Erik Stokes

For anyone who will be at IEEE Power & Energy Society T&D Conference feel free to stop by our panel session on #EVs and #gridreliability. Will be an interesting cross-sector discussion including technology provider, independent system operator, and utility perspectives among others. E-mobility is driving the blending of Transmission and Distribution system planning, design, and operations. Particularly with the growing prevalence of distributed energy resources, IoT and grid-edge technologies, and virtual power plants (#VPPs).

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The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is a fundamental piece of California’s efforts to accelerate the transition to low and zero emission fuels as well as the buildout of convenient and accessible EV charging stations. As California prepares to vote on proposed changes to modernize its LCFS, EVgo's Manager of Market Development and Public Policy, Noah Garcia, discusses the program's benefits and the importance of sound program design to the success of transportation electrification in California: https://lnkd.in/dzg82VET

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently issued a decision that sets timelines for the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities to complete customer energization projects. Energization is the process of connecting electrification projects—such as electric vehicle charging equipment—to the grid so that we can make use of our clean energy technologies. By setting timelines to complete energization projects, the CPUC decision recognizes that the state’s clean energy transition can’t happen without the timely integration of electrification projects to the grid. IREC has been actively engaged in the decision’s proceedings and contributed to the decision’s results. Our new blog post digs into the CPUC’s decision requirements for energization timelines, how the decision sets out to implement current clean energy laws and goals, and why accelerating energization is crucial for our transition to clean energy. Read it now at https://lnkd.in/g3fqQ_fD!

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Karen Herter, this is an incredibly timely and helpful report. Most telecom and energy engineers are focused on deploying two-way networks and IP connectivity to everything. In contrast, this report provides strategic quantification of the benefits of using multiple existing networks to provide hyperconnectivity to demand response devices. Well done!!!

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The California Energy Commission has launched an RFP for "Distributed Energy and Electrification Analysis" using the LF Energy Arras project. The goal of the initiative is "to buildout the state’s electric distribution grid model to support the CEC in assessing various electrification and distributed energy resource (DER) adoption scenarios." Learn more about the RFP and how to submit a proposal at https://hubs.la/Q02TtnTR0 #lfenergy #energy #utilities #arras #energytransition #der #climatetech

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DOE proposes ten “national interest” transmission corridors (my latest for PV Magazine USA) Eight of the ten transmission corridors proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy would facilitate transmission between grid regions; one would expand transmission within the Mid-Atlantic’s #PJM grid region; and one would expand transmission in the Northern Plains.

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The forecast for electricity needs in the Pacific Northwest points to rapid growth and increased demand. While more renewable energy is coming online, the existing transmission system also needs to be expanded. Learn more about the plans for the Northwest power grid at https://lnkd.in/gwM2HTj3

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has expanded its community solar programs and launched a new renewable energy initiative, enabling access to state and federal funds, including the EPA's Solar For All grant. Key Highlights: Disadvantaged Community Green Tariff (DAC-GT): - Expansion: From 60 MWs to 144 MWs. - Customer Impact: Expected to benefit 45,000 more customers. - Projects: Facilitates 45 new solar projects. - Geographic Boundaries: Expanded for more eligible low-income projects. Green Tariff Program: - Enhancements: Stabilizes charges and aligns with clean energy efforts. - Battery Storage: Allows pairing with solar projects. - Eligibility: Available to commercial and residential customers in investor-owned utility areas. New Community Renewable Energy Program: - Inclusivity: Open to all income levels; 51% capacity for low-income subscribers. - Community Choice Aggregators: Can participate. - Compensation: Solar exports paid at avoided costs, supplemented by state and federal funds. - Cost Control: Program costs won’t exceed utility purchase costs, ensuring affordability. California’s Solar Leadership: - New Projects: 10,800 MWs added since January 2020. - Installed Capacity: 35,000 MWs, providing 30% of state’s electricity. - Record Output: Nearly 19 GW on May 13, 2024, powering millions of homes (CPUC). California's community solar projects account for less than 1% of the 6.2 gigawatts of community solar built in states with supportive policies, despite having over $1 billion dedicated to community renewable energy programs since 2007. Since 2018, only 70 megawatts (MW) of community solar generation have been installed. This limited growth is attributed to the programs being unattractive to developers, financiers, and subscribers. Factors likely include regulatory complexities, less favorable economic incentives compared to other states, and possible administrative hurdles that deter participation and investment (Canary Media) This initiative boosts California’s sustainable energy, expands solar access, and supports clean energy goals (CPUC). Credit to The California Public Utilities Commission and Jeff St. John Photo by Canary Media All images are copyright of their respective holders. https://lnkd.in/gFVGuVgw https://lnkd.in/g2EyPZAd. #climatechange #sustainability #earth #nature #renewablenergy #renewables #renewableresource #renewablepower #decarbonization #cleanenergy #cleanpower #greenhousegases #ghg #windpower #windenergy #communitysolar

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In comments submitted regarding the California Energy Commission's 2024–2025 Investment Plan Update for the Clean Transportation Program, FirstElement Fuel, Inc. "warned a lack of funding for light-duty hydrogen fuelling could restrict the formation of supply chains for heavy-duty infrastructure. 'The [light- and medium-duty] market will create the supply chains and economies of scale needed for [heavy-duty] infrastructure.'" https://bit.ly/4cuy9Aw

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GOPOWEREV GETS CEC FUNDING FOR ACCESSIBLE EV CHARGING: GoPowerEV has been awarded a US$4.1m grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) through the Reliable, Equitable, and Accessible Charging for Multi-family Housing 2.0 (REACH 2.0) program. The grant will help deploy GoPowerEV’s #EVcharging solutions in California's disadvantaged and low-income communities, and affordable housing. https://lnkd.in/eY6_Mw9a

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Ariel Stavitsky is quoted in an article in New Project Media that discusses legislation passed recently in Oregon that provides an opt-in program for utility-scale standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS), the beginning of a state-level certification pathway for standalone BESS. According to Stavitsky, the bill provides additional opportunity for BESS developers to pursue state-level certification with the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council but stops short of solving the primary permitting hurdle in Oregon—“the piecemeal” local land use authorization landscape for standalone BESS in the state. Read more here. https://ow.ly/v4xH50Su2Tx #StoelRives #Oregon #EnergyStorage #Energy #RenewableEnergy #BatteryEnergyStorageSystems #BESS #Lawyers #Attorneys

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Aspen Power's Kristy Zaragoza will be on GridTECH Connect Forum's upcoming panel: "Community solar: A California dream?" Expect an interesting discussion on the heels of the recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to adopt a flawed community solar program. If you have questions or would like to connect in advance let us know! By siding with utilities, the CPUC has made a choice that not only undermines the interests of ratepayers but also poses a significant setback to California's ambitious climate goals. Distributed energy generation supports the equitable and sustainable growth of community solar initiatives, and our progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Learn more about the panel here: https://lnkd.in/eAw87QMP #GridTECH #Sustainability #Solar

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Grid analysts challenge Bonneville Power’s pace in adopting advanced conductors--my latest for PV Magazine USA. As the White House encourages utilities to use advanced conductors to help interconnect new renewable generation, the federally-owned utility Bonneville Power is moving slowly to use the high-capacity conductors, analysts said. Mike O'Boyle, Casey Baker, Michelle Solomon #AdvancedConductors

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#ACOREMember Avangrid has entered into a PPA with Portland General Electric for a 120 MW #solar project. The plant will produce electricity for businesses enrolled in PGE's Green Future Impact program, including fellow #ACOREMember Meta's new data center. https://lnkd.in/dn-fB6Yu

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Covering 70% of the total charging infrastructure costs is a strong incentive for companies to electrify now. It’s interesting how Revolv is well-positioned to transition their customers' fleets to EVs.

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