Top GOP Senator on Energy Committee Releases Energy 20/20 Blueprint
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, the ranking Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, unveiled her Energy 20/20 proposal this week. The 123-page document is intended as a “blueprint for discussion” about U.S. energy policy and includes a wide range of provisions, from oil drilling to energy storage R&D.
FERC's Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP)
FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update its SGIP. Among several changes, it proposes to modify the Supplemental Review process; making it similar to the California Rule 21 process - a 100% of minimum load screen along with two additional technical screens that evaluate a generators' impact on safety, reliability and power quality. FERC will host an additional workshop and provide an opportunity for written comments on the proposed changes before finalizing the rule.
OHIO PUC Proposes Interconnection Revisions
On January 16, 2013, the Ohio Public Utility Commission staff issued proposed revisions to that state's interconnection procedures for comment. A supplemental review process with a 100% of minimum load penetration screen and two additional technical screens are among the changes proposed. Comments are due later in January with reply comments in February. Read the full text.
SEIA Wins at FERC on Interconnection
In response to a request from SEIA, on January 17, 2013, FERC issued proposed changes to its rules to expedite and reduce the cost of interconnection for wholesale distributed solar generation up to 20 MW. The proposed rule will allow solar projects that meet certain technical screens to qualify for “fast track” interconnection while maintaining electric system reliability and safety. The proposed rule has the potential to double the amount of solar generation eligible for fast track interconnection. Comments to FERC are due in 120 days.
Call for Nominations of Elected Leaders of the U.S. Solar Heating and Cooling Alliance- a division of SEIA
The U.S. Solar Heating & Cooling Alliance (SHC Alliance) is a division of SEIA focused on growing the solar heating & cooling market through reducing barriers and advocating for policies on the federal, state, and local levels.
Congress Passes “Fiscal Cliff” Bill
After weeks of heated negotiations, both the House and the Senate passed The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. This legislation (1) extends many tax cuts which expired at the end of 2012 and (2) avoids the mandatory spending cuts which would have taken effect on January 3, 2013.
New Report Shows U.S. Solar Industry Tops 17 GW of Installed Capacity
New Jersey Passes Legislation to Stabilize Its Solar Market
This legislation addresses the current oversupply of N.J. solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), brings stability back to the N.J. solar market, and keeps the N.J. solar industry growing over the next several years.
New Report: Solar accounts for 49% of new electric capacity in Q1 2013
Solar Photos Needed
Help us spotlight solar in America today. Submit photos of solar installations or manufacturing for our photo database and see your company, project or workers highlighted by SEIA.