Ross Heiman

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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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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🔆 Exciting strides in solar power as Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in California set to implement a significant 5MW solar capacity to their local microgrid system. 🔋 The project also brings a robust 15MWh of long-duration energy storage, proving the potential for solar power and storage to step up as reliable sources of energy. 🤝 This movement is not alone - The California Energy Commission provides a substantial $32 million grant, demonstrating the commitment of state authorities to this vital clean energy initiative. Discover how a Californian tribe is trailblazing their way to sustainable energy with a landmark solar and storage project. Acknowledged as one of the significant upcoming microgrid projects across the globe, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in Corning, California is stepping up to illuminate the path towards a sun-lit future. The tribe is expected to add a 5 MW solar capacity and a 15 MWh serving of long-duration energy storage to their local grid. Gaining substantial support and a whopping $32 million funding from the California Energy Commission, this project is a beacon, showcasing the real-life potential of solar power and green energy storage. This tremendous endeavor is one of the many efforts by California to cleaner energy, marking an astonishing 757% increase in deployed storage capacity over the past four years. As California embarks on a journey to reach 100% clean energy by 2045, it brings us a step closer to making solar panel installations an achievable reality for homes nationwide and worldwide. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 🌞

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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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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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🚨 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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California, once a leader in solar panel adoption, hit a roadblock with the introduction of a new Net Metering policy at exactly this time in 2023. Because of that, the California solar market has changed significantly over the last year: - 69% of installers report lower sales  - The average installer has laid off at least 5 workers - 76% of companies are concerned about their ability to meet their cashflow California Solar & Storage Association CEO states: “Solar companies are working harder than ever to stay afloat, but our market has been set back 10 years, and the state continues to throw up obstacle after obstacle to the adoption of solar and storage. It’s like a Bizzaro World out here.” One thing remains true, though: The high cost of electricity in California will keep solar as a viable option for homeowners, even if they will not be getting paid for their excess energy. But that is where batteries can shine. Scroll to page 14 in our report to dig deeper. https://lnkd.in/exEvgtgU

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☀️↗️“This will open up opportunities for distributed energy resources to be designed in a way that aligns with grid needs.” Sky Stanfield with Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) The Golden State is receiving just the renewables boost it needs! California legislators approved new interconnection rules that empower solar and solar + storage projects to be much more of a help than a hazard to the state’s grid. This “Limited Generation Profile option” will help usher in more solar. Read about it! 📕https://lnkd.in/eu2aC587 #PoweringTheEnergyTransformation #communitysolar #commercialsolar #asset-acquisition

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Elevate Your Energy Management with California Solar's Smart Panel or Breakers! ✅You can monitor and automate your energy usage ✅Gain control of each circuit and get insights into energy production, and consumption ✅Identify and reduce costly energy issues ✅Offset peak utility rates ✅Automate load shifting for smarter use of your home’s energy Want to learn more? Click here https://zurl.co/ly2M

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Community solar offers a unique opportunity to lower energy bills and boost clean energy access in California. Despite the support from diverse stakeholders, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering a proposal that would limit these benefits for renters and low-income communities. The Utility Reform Network urges CPUC to reconsider. Community solar enables customers to benefit from centralized solar farms, receiving economic credits on their utility bills without installing panels themselves. This is crucial for renters and low-income households often excluded from solar benefits. California’s Assembly Bill 2316 supports a fair approach, ensuring at least 51% of benefits go to low-income customers. Unlike expensive rooftop solar incentives, community solar provides cost-effective bill reductions and enhances grid reliability, especially when paired with battery storage. CPUC must reject the flawed proposal and embrace community solar to achieve energy affordability and sustainability for all Californians. #communitysolar #cleanenergy #affordableenergy #california #renewables #sustainability #solarpowered #solarintallation #solarenergy

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Solar power has surpassed 100% of power demand in California! For 55 consecutive days, and 80 out of the last 87 days, California's main grid has seen electricity from solar, wind, and hydro power exceed daily demand for part of the day. At peak times, solar provided 102.1% of electricity demand, with renewables as a whole peaking at 136.4%. This milestone underscores California's leadership in renewable energy and validates pro-renewable advocates. One notable achievement is California’s progress in addressing the "duck curve" issue. By rapidly expanding energy storage, California is effectively storing surplus solar energy for use during peak demand times after sunset. This has significantly mitigated the duck curve challenge, proving that solutions to renewable energy integration are viable and effective. Despite high electricity prices, research shows renewables actually drive costs down, while other factors, including fossil gas prices and infrastructure costs, contribute to higher rates. #renewableenergy #solarenergy #california #cleanenergy #sustainability #energyinnovation #solarpower #windpower #hydropower #energystorage #solarpowered #solar

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At a time of elevated interest rates and cratering solar incentives, virtual power plant programming will be crucial for residential storage developers in California. Read more: #energystorage #batterystorage #virtualpowerplants #VPPs

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‼️“Proposed projects are ‘mired in lengthy and uncertain’ interconnection study processes.” An area of serious concern for Standard Solar and the larger industry continues to be interconnection problems. A recent Berkeley Lab study found that the renewables and storage interconnection backlog grew about 30% in 2023. 📖Read more about their findings. ☝️Plus, our VP of Engineering, C.J. Colavito, wrote all about the salient points surrounding this issue in a Renewable Energy World article entitled “Want an IRA-driven solar boom? Fix interconnection now.” Check it out: https://lnkd.in/draD4HDr #PoweringTheEnergyTransformation #communitysolar #commercialsolar #asset-acquisition

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California targets 100% renewable energy by 2045. Battery energy storage, installed on the customer’s side of the meter, can store energy from renewable solar and wind for later use as well as: ✔️ensure reliable power during grid outages ✔️reduce utility bills ✔️cut carbon emissions To accelerate battery energy storage adoption, the Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook (funded by the California Energy Commission) offers best practices to streamline permitting. CSE's Kelly Leathers discusses the importance of energy storage and best practices to overcome permitting hurdles here: https://lnkd.in/grpvGzB5

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Free SCE Webinar: Energy Storage Basics, June 28, 10am -12pm PT: https://buff.ly/3yRjzoo @SCE #ESS #energystorage #energy #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #batteries #solar #buildings #greenbuilding #electrification #infrastructure #utilities #electricity #decarbonization #EVs #free

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Free SCE Webinar: Energy Storage Basics, June 28, 10am -12pm PT: https://buff.ly/3yRjzoo @SCE #ESS #energystorage #energy #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #batteries #solar #buildings #electricity #greenbuilding #infrastructure #utilities #electrification #decarbonization #EVs #free

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