Do Load Shapes of PV Customers Differ?
Implications for Rate Design
A load shape for PV customers that is materially different from the status quo residential customer may be sufficient grounds to implement a separate rate class.
Solar
Picture Energy: SEPA Grid Evolution Summit
July 26, Washington, D.C.
Given how fast things are changing, it might have been called the grid revolution summit.
Seeking Answers Down Under
Australian Fact-Finding Trip
For many utilities in Australia, a 25% solar penetration rate is now business as usual. But utilities have also missed opportunities to shape policy on key grid modernization initiatives, such as the rollout of smart or advanced meters.
Energy People: Julia Hamm
We talked with Julia Hamm, CEO of SEPA
Julia Hamm started at SEPA soon after college, finding the organization a natural fit for her talents. She is the brains behind one of the largest trade shows in the industry, and has emerged as one of the foremost experts on the nexus between utilities and distributed energy resources.
Arizona on Value of Solar
Turning Point for Distributed Energy
In December 2016, Arizona's utility regulators set in motion a new policy many believe is likely to undermine investment in solar and other distributed technologies in the state. We urge advocates and regulators looking for sustainable models of state DER policy to think carefully before following Arizona's example.
Why Are We Still Arguing About NEM?
Competitive Market Will Take Care of Next Burning Issue
I do not understand why we are still distracted by Net Energy Metering (NEM). It worked well when we had not-so-smart meters and were trying to encourage rooftop solar penetration. People in general and students of regulation in particular are left confused and can easily find some support for both sides. This results in conflicts and proposed compromises that keep the debate going at full tilt. Two things are missing or mostly overlooked in all this regulatory discourse.
Utility's Role in Electricity's Future, Part II
Utility Execs Roundtable: We continued the conversation with execs from seven utilities in the Northeast who help lead their companies on future strategies
In part II of our roundtable, we discuss how new products and services are expected to create new revenue streams for utilities, augmenting the (slowly) declining traditional revenue.
Letter: Response to Cicchetti Re: Residential Demand Charges
A response to the article by Charles Cicchetti in our December 2016 issue
Charles Cicchetti's December 2016 article asserts TOU rates are a preferable alternative to demand charges for distributed energy resources (DER) customers. But TOU rates are not enough to maximize the benefits of DER.
Are We Paying Too Much for Residential Solar?
Many Voters Unaware of Costs
The typical solar customer in Southern California could recover their investment in seven years. After which, the facility would provide essentially free electricity for at least 18 more years. If this sounds too good to be true, it is. Those generous returns are paid for by federal taxpayers and California residential customers that lack rooftop solar.
The Sun Shines for All
Solar Options Abound
As utilities get better at distribution planning, it is likely they will incentivize putting solar in older neighborhoods where the grid needs to be strengthened. A portfolio of rooftop solar, community solar and utility-scale solar is the only way to make solar accessible to all.