Cassidy Reinders

The Western energy market is highly significant, characterized by its vast size, diverse resources, and geographic variety. It offers substantial opportunities for utilities across the West, especially in terms of renewable energy development and transmission infrastructure.

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is meeting TOMORROW, and we need to act fast to make sure they adopt a Proposed Decision with a better, more equitable approach to community solar.   Yesterday, the CPUC issued a revised proposal that removes any reference to PURPA compliance, a step in the right direction, but continues to rely on existing programs that have failed to spur widespread community solar access. This is not the revised decision we were hoping for and it could have devastating effects on California’s Community Solar program. https://lnkd.in/gpbJ-NXW   We will continue to fight for common-sense recommendations to deliver a community solar program Californians deserve.

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Love this story. It's a best-case scenario for how the IRA tax credits should help with the energy transition, while providing assistance to those who need it most. #sustainability #energytransition #justtransition

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BIG NEWS for Oregon on its leadership efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across industry sectors! 💥 The EPA recently announced an almost $200MM investment through its Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program in “funding projects that reduce exposure to extreme heat, improve air quality, reduce energy costs burdens for lower income households and improve climate resilience." The funds are expected to start being spent mid-Spring 2025. Very encouraging news indeed. What comes to mind for this investment to really work for us all: ➡ Prioritize communities that are experiencing the most harm with climate change ➡ Focus focus FOCUS on continued coalition building across the state and across the U.S. We can all be learning from each other! ➡ Find ways for the general public to get involved in their communities: educational programs, campaigns to encourage industry policy changes...so many options ➡ The Oregon DEQ designing a long-term communication hub so citizens have a centralized place to check on progress, how they can get involved, etc. Take a human-centered design approach: prioritize citizens who are currently experiencing the most harm (see above) Let's go! #oregon #oregonDEQ #EPA #climatechange #climatechangefunding #greenhousegas #pacificnorthwest #environment #EPAfunding #EPAgrants https://lnkd.in/exBcE2Kw

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With 2023 as the earth’s hottest year on record, @Edison International is continuing to make progress toward a #CleanEnergyFuture that is reliable, resilient, and affordable to all customers and communities. Electrification is central to achieving California's ambitious climate goals. Today, we released our 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing how Edison International, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Trio are helping homes, businesses, vehicles and mass transit electrify, enabling a carbon-free future that's affordable and equitable. Highlights include: ☀ Edison’s climate commitment aligns with California’s climate goals to achieve carbon-neutrality and deliver 100% carbon-free power to customers by 2045.  ☀ In 2023, 52% of the power delivered to SCE customers was from carbon-free sources, 55% cleaner than the national average GHG intensity. ☀ We have reduced the probability of losses from catastrophic wildfire linked to utility equipment by 85%-88% compared to pre-2018 levels and have one of the country’s largest energy storage portfolios. ☀ In 2023, @Edison International’s community investments included a total of $20 million in 612 grants across four key pillars, including civic engagement, public safety and emergency preparedness, education and environment. Over 80% of the contributions support diverse and underserved communities. Learn more in Edison International’s latest #SustainabilityReport: https://lnkd.in/gquAP9Qx. #cleanenergy #sustainability #DEI #innovation

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SMUD customers 🧡 Sacramento is preparing for the first heat wave of the summer, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees starting Monday and lasting for at least seven days. Power reliability is a core value and SMUD has enough power resources to meet expected demand, barring a grid or other emergency such as wildfire or unexpected significant power shortfall. For heatwave-related resources, including a list of area cooling centers, outage and safety tips, and tools to help you save energy at home: www.smud.org/heatwave Sacramento County provides additional resource on their 211sacramento.org Web Page: Severe Weather Spaces | 211 Sacramento. The page includes an interactive “Cooling Spaces” map, SacRT free-ride information (to and from cooling centers), and additional contact information for residents. SMUD business & residential customer support: Customer support (smud.org) SMUD outage reporting & FAQ: Outage Center | smud.org SMUD heatwave information: Heatwave (smud.org) SMUD wildfire safety: Wildfire safety (smud.org) Staying safe…together. #communityresource #smud #heatwave #energytips #safety #community #smud

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Cut the largest sources of air pollution, invest in clean energy solutions, and prioritize overburdened and frontline communities. Washington's Climate Commitment Act does all three. If approved by WA voters this November, I-2117 would eliminate investments making Washingtonians' lives better right now throughout the state. Learn more about the risk of repeal: https://lnkd.in/g5ATwiGi #ClimateCommitmentAct

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Homes that use less energy are more affordable and more resilient in the face of climate change.   Over the last few months, we've worked with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and client Energy Trust of Oregon to show how the Tribes created one of the first net-zero neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest.  In these homes, tribal elders will see little to no energy costs thanks to efficient heating and cooling, efficient windows, and other features. Solar with battery storage will also keep the power on during outages caused by extreme heat, storms, or wildfires.   Thanks to NPR and OPB people nationwide can see how Creekside Elder Housing can serve as a model for the future. https://lnkd.in/gFG28Xar

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Suppliers, did you know that you may be indirectly impacted by California’s GHG reporting requirements, even if your company doesn’t meet the revenue thresholds? If one of your customers is impacted by these new climate bills, they may ask their suppliers for greenhouse gas emissions data to support their emissions reporting requirements. Be ready to report your company's scope 1 and 2 emissions data if/when your customer requests. Download Pinion’s latest resource guide for strategic guidance to help ensure you’re reporting-ready: https://okt.to/fspgzF View additional resources & insights here: https://okt.to/MuAkyl #sustainability #climatechange #carbonemissions #sustainableagriculture

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California's fight against wildfires gains momentum with the approval of a new initiative to accelerate power line undergrounding. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given the green light to major utilities to craft 10-year plans aimed at bolstering the state's electric grid against wildfire risks while minimizing costs. Undergrounding, championed by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), is hailed for its potential to reduce wildfire ignition risks by 98%. However, concerns over the hefty costs and recent rate increases underscore the delicate balance between safety and affordability. As California presses forward, this program marks a crucial step in safeguarding communities and infrastructure from the wildfire menace. #seetheopportunityineverydifficulty #utilties #CPUC #california #undergrounding #gridofthefuture ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ https://lnkd.in/e8Zg37sF

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AEP’s 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report is out!

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The California PUC’s decision against CCSA's Net Value Billing Tariff is a sobering reminder of the continuing challenges in expanding community solar, and one that has left a chill among developers. Ultimately, we believe in the strengths of community solar and in this industry’s ability to continue advocating for enabling legislation, but we also believe that now may be the time for the industry to consider new angles to supporting community solar, a sentiment that was echoed at last week's #CommunitySolarSummit. In our latest post, Segue partner Kristina Shih reflects on the status quo within the community solar industry, and where the industry must evolve and innovate a path forward amidst the broader DER industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gjfcJwNM #communitysolar #DERs #VPPs

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Earlier this year, we submitted a formal public comment to the California Energy Commission with recommendations on establishing a statewide home energy labeling program. In it, we describe the importance of leveraging national standards and systems and outline the steps the state could take to create a program that equitably accelerates housing decarbonization. Shout out to Madeline Salzman for leading the charge on this effort! You can read the full set of comments here: https://lnkd.in/g6zNDNT5 #homeenergyscore #decarbonization #equity #cleanenergy #markettransformation

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Grant opportunity for local governments working on decarbonization! The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced the availability of up to💰 $4M for the Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge (LGBDC) for grants to local Governments for eligible project activities including the following: 🔺 Community👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 building decarbonization planning.  These plans encourage the adoption of energy⚡ efficiency, building decarbonization, and advanced building performance measures in new and existing homes and commercial buildings. 🔺Municipal building decarbonization planning.  These plans integrate energy efficiency and building decarbonization measures in buildings owned and operated by the jurisdiction and its agencies. 🔺Advancing municipal operations to support building decarbonization.  Municipal operations may benefit from updates that allow jurisdiction staff to be more responsive to requests, provide more timely approvals and assistance, and minimize public and individual costs 🤑 and timing involved in these processes. Training and education📚 for local jurisdiction staff to stay up-to-date on current technologies, designs, and proposals presented to jurisdiction departments for approval. Developing local codes, ordinances, and voluntary decarbonization measures.  Proposed projects on this topic should be specific about the model codes being researched, considered, or proposed and the timeline for completing activities including adoption of new codes, ordinances, and measures. 🔺 Building decarbonization-related workforce development activities.  Proposed projects should identify known needs or the methods a jurisdiction plans to undertake to identify specific community needs and opportunities, as well as the specific strategies and partnerships envisioned or already planned to provide local workforce development. Grant awards will prioritize rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. 💰 Award sizes: $250,000 - $400,000 No match funding is required for this solicitation. Applicants may only participate in or submit one application under this solicitation. However, that single application may propose multiple project activities. ❗ The deadline for full applications is May 20, 2024. https://lnkd.in/eTrZtf4T 

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BCSE President Lisa Jacobson is in the Twin Cities today for the release of the 2024 Minnesota #Energy Factsheet! Released by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota as a companion to BCSE's #SustainableEnergy in America #2024Factbook, the MN Factsheet is the preeminent source on MN's energy transition. Top facts include: ⚡ Minnesota continues to outpace the nation in power sector emission reductions - now nearly 54% below 2005 levels vs. a 42% reduction nationwide. ⚡ Zero-carbon sources generated 54% of Minnesota’s power last year, providing the majority of Minnesota's electricity for the fourth-consecutive year. ⚡ The state has seen a 33% boost in energy productivity since 2001. Download the Factsheet today to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehQTT4KB

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Peninsula Clean Energy, the community-led electricity provider, has a mission to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its service territory which includes County of San Mateo, and shortly, the city of Los Banos. PCE’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2035, 10 years ahead of the state, which Peninsula Clean Energy aims to support through investment in local community programs. Transportation emissions are the most significant challenge to deep decarbonization in San Mateo County. These emissions account for about 50% of direct emissions within the County. 🔍 As part of PCE's Fleet Advisory Program, Clean energy experts Optony tasked The Mobility House with simulating the following constraints and considerations at each facility:   - Expected unmanaged charging load per site. - Optimal charging schedule and load based on vehicle routes and local utility rate provided by customer. - Charging cost estimation for optimal and unmanaged charging. - Minimum infrastructure requirements including number, size and number of chargers, and the physical grid interconnection needs. - Assessing these factors for multiple phases of electrification over 10+ years, providing an important perspective on scaling up, step-by-step. 📉 Deliverables included:  - 15 minute load data per site for a 24h period for both unmanaged and managed charging loads. (1 minute interval data provided when evaluating opportunity charging.)  - Charging cost and estimated savings per site with TMH ChargePilot charging and energy management system.  - Refinement of recommended charging infrastructure for sites, including charger specs and number of chargers. ⚡ Plan your electric fleet with the world's leading electrification experts Use the most powerful analytical tools to determine your charging depot site requirements. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gw49F5Ce #ZeroEmissions #SustainableTransport #CleanAir #FutureOfMobility #GoGreen #ClimateAction #CleanTech #ElectricRevolution #SmartMobility #EnergyTransition

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SoCalGas released its sustainability report, keeping stakeholders up-to-date on their progress.This report aligns with Sempra's overall sustainability goals of safety, community engagement, and innovation. The report details SoCalGas's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. It highlights their work on infrastructure upgrades, clean fuels, affordable energy access, and community investment. “Sustainability is a fundamental part of our business strategy. The progress in this report represents our next step in an exciting evolution in serving customers and communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency and resiliency, and advancing California’s climate goals,” says Jawaad Malik, CPA Strategy and Sustainability Officer at SoCalGas. “Our ASPIRE 2045 sustainability strategy focuses on key areas where we can create strong positive benefits for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.” 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dAdu8rnz ----- 👉 Visit www.knowesg.com for more sustainability news, courses, events and ratings 👉 Follow us to stay up to day with everything ESG 💚 #esgnews #sustainabilitynews #knowesg 

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This is a good article in Microgrid Knowledge about why SB 1374 (Becker) is such an important bill. It is all about solar fairness. Making sure that schools, multifamily housing projects and farms can utilize all the solar that they generate across multiple meters. Tell your state legislator, they should be supporting this bill.

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