GO 15. Reliable and Sustainable Power Grids’ Post

🔋 Battery storage capacity in the power sector is expanding rapidly. Over 40 gigawatt (GW) was added in 2023, double the previous year’s increase, split between utility-scale projects (65%) and behind-the-meter systems (35%). Battery storage has many uses in power systems: it provides short-term energy shifting, delivers ancillary services, alleviates grid congestion and provides a means to expand access to electricity. Governments are boosting policy support for battery storage with more targets, financial subsidies and reforms to improve market access.

https://lnkd.in/dEbES9PD The opaqueness permeates some crucial areas including customer connection, billing, issue resolution process and timelines; the planning for new generation plants; acquisition of new powerplants; and utilities performance. Visibility in these areas is important as they allow the economy to give comfort to consumers looking to do more productive use; utility management looking to serve customers better and be understood when there are issues; and investors working to build a business as they support electrification. A sober discussion on the call for transparency. Energy is an economic enabler, we need an honest discussion. Very insightful George Aluru

Analysts characterized the landscape for electric utilities and the clean energy sector as highly volatile and ripe for abundant opportunities. Less than 10 months remain until the U.S. presidential election, which could heavily influence energy policy, clean energy tax credits, and federal loan guarantees. Although interest rates have stabilized, they remain higher than in the past 15 years, posing increased risks for renewable energy developers in terms of refinancing and debt service. #ElectricityPrices #PowerDemand #VirtualPowerPlants #Hyrogen https://hubs.la/Q02mDMn20

Happy Thursday Friends and Collaborators, How will the energy transition be financed? The current approach, with Electric Sector Modernization Plans, energy efficiency initiatives, and rate cases, follows a traditional pattern. The utility proposes spending, regulators give their approval, and then customers foot the bill. This process includes utilities recovering costs and making a profit, and it's this profit that I'm particularly interested in. A just energy transition must address the issue of equity in rates and the detrimental impact of excessive pursuit of profit on the most vulnerable. It is simply not acceptable to prioritize profits excessively. Capital expenditures for utilities require a thorough examination. Are there viable alternatives to the proposed Modernization Plans, or must we blindly accept the utility's proposals despite evidence suggesting otherwise? Are all the substations that are being proposed truly necessary? What other innovative solutions can we consider? The future of energy looks to be distributed, responsive, resilient, affordable, and equitable; therefore the utility business model must evolve, and regulatory principles should strongly favor the people! We need to ask IOUs - what can you do for the State after years of good profits from Massachusetts? #JustTransition

America’s energy grid is under increasing strain as demand for electricity surges due to #AI, data centers, electric vehicles, and a growing digital economy. The bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (S. 4753), co-sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), could be a game-changer for our power infrastructure. What’s at Stake? • A Wood Mackenzie report forecasts a 15% jump in U.S. power demand by 2030, putting immense pressure on an already-stressed grid. • Without permitting reform, meeting demand for electricity will only become harder and more costly. • Streamlining permits is essential for launching critical energy projects that will support America’s transition to cleaner and more reliable power. Why Now? Congress has a unique window in its lame-duck session to pass this legislation, which would accelerate energy infrastructure projects and ensure our grid can handle the demands of a modern economy. RER urges policymakers to seize this opportunity to strengthen America’s energy infrastructure for the future. ⚡ Read more in Roundtable Weekly: https://bit.ly/40uv8gR #PermittingReform #EnergyInfrastructure #CleanEnergy

There have been a number of articles and commentary in the past week talking about the opportunity that the new government has to reset the role of batteries in the UK electricity thinking. But they need to act fast. https://lnkd.in/eJZefu7p At the same time they aren’t getting the help that they need from the infrastructure operators. This FT article is particularly damning - years of under investment perhaps and not enough coherent drive from Ofgem? https://lnkd.in/evPjV7Fe The UK has a real opportunity to make smart grids at micro and macro level a thing of the present. But it does need government leadership. Taking over the system operator is hopefully a sign of future direction. Mr Milliband we look to you to support the innovation and investment that this country needs. #netzero #powervault

My ICF colleagues recently released a report exploring where demand growth and grid constraints present the greatest challenges for utilities across the U.S. Check out this article to see the situation in Northern Virginia and download the full report to explore six recommendations to help utilities deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy. https://bit.ly/4dr7rJc

A deferral account should not be used to redress a billing error; however, under approved Terms and Conditions for service, a utility can issue corrected bills to customers for billing errors identified within 12 months. Read this summary on our website https://lnkd.in/g5XEC3hB Download the decision summarized https://lnkd.in/g6K2ZctZ Visit our website for more Energy Regulatory Insights https://lnkd.in/gJjv-wuw and Energy Regulatory Reports https://lnkd.in/gS-SscMa Subscribe to the Energy Regulatory Blog to receive the summaries as soon as they become available https://lnkd.in/gmb45eTd #RegulatedRateOption #RRO #BillingError #Electrification #Sustainability #FutureEnergy #Electricity #Reliability #EnergySecurity #EnvironmentalSecurity #EconomicSecurity #Prosperity #RLC #RegulatoryLawChambers #EnergyRegulation #IndustryInsights #EconomicOutlook #Environment #EnergyPolicy 

Our latest blog dives deep into the future of the US energy grid, exploring the potential and challenges of a ‘flexibility-first’ approach as adopted in markets such as the UK. As utilities grapple with increased grid volatility and congestion, understanding the complexities of load distribution and learning from successful models in other markets are crucial steps toward a more sustainable energy future for the country. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/de5d-4M7 #energyinnovation #loadmanagement

🌟 Terrific Tuesday Update! 🌟 We had a fantastic start to the week here at One Stop Business Energy! We’re thrilled to have saved our customers money on both their energy and telecom bills. In the current business energy market, SMEs face rising costs and increasing complexity. Navigating these challenges can be daunting, but that’s where we come in. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you secure the best rates and optimise your energy usage, ensuring you stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Helping UK businesses reduce costs and improve their bottom line is what we do best. If you’re looking to cut down on your utility expenses, get in touch with us today and see how we can help! #TerrificTuesday #EnergySavings #TelecomSavings #BusinessEfficiency #OneStopBusinessEnergy #ClientSuccess #SaveMoney #SME