Deep Dive

The meaning of an ‘optimal’ clean energy investment is changing as prices rise, analysts report

Four non-transmission solutions for clean energy with new power lines in the permitting ‘Valley of Death’

As states differ on the benefits of Bitcoin, is there a solution to its climate and power-system impacts?

California energy circles worry about isolation and reliability impacts as SPP plots western market expansion

The Southwest Power Pool's (SPP) push for western market expansion has raised concerns in California's energy community about isolation and reliability impacts. The article explores SPP's Markets+ initiative, competition with the CAISO market, potential isolation risks, and the urgency of western RTO governance.

Hawai’i leads the way on advanced rate design with default time-of-use rates, fixed charge innovations

Coming EPA power plant rules will put carbon capture to the test, but better oversight is needed, critics say

Addressing the Surge in Electric Vehicle Load: PG&E, Duke Energy, and Other Utilities Advance Innovative Rate Design and Cost Recovery Strategies

The electrification of transportation in the U.S. faces challenges in grid load management. Utilities are adopting time-of-use rates (TVR) and demand charge adjustment strategies to balance customer costs with system reliability. This article analyzes rate reform practices at companies like Duke Energy and PG&E, as well as policy responses from regulators.

California Grid Interconnection Applications Triple, Experts Assess CAISO Response

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) faces challenges from a surge in interconnection applications, with its Cluster 14 window receiving 373 applications, far exceeding the historical annual average of 113. In response, CAISO launched a process enhancement initiative in March 2023, considering proposals such as limiting application areas and requiring power purchase agreements. Experts deem reforms necessary but worry that 'picking winners' may affect reliability goals.

Key IRA Implementation Guidelines Pending, US Electric Vehicle Revolution Faces Delays

Although the US Inflation Reduction Act provides substantial funding and tax incentives for the electric vehicle industry, implementation details remain undecided, particularly rules for battery procurement and charging infrastructure tax credits, raising industry concerns. Over 880 comments have been submitted by various parties, expecting the Treasury Department and IRS to issue guidance promptly to balance policy goals with market feasibility.

Analysts say the Treasury urgently needs to issue guidance to tap the clean energy 'gold mine' of the Inflation Reduction Act

The U.S. clean energy industry is awaiting the Treasury's implementation rules on key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to unlock billions of dollars in investment potential.