Reetu Gupta’s Post

Our clean energy future is threatened by an aging and fragmented electric grid. Without expanding transmission capacity, it will be difficult to transition to a 100% clean power grid. We can’t rely on battery storage alone to efficiently balance a grid with significant solar and wind generation. Increased transmission creates efficiency in power markets, lowering utility costs for consumers. One estimate shows an annual savings of $300 per household on electricity bills with added transmission. The problem is that there are barriers to building new linear infrastructure, and right now, it’s easier to site and permit new gas pipelines than transmission lines. But our planet can’t afford for the U.S. to delay connecting more renewable energy to the grid. That’s why I support the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act, introduced by SEEC co-chairs Reps. Mike Levin and Sean Casten. The bill would make it easier to build new transmission lines and implement reforms that facilitate easier electricity transfer between transmission planning regions. 

Really appreciate this group of 60+ changemakers who assembled tonight to write to our legislators about transmission reform for the U.S. power grid. If you want to read on, see a quick summary below from the Climate Changemakers action alert on why this matters, then check out their post for how to take action. Why we need to add capacity to the U.S. electric grid? Demand for electricity is increasing and the current grid structure cannot support the expected electrification of enormous swaths of our economy as we try to rapidly decarbonize. Electricity demand also naturally increases each year as a byproduct of tech-heavy economic growth. There’s already more clean energy waiting to connect to the U.S. power grid than the total generation capacity of existing power plants. Grid capacity isn’t the only reason for that backlog, but the grid simply can’t handle that excess generation without expansion and modernization. How can we advocate for this issue? -Congress can pass federal laws that address key issues affecting building new transmission, like requiring transferability between regions, making it easier to permit new lines, and granting more regulatory authority to the federal government. (SITE Act, BIG WIRES Act, CETA) -State utility regulators can use their regulatory authority over electric utilities to improve how they use existing transmission lines. They can incentivize practices that reduce grid stress, like the use of grid-enhancing technologies or better demand management. -State governments can tighten requirements on utility regulators and approve transmission siting and permitting requests quickly.

At BuildingEnergy Boston 2024, Rachel joined Michael Hindle from Passive to Positive and Meg Howard of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to delve into the critical discussion on climate action, focusing on the challenge of decarbonizing existing buildings, which are major contributors to emissions. Rachel advocated for 'moderate' retrofits as a scalable solution, while Michael emphasized the necessity of deep energy transformations wherever possible. Despite their differing approaches, Rachel and Michael share a common goal. Tune in to explore the dilemma: How do we balance doing what we believe is achievable here and now with our obligation to push for radical transformation? Listen here: https://bit.ly/3ymuEO1

Did you know? Last night's #SuperBowl was the first powered entirely by renewable energy. And yet, I don't recall seeing one mention of it—or any mention of climate change, sustainability, or the other ecological crises—during the game. No mention on climate. 600 shots of Taylor Swift having a good time. This is reflective of a larger gap—or opportunity—in how media represents the climate crisis. They don't. In the U.S. 2024 president election, climate change should be the central focus. And it's not being mentioned at all. Climate change doesn't get primetime attention. Why? 76% of Gen Z people consider climate change to be one of their biggest concerns and 37% consider their top concern (Pew Research Center). Majorities of the population around the world are concerned about the climate crisis. Imagine if political candidates focused on the issue. Media, presidential candidates, and companies/organizations in climate, energy, and green tech have a massive opportunity—and, arguably, responsibility—to publish content that centers the challenge of mitigating the impacts of climate change and offers solutions. If you're not telling your climate story, why not? People want and need to hear about solutions now. #climatechange #sustainbility #cleanenergy #renewableenergy

It’s Time to speed up climate action, ignite progress and go fast. It’s Time to make a call on fossil fuels – we need to ‘phase out’, instead of ‘transition away’. It’s Time to chisel climate into the heart of our national policies and international agreements and hold our elected officials to account. It’s Time to invest in scalable innovation, in energy storage, grid infrastructure, steel and concrete decarbonization, and finance. And It’s Time to level the playing field for the Global South and fund a just transition.     In short, It’s Time.   #ClimateWeekNYC  September 22-29, 2024

Another blogpost for avid readers 📖 In the last quarter, we've been super busy again on (net)-zeroing in on abatement curves and working with our customers to help them lower Scope 3 emissions. Learn more by clicking on the link below 👇 #climateaction #climatechange #scope3emissions

It’s Time to speed up climate action, ignite progress and go fast. It’s Time to make a call on fossil fuels – we need to ‘phase out’, instead of ‘transition away’. It’s Time to chisel climate into the heart of our national policies and international agreements and hold our elected officials to account. It’s Time to invest in scalable innovation, in energy storage, grid infrastructure, steel and concrete decarbonization, and finance. And It’s Time to level the playing field for the Global South and fund a just transition.     In short, It’s Time.   #ClimateWeekNYC  22-29 September 2024 https://lnkd.in/gBqvU2C2

It’s Time to speed up climate action, ignite progress and go fast. It’s Time to make a call on fossil fuels – we need to ‘phase out’, instead of ‘transition away’. It’s Time to chisel climate into the heart of our national policies and international agreements and hold our elected officials to account. It’s Time to invest in scalable innovation, in energy storage, grid infrastructure, steel and concrete decarbonization, and finance. And It’s Time to level the playing field for the Global South and fund a just transition.     In short, It’s Time.   #ClimateWeekNYC  22-29 September 2024 https://lnkd.in/eFuCQanj

Explore the critical steps in tackling the climate crisis outlined in President Biden's ambitious climate agenda. Learn about the Department of Energy's pivotal role, driving innovative solutions through research, development, and deployment of clean energy technologies. Read the full article to delve into the comprehensive approach towards a net-zero carbon future by 2050. #Sabiana #ThisIsSabiana

Getting clean, reliable power to rural communities is key to tackling disparities in access to energy. But how can this be achieved in an efficient way? FORESIGHT Climate & Energy spoke with Gabriela Ehrlich, Director of Communications at the IEC, who explains how to get it right. https://bit.ly/3UuJ8nt