has led the climate change battle, this time with last week's passage by the state legislature of the two bills, SB 32 and AB 197. The bills aim to reduce … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain Institute’s Andrew Allee describes a problem arising out of electrification in Nigeria. Minigrids are electrifying rural areas, but residents do not benefit if they cannot afford appliances.
Distributed energy resources are important for emergency preparedness and recovery in a disaster, especially in rural, sparsely populated areas with rugged terrain. If a wildfire strikes, communities need to be self-sufficient, perhaps for several weeks or longer. Download the new report from Siemens that explores how with robust microgrid and emergency power supplies, critical infrastructure can continue to serve thousands of people with life, health, and safety services.
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