I’m in DC for the MDV-SEIA Solar Focus Conference. Join me on stage tomorrow to kick off the conference with a discussion on power markets, growth of community solar and policy.
South Korea. Trump is in South Korea which last week threatened a WTO complaint if the US creates a tariff under the 201 petition. Korea could also go on the defensive considering they have an important share of the energy storage market, which the US needs access to. With everyone on the agenda, it is doubtful that solar makes the conversation but I hope that it does.
FERC is Full. The Senate has confirmed the two final nominees for FERC including McIntyre from Jones Day who will be the next Chairman of the regulatory body. Last week we published a conversation with Wellinghoff, former Chairman of FERC, in which he discussed the odd precedent of the chief of staff being appointed by the White House.
Coal. ERCOT, a closed but competitive power market in Texas, is saying (through pricing) that coal plants are no longer market viable. On the other hand solar projects are being financed and contracted by corporate, municipal and utility offtakers. Now, the same company that closed two plants is buying generation assets which include ERCOT coal plants by acquiring Dynegy and its 30GW of capacity (most of which is gas).
Coal Subsidies. The reporting has been focused on Murray Energy and First Energy with their push for coal subsidies (resiliency payments) under the NOPR that DOE is pushing at FERC. Rick Perry said the $10billion plus of extra cost to consumers is the price of freedom. I don’t follow his logic since gas is made here and the sun shines for free.
Ratebased Solar.Florida continues the path to let monopolies own more solar. Unlike other markets where the price of solar drops through competition, utilities in Florida are not incentivized to get the lowest cost of solar and take advantage of the tax credit or deductions.
- PV-Magazine: U.S. Senate approves two more FERC commissioners
- Utility Dive: How Vistra’s coal retirements could impact the Texas power market
- Politico: Trump coal backer wins big under Perry’s power plan
- Rocky Mountain Institute: Don’t Be Caught Unprepared for the EV Tsunami
- Renew Economy: Is this the end for big wind and big solar in Australia?
- Tampa Bay Times: Regulators approve Tampa Electric base rate freeze, solar push
- E&E News: DOE prepares report to Congress on net metering
- Indy Star: How other Midwestern states treat solar consumers
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann