NET METERING: In a victory for solar advocates, California regulators vote to retain the state’s net metering program that pays customers for excess generation at retail rates. (New York Times)
ALSO:
• Utilities and solar advocates in Iowa are caught off guard by proposed legislation to cut the amount solar generators are paid back under the state’s net metering program. (Midwest Energy News)
• Mississippi regulators reject requests to reconsider the state’s new net metering policy. (Mississippi Business Journal)
• Some question whether the tactics of solar advocates in Nevada created animus with policymakers over grandfathering net metering customers under a new proposal. (Utility Dive)
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WIND: As the debate over offshore energy development in South Carolina heats up, wind is winning over oil and gas “by a long shot.” (Washington Post)
NUCLEAR: A utility says New York’s plan to offer incentives to keep struggling nuclear plants open won’t come soon enough to save one of its plants. (RTO Insider)
RENEWABLES:
• An energy expert says it’s possible for Hawaii to reach its 100 percent renewable goal by 2045 at a “reasonable cost.” (Pacific Business News)
• A Portland, Oregon utility says a legislative proposal to double renewable energy and phase out coal would save ratepayers $360 million compared to a ballot initiative with similar goals. (Portland Business Journal)
CAP AND TRADE: About $1.6 billion in cap-and-trade funds remains unspent in California as lawmakers start work on a new budget. (Los Angeles Times)
BIOFUELS:
• ExxonMobil announces a new partnership in an effort to boost biofuel production from agricultural waste. (GreenBiz)
• A conservative energy group is running a six-figure ad campaign against U.S. senators trying to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard. (The Hill)
REGULATION: A request for federal regulators to intervene in the two income-guarantee requests by Ohio utilities could derail the proposals even if they receive state approval. (Midwest Energy News)
CONGRESS: Despite hopes for a smooth passing through a Congress, a sweeping energy package starting in the Senate will likely revive old and new partisan energy policy fights. (E&E Daily)
STORAGE: A new report says combining energy storage with solar power will be an $8 billion industry by 2026. (Utility Dive)
PIPELINES:
• Industry executives are “seething” over Canada’s plan to delay decisions on major oil pipelines in order to study their climate impacts. (Financial Post)
• Environmental groups are suing two New Jersey agencies after approving a natural gas pipeline through the southern portion of the state. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
COAL: The Kansas Supreme Court hears arguments over whether a new coal plant can proceed without limits on greenhouse gas emissions. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY: The Renewable Fuel Standard approach has “stifled innovation” and tilts the balance in favor of corn-based ethanol at the expense of cellulosic fuels. (New York Times)