Analysts: Data centers pose emerging risk to the Western grid

GRID: Regional transmission experts say the buildup of energy-intensive data centers poses an ​“emerging risk” to grid reliability in the West. (OPB)

SOLAR:

• California’s public advocacy agency recommends applying new net-metering rules to existing rooftop solar, saying slashing compensation would reduce cost-shifting to non-solar customers. (PV Magazine)
• A developer secures $550 million in financing and breaks ground on its 140 MW Rosamond South solar-plus-storage project in Kern County, California. (Solar Power World)
• Washington state regulators approve a decommissioning plan for a solar facility under development in the southern part of the state. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

CLEAN ENERGY: The U.S. Energy Department awards Arizona $1.7 million to fund commercial sector energy efficiency projects aimed at benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. (Solar Quarter)

STORAGE: A California startup raises $2 million to further develop a thermal energy storage system for industrial applications that uses bricks to convert electricity into heat. (Canary Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• The Biden administration awards California, Oregon and Washington $102.4 million to fund a zero-emissions truck charging and fueling corridor along the West Coast. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• A California startup begins selling its DC-to-DC electric vehicle fast charger, saying it reduces energy loss and allows for direct link to solar panels. (Green Car Reports)

ELECTRIFICATION: An Alaska city begins offering residents up to $500 to replace oil-based heating systems with electric heat pumps. (KTOO)

COAL: Data show 10 coal-fired generating units provide about one-third of Colorado’s power, but the facilities all are slated to close by 2031. (Colorado Sun)

OIL & GAS: 

• Alaska petroleum firms ask the state for additional subsidies and royalty relief before drilling for natural gas in the Cook Inlet to mitigate a looming regional fuel shortage. (Northern Journal)
• Data show two New Mexico counties in the Permian Basin have surpassed their Texas counterparts in oil production by churning out more than one million barrels per day. (Bloomberg)

UTILITIES: Utah lawmakers raise concerns about the state’s largest utility’s proposed 36% rate hike. (Deseret News)

CLIMATE: A study finds an increase in heat-related deaths between 2018 and 2023, with the vast majority of fatalities occurring in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. (Los Angeles Times)

COMMENTARY: California energy analysts find undergrounding power lines is necessary to mitigate wildfire hazard in some areas, but urge utilities to use more cost-effective methods when possible. (Energy Institute at Haas)