Community energy, like solar energy, could soon be a reality in Ohio. Credit: Ampion
Ohio House passes bipartisan bill to enable community energy programs
Columbus, OH
The Ohio House of Representatives has voted in favor of a bipartisan bill that would allow community energy programs in the state, including solar energy. The legislation cleared the House Public Utilities Committee 20–0 before passing the full House with broad bipartisan support.
Virginia commission fixes major flaws in the Shared Solar program
Richmond, Va
The Virginia State Corporation Commission recently changed Dominion Energy’s Shared Solar minimum billing process, making the program more workable for customers and expanding access for low-income residents. The Coalition for Community Solar Access says the order can still be improved to include additional grid benefits in the value calculation.
Environmental groups ask Maryland PSC to accelerate sequestration implementation
Annapolis, Maryland
Environmental and consumer advocates recently asked the Maryland Public Service Commission to accelerate the purchase of new, low-cost clean energy and storage as allowed by state authorities. New Generation Energy Act. The law requires the PSC to submit proposals for up to 1,600 MW of energy storage capacity, with an initial deadline for proposals of January 1, 2026, but quick approval could help projects utilize expiring federal tax credits.
DOE removes renewable energy offices and prioritizes fossil fuels and nuclear energy
Washington, DC
The Trump Administration continues to destabilize federal support for renewable energy deployment by eliminating or altering certain Department of Energy offices that support decarbonization of the electric grid. In a newly published section organizational chartThe Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are gone, and offices focused on nuclear energy and fossil fuel deployment have taken their place.
New report outlines the possibilities of currently proposed interconnection reforms
The United States
The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) says a proposal currently being considered by FERC could finally solve some of the long-standing problems with renewable energy interconnection. The report discusses how the Southwest Power Pool consolidated planning proposal puts into practice the interconnection and planning reforms long implemented by SI2.
