Community energy, like solar, might soon be a reality in Ohio. Credit: Ampion
Ohio House passes bipartisan bill to enable community energy programs
Columbus, Ohio
The Ohio House of Representatives has voted to advance a bipartisan bill that would enable community energy programs in the state, including solar. 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 Shared Solar program
Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia State Corporation Commission recently amended Dominion Energy’s Shared Solar minimum bill proceeding that will make the program more workable for customers and expand access for low-income residents. The Coalition for Community Solar Access says the order could still be improved to include additional grid benefits in the value calculation.
Environmental groups ask Maryland PSC to fast-track storage deployment
Annapolis, Maryland
Environmental and consumer advocates recently asked the Maryland Public Service Commission to speed up acquisition of new, low-cost clean energy and storage as authorized by the state’s Next Generation Energy Act. The act requires the PSC to solicit proposals for up to 1,600 MW of energy storage capacity, with an initial proposal deadline of January 1, 2026, but swift approval could help projects capture expiring federal tax credits.
DOE removes renewable energy offices, prioritizing fossil fuels and nuclear power
Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration is continuing to destabilize federal support for renewable energy deployment by eliminating or altering certain Dept. of Energy offices supporting grid decarbonization. In a newly published department organizational chart, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are gone, and offices centered on nuclear energy and fossil fuel deployment have taken their place.
New report outlines opportunities of current proposed interconnection reforms
The United States
The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) says a proposal currently under consideration by FERC could finally solve some of the long-time issues with renewable energy interconnection. The report discusses how the Southwest Power Pool’s Consolidated Planning Proposal is putting into practice the interconnection and planning reforms long advanced by SI2.
