Greetings From Hawaii, Where Utility Profit Depends on Performance — Episode 130 of Local Energy Rules
For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell and guest Isaac Moriwake discuss how Hawaii’s new performance-based utility regulation will adjust...
Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models
A new modeling approach from Vote Solar and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) might finally put distributed solar on the same footing in grid...
Innovative Solar Model Can Help All Xcel Customers Save on Electric Bills
The most affordable, cleanest and job-creating way for Xcel Energy to meet future electricity demand is to set higher incentives for local solar power, a...
In Support of an Improved Securitization Bill in Minnesota
Read John Farrell’s testimony in favor of a power plant securitization bill, which he gave to the Minnesota the House Climate and Energy Finance and...
A Solar Settlement for the Good of the Grid — Episode 118 of Local Energy Rules
For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell and Vote Solar’s Thad Culley discuss a net metering settlement underway in the...
In this testimony sent to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, John Farrell explains why the state’s 2001 distributed generation tariff has come up short and...
Utility Regulators Oversee Planning for a Robust, Inclusive Grid in Minnesota
In these comments, John Farrell outlines how Xcel Energy should improve its 2019 Integrated Distribution Plan to best serve the needs of Minnesota customers: increased...
Designing a Rooftop Solar Alternative in Sacramento
Although California now requires new residential construction to include solar, the mandate allows community solar subscriptions to substitute. ILSR submitted these comments to the California...
The following letter to regulators in Kentucky shares ILSR’s experience with value of solar policy, including the key categories of value to assess, the importance...
ILSR’s Testimony Supports Regulators in Unanimous Rejection of Gas Plant Purchase
On Friday, September 27th, research associate Maria McCoy testified to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Listen to her statement, arguing against Xcel Energy’s proposed purchase...
Customers Pay When Big Utilities Make Big Errors In Electricity Forecasts
This investigation of electric utility forecasts finds that on average, utilities over-predict electricity demand by 17% over three years. These over-predictions help utilities get permission...
Minnesota Community Solar Saves All Utility Customers Money
Despite its pride in having the nation’s largest community solar program––shown by the massive poster on its headquarters front doors (the above photo)––Xcel Energy can...
Minnesota Regulators Give Boost to Residential Community Solar
In a decision earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a 1.5-cent adder to the per-kilowatt-hour compensation offered to residential subscribers of community...
New Jersey Publishes Model Community Solar Program Rules
Joining 14 other states, New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities recently rolled out its draft community solar (or “shared renewables”) program rules. The program captures...
