Christopher McCune

Merchant vs hedge in battery storage... That's what I'll be discussing at the Solarmedia Battery Asset Management Summit November 12 in San Diego I'll be on a panel with my friend Joe Crespo, Sandeep Arora of REV Renewables, Erdal Kara, PhD of Vistra Corp., Li Xu of LXI Capital and Sebastian Blake of Octopus Energy talking about risks and rewards, and sharing my Plus Power perspective #energystorage #batterystorage #batteries https://lnkd.in/eQDiv_Ax

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We need these initiatives in India soon : In 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission issued a mid-term reliability (MTR) mandate requiring utilities to procure 1,000 MW of non-weather-dependent, non-battery, zero-emission energy to increase the reliability of the state’s electric grid. This decision catalyzed demand for geothermal, which provides firm, carbon-free power, filling gaps left by weather-dependent renewables like solar and wind. https://lnkd.in/dTkRDs2P

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This week's reason for hope (via climate stories in the news) is California's newest major clean energy benchmark. This week, California exceeded 100% of energy demand with renewables over a record 30 days. Electrek's article on the achievement details how California had more supply than demand for 30 of the past 38 days (as of April 14), and produced excess clean energy for 0.25-6 hours per day on each day. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggbkAchT #climatechange #climatecrisis #climateaction #sustainability #sustainable #energy #renewableenergy #California #cleanenergy #energygrid #windenergy #solar #solarenergy #hydropower

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The CPUC wants MORE of your Money!! Here's the bottom line.... Impact Analysis of CPUC's New Residential Electricity Billing Structure in California 🔍 Introduction: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has recently approved a new billing framework for residential electricity in California. This change, introducing a fixed monthly charge, aims to reshape how Californians are billed for electricity usage. This LinkedIn post delves into the economic and social ramifications of this decision, focusing on its impact across different consumer segments. 📜 Background: The CPUC's revamped billing system, slated for implementation by late 2025 for Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, and 2026 for Pacific Gas & Electric customers, integrates a fixed charge of $24.15 for most, with reductions available for low-income households. This pivot to a two-part billing structure marks a significant shift from the traditional variable usage rates. 💡 Economic Implications: Impact on Low Usage Consumers: The fixed charge may disproportionately affect low electricity users, such as those in smaller residences or low-income families, potentially increasing their bills despite minimal usage. This structure might discourage energy conservation by minimizing the cost-saving benefits of reduced consumption. Subsidization of High Consumption: While the structure could promote the adoption of electric vehicles and electrification of appliances, it could also lead to low users subsidizing the costs for high users. This could result in increased overall electricity use and escalate grid maintenance costs. 🌐 Social Implications: Equity Concerns: The introduction of a fixed charge raises significant equity issues, particularly affecting low-income households that might find this charge a burdensome portion of their total electricity bill, despite potential discounts. 📣 Public Response and Legislative Actions: The CPUC's decision has triggered public protests and legislative responses, including Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin's proposal to cap and potentially repeal the fixed charge. These actions reflect broad concerns about the fairness and environmental impact of the new billing structure. 🔄 Conclusion: The CPUC’s shift to a fixed charge in residential electricity billing poses several risks, from higher costs for low users to increased financial strain on vulnerable communities. The ongoing public and legislative backlash highlights the need for policies that balance economic efficiency, equity, and sustainability. 📚 References: Discussion on the CPUC vote and its implications as covered by KCRA. 🔗 Stay informed about the evolving landscape of energy policies and their implications for Californians. #EnergyPolicy #CPUC #California #ElectricityBilling #Sustainability #Equity

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Karen Herter, this is an incredibly timely and helpful report. Most telecom and energy engineers are focused on deploying two-way networks and IP connectivity to everything. In contrast, this report provides strategic quantification of the benefits of using multiple existing networks to provide hyperconnectivity to demand response devices. Well done!!!

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In this week’s AEIC (Association of Edison Illuminating Companies) Grid Mod Pod episode, we’re excited to be joined by Mark Esguerra, Director of Distribution System Planning and Strategy for Southern California Edison (SCE) California Edison. Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen in: -Why planning for increased transportation and building electrification is a top priority for Southern California Edison -How changes in overall load have impacted the evolution of grid planning technologies -How Southern California Edison is enabling a faster interconnection process for customers, and how other utilities can do the same -Why automation will play a critical role in supporting increased demand on the grid -How forecasting can get key customers and stakeholders on board with transportation electrification projects – This podcast is brought to you by AEIC, the place where operations leaders come together to share knowledge and provide guidance to the electric utility industry. We'll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on! https://lnkd.in/eWQ-DjUh

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For anyone who will be at IEEE Power & Energy Society T&D Conference feel free to stop by our panel session on #EVs and #gridreliability. Will be an interesting cross-sector discussion including technology provider, independent system operator, and utility perspectives among others. E-mobility is driving the blending of Transmission and Distribution system planning, design, and operations. Particularly with the growing prevalence of distributed energy resources, IoT and grid-edge technologies, and virtual power plants (#VPPs).

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🚨 CPUC’s Decision on Community Solar: A Setback 🚨 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has sided with the utilities they regulate, reshaping the community solar landscape and raising concerns in the renewable energy industry. 🔍 Key Points: In a 3-1 vote, CPUC adopted changes to the Green Access Program tariffs, moving away from a community solar model that aimed to increase access to clean energy for low-income Californians. This decision could undermine years of progress and limit clean energy benefits to those who need it most. 🌟 Aspen Power’s Take: Aspen Power sees this decision as a setback. The original community solar approach sought to democratize clean energy access and support California’s climate goals. We believe that the new direction favors utilities over equitable clean energy distribution. 🚀 Moving Forward: We call on Governor Newsom and state leaders to reassess this decision to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Let’s work together to make community solar thrive and deliver affordable, clean energy for all Californians. #CleanEnergy #CommunitySolar #CPUC #EnergyEquity #AspenPower

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Interesting new report from IEA on Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions out today: https://lnkd.in/gVzmbxWK Wonder how this comparison graf will look in 2030 if the current battery trend continues?

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Hey good news, this week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted to modernize long-distance high-powered transmission policies, aligning with the Biden Administration's decarbonization goals and fortifying the grid against extreme weather impacts. The transmission system must modernize and expand to meet 21st-century demands. With the growth of AI, data centers, and EVs powered by green energy, the U.S. must double regional transmission capacity. Key changes include: Increased Renewable Energy: Expect more renewable energy and less coal-fired power, though litigation is anticipated. Enhanced Grid Stability: Regional authorities can now improve grid stability, making the network more renewables-friendly. Improved Transmission Coordination: Transmission owners will plan every five years for future needs, thinking 20 years ahead. Notably, 260,000 MW of power generation is waiting to connect to the U.S. grid, with 95% from solar, wind, and battery storage. This ruling facilitates power movement from rural to urban areas, benefiting renewable energy. FERC’s new policies also revise backstop authority, allowing federal intervention when states fail to push through vital projects. This ensures no state can veto projects crucial for national interest. The changes aim to cut CO2 levels by 40% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Falling prices for wind and solar, coupled with increased clean energy capacity, signal a bright future for renewable energy and grid resilience. Rudy Garza of CPS Energy noted, "This transition is going to happen whether you like it or not." #Renewableenergy https://lnkd.in/gK4nJQB3

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When in CA, post about CA... April 25 - California is pushing ahead with its energy transition objectives in its latest annual transmission plan, published this month. State grid operator CAISO proposes to invest $6.1 billion in 26 grid improvements to connect new renewable energy projects by 2035, it said. The draft plan will support 38 GW of new solar capacity, in areas such as the Westlands area in the Central Valley and areas in the south near the city of Tehachapi, Kramer in San Bernardino County and Riverside County, as well as in southern Nevada and western Arizona. Most of these grid projects involve upgrading existing grid infrastructure, such as installing transformers or stringing new conductors to existing towers. https://lnkd.in/ekTdHc_8

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As data suggests, solar, battery and flexible power generation thru gas are emerging as preferred technology pathways for decarbonization of energy. I think wind is a bit behind because of significant high capex and current high interest rate regime. However, I believe that with correction in price discovery in CFD contracts reflecting the adjustment in risk and return for the investors will make it attractive again as wind offers the true scalability potential of renewable energy.

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Back in April of 2023, The California Public Utilities Commission's new Net Billing Tariff (also known as NEM 3.0) took effect. The new structure dramatically changed how rooftop solar owners are compensated for any excess power that they produce and sell back to the grid. One year later and we have a bit of perspective on how the market is responding to these changes. For this week's Eight Minutes episode, I sat with Stephanie Doyle from Solar Energy Industries Association to discuss how the California solar market is adapting to NEM 3.0. The Eight Minutes episode may be found here: https://lnkd.in/ennaYFjn And the extended interview with Stephanie can be found at More Than Eight Minutes, here: https://lnkd.in/eN5qHrBF #solar #NEM30 #energytransition #climatechange

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🚨🚨𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗡𝗘𝗠-𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 🔋 Demand for rooftop solar has crashed in #California since the introduction of NEM 3.0. Several other states are mulling similar cuts to #PV net metering programs. The transition to California’s new net metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) regime was justified, in part, as a way to support residential energy storage installations, but the state policy has pushed rooftop #solar off a cliff.⚡️ California, once known as a #cleanenergy leader, has fallen off track with its clean energy goals. That was the view shared recently by the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) during a panel discussion at the Intersolar North America 2024 conference in San Diego, California. -------------------------- 📌We're a simple and easy-to-access platform for posting and applying for #sustainability jobs. 📌#hiring. Stay with us 😊🥰

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Disappointing Decision by CPUC: A Setback for California's Solar Growth On May 30, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a disheartening decision, approving a revised proposal for the state's community solar program, supported by major investor-owned utilities. This decision ignored a promising alternative proposed by a coalition of solar advocates, ratepayer groups, and labor unions. The rejected proposal, based on a Net Value Billing Tariff, aimed to compensate community solar subscribers fairly and boost renewable energy capacity. The approved decision makes only minor changes to existing programs, which have already failed to foster substantial renewable energy growth. Derek Chernow from the Coalition for Community Solar Access criticized the decision, stating it disregards the demands for a functional community solar program and solidifies California's lagging position in community solar markets. Similarly, Aaron Halimi of Renewable Properties expressed concern that this decision will deter investment in community solar projects, undermining the state's climate goals and efforts to reduce electric bills for low-income residents. Stephanie Doyle of the Solar Energy Industries Association emphasized that the CPUC's decision favors utilities' financial interests over the needs of low-income Californians and renters, further blocking their participation in the clean energy economy. She called for intervention from Governor Newsom and state leaders to prevent further setbacks in California's clean energy progress. This decision marks a significant missed opportunity for California to lead in community solar, leaving solar advocates deeply disappointed. #CPUC #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarGrowth #CleanEnergy #CaliforniaSolar #EnergyEquity #Sustainability #ClimateGoals https://lnkd.in/gbe8rmrm

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Fervo Energy has secured record-breaking PPAs with Southern California Edison (SCE) for 320 MW of geothermal capacity. These 15-year agreements provide reliable, clean, and affordable 24/7 baseload power, crucial for when wind and solar resources are unavailable. David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission, highlights that this deal is a milestone in California’s commitment to zero-carbon electricity. The agreements support SCE’s vision for a cleaner energy future, powering 350,000 homes across Southern California. Fervo’s innovative drilling technology and scalable approach have reduced costs and increased efficiency, exemplified by the ongoing 400 MW Cape Station project in Utah. This initiative aligns with California’s mid-term reliability mandate to procure 1,000 MW of non-weather-dependent, zero-emission energy. Geothermal energy stands as a cornerstone in California’s journey towards a fully decarbonized grid, ensuring stability and sustainability. #renewableenergy #geothermal #cleanenergy #california #sustainability #energytransition #renewables

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Southern California Edison (SCE) signed two power purchase agreements totaling 320 MW with Fervo Energy in the largest-ever PPAs for geothermal. These massive deals show utilities' increasing demand for non-fossil electricity and a fully decarbonized grid: SCE had to procure 1,000 MW of non-weather-dependent renewables, because of a mandate from the California Public Utilities Commission. So that's a big moment for utility-scale geothermal. At the on-site scale, I've got my eye on the New York's biggest geothermal residential project going up in Brooklyn right now. Great to see these sorts of projects going online -- we gotta do more of what works, and invest in the rest. Software alone will not change the way the global economy powers itself. #energy #climatetech

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I wonder how the valuation and modeling service providers factor in these latest market conditions in their models. Thoughts?

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Aspen Power's Kristy Zaragoza will be on GridTECH Connect Forum's upcoming panel: "Community solar: A California dream?" Expect an interesting discussion on the heels of the recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to adopt a flawed community solar program. If you have questions or would like to connect in advance let us know! By siding with utilities, the CPUC has made a choice that not only undermines the interests of ratepayers but also poses a significant setback to California's ambitious climate goals. Distributed energy generation supports the equitable and sustainable growth of community solar initiatives, and our progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Learn more about the panel here: https://lnkd.in/eAw87QMP #GridTECH #Sustainability #Solar

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