Partnership, Not Preemption
How state-sponsored planning can fit with FERC’s capacity markets.
FERC-approved capacity markets and state-sponsored resource planning serve different needs. The one shouldn’t pre-empt the other.
Connecticut
Anomaly or New Normal?
Regulators weigh interest rate climate and future Fed policy in setting allowed return on equity.
(November 2013) Consumer advocates argue for lower allowed utility returns, to reflect lower financing costs. Our rate case survey shows mixed regulatory responses.
Dominion Acquires Kyocera Solar Power Project
Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-11-01 12:43Dominion acquired a solar project in Somers, Ct., capable of producing approximately 5 MW of electricity from Kyocera for an undisclosed sum. Kyocera and CleanPath, a San Francisco-based clean-energy company, jointly developed the Somers project, which is expected to begin commercial operation within the 4th quarter of 2013. The Somers Solar Center will use Kyocera Solar’s photovoltaic technology. The electricity will go to Connecticut Light & Power under a 20-year PPA.
Peaceful Coexistence
Independent microgrids are coming. Will franchised utilities fight them or foster them?
Despite offering a range of benefits, microgrids are proving to be controversial—especially when non-utility owned microgrids seek to serve multiple customers. The biggest battles are taking place in the realm of public policy. But utilities that pursue collaboration rather than confrontation are finding interesting opportunities for profitable investment.
Turning Energy Inside Out
Amory Lovins on negawatts, renewables, and neoclassical markets.
Fortnightly speaks with Amory Lovins about the evolving role of conservation, competition, and distributed resources in the energy industry.