Policy update

Virginia Senate Completes Passage of Historic Clean Economy Act

RICHMOND, March 6, 2020 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy applauded the Virginia Senate for passing SB 851, the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), a bill that puts the Commonwealth on a historic path for 100% clean energy by 2045 while saving customers money, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. The Senate vote was 22-17 for SB 851, the same bill passed by the House of Delegates late yesterday.

“Today, we passed the most significant clean energy legislation in Virginia history. This historic legislation is a major step forward towards investing in clean energy and job creation across Virginia,” said Senator Jennifer McClellan. “The Virginia Clean Economy Act will move Virginia from the back of the pack to become a leader on clean energy." Click here to continue reading the press release.>

Florida Public Service Commission Approves Landmark FPL Solar Energy Program

AEE reacted to the unanimous approval of Florida Power & Light's (FPL's) new customer-driven solar energy program and tariff by the Florida Public Service Commission. This makes FPL's program the largest customer solar "green tariff" option currently offered by a utility in the nation. FPL's proposed SolarTogether program gives customers (retail, commercial and industrial) the option to subscribe to blocks of solar energy capacity to offset their energy needs with no long-term commitment. The solar power resources will come from 20 dedicated 74.5 megawatt (MW) solar power plants to be developed by FPL in Florida. “At a time when customer demand for renewable energy is growing, the approval of SolarTogether launches FPL and the state of Florida into a leadership position for customer renewable energy programs—which is good for residential customers, good for businesses, and good for the Sunshine State," said Gloria Li, policy associate for Advanced Energy Economy. Click here to continue reading the press release.>

AEE Reacts to Indiana Senate Vote on Coal Bill

AEE reacted to Indiana Senate passage of its amended version of HB1414, a bill that would require Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approval before a utility can close a coal plant. The Senate vote was 37-11. The House passed its version February 3. "We applaud the Indiana Senate vote today to move forward with legislation that allows utilities to invest in energy resources that are most beneficial to consumers and grid reliability," said Caryl Auslander, policy director at Advanced Energy Economy.  "Advanced energy continues to be the best option for Hoosiers, providing low-cost energy and supporting over 90,000 jobs, and it's important that the legislature not put any barriers in the way of advanced energy to compete on price and performance." Click here to continue reading the press release.>

aee webinars

How Corporate Demand Can Drive Renewable Energy and Economic Growth, State by State

Live on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 3pm ET | 12noon PT 

Utility renewable energy programs for C&I customers are no longer a new concept, but they’re still not meeting the potential demand in many vertically integrated states, where customers don’t have the options they need to meet their renewable energy goals. This webinar will look at the potential C&I renewable energy demand in vertically integrated states based on analysis of two very different states, Florida and Indiana, and the economic benefits that would come from meeting that demand; trends in utility programs across the country; and how customer perspectives and preferences have shifted as the concept of utility renewable energy programs matures.

Panelists:

• Caitlin Marquis, Director, Advanced Energy Economy
• Holly Lahd, Lead Energy Program Manager, Target
• Tyler Espinoza, Director Energy & Climate Practice, 3Degrees