California looks to slash net metering for older rooftop solar

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CLEAN ENERGY

• California regulators propose slashing net metering compensation for rooftop solar arrays installed prior to April 2023, saying distributed generation customers don’t pay their fair share of fixed grid costs. (Los Angeles Times)

• Idaho lawmakers introduce legislation requiring county-level ballot measures on proposed wind facilities and an excise tax on turbines that don’t receive a majority of favorable votes. (Idaho Capital Sun)

• Advocates say proposed Montana legislation that would restrict wind turbine heights and implement setbacks on the facilities would render development nearly impossible. (Montana Free Press)

• Advocates and ranchers back off on supporting a Wyoming bill that would expand the size of solar installations that qualify for net metering compensation after a lawmaker adds a ​“poison pill” fee for all distributed generation. (WyoFile)

• A developer secures $1.4 billion in financing to construct two battery energy storage systems with a combined 450 MW capacity in southwestern Arizona. (Solar Quarter)

FOSSIL FUELS

• An Xcel Energy analysis finds one of its compressor stations may be unable to supply natural gas to some Colorado mountain communities during peak demand, prompting the utility to incentivize electrification. (Colorado Sun)

• Advocacy groups look to defend U.S. EPA regulations aimed at limiting oil and gas-related pollution in Utah’s Uinta Basin from a state and industry lawsuit. (news release)

GRID

• Bonneville Power Administration says low stream flows and dry winter weather have diminished hydropower output and led to revenue declines. (Renewable Energy World)

• A California lawmaker introduces a bill that would require the state’s energy commission to develop a virtual power plant implementation plan. (PV Magazine)

• A California lawmaker introduces legislation that would allow the state’s grid operator to participate in an independently governed regional day-ahead electricity market. (news release)

• New Mexico regulators ask utilities to report on their ability to meet higher summer demand. (New Mexico Political Report)

• Severe winds damage utility equipment in Oregon and Washington, leaving tens of thousands of customers without power. (OPB)

• An Arizona utility seeks proposals for at least 600 MW of new summer generating capacity by 2031 to meet projected demand growth. (news release)

TRANSPORTATION

• Washington lawmakers kill legislation that would have expanded Tesla’s exemption from a direct car sales ban to other electric vehicle manufacturers after dealers protested. (Washington State Standard)

EFFICIENCY

• Oregon schools push back on a 2023 law banning the sale of fluorescent lighting, saying the new LED bulbs do not perform as well. (OPB)