Conservatives and a few of the nation’s largest utilities companies are gathering momentum to roll back Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in several states. Their efforts stem from concern over net-energy payments made to utility customers who produce excess renewable (solar) energy.
See current updated report and map on all states current Renewable Portfolio Standards and other specific state updates in the Midwest and California; and how new policies in your state will impact green building and renewable energy.
Claims that these payments, given mass adaption of solar, could potentially “bankrupt” utilities are mostly unfounded. Especially given adaption and technology advancement in the electric vehicle transportation sector. See What’s So Smart About the Smart Grid?
More and more cities are setting ambitious targets for renewable energy. San Diego, for instance, wants to be 100% renewable by 2035. But how do you achieve such ambitious targets?
Jesse Berst of Smart Cities Counsel says “One neighborhood at a time” may prove to be the right answer. Schneider Electric is helping both Corsica and the Philippines with small- to mid-sized projects. Each such project is a meaningful step towards energy that is not just more renewable, but more reliable and resilient as well.
Communities are also citing resiliency as the new most important reason to implement smart grid and renewable energy technology.
With utility brown and black outs, and climate change challenges on the increase in many cities, smart infrastructure is now becoming more relevant.
Sustainable Cities Network’s recent December 2, 2015 blog highlights information about the new resiliency trends toward renewable power generation.
Bottom line – it’s all about the economic affordability, resiliency and reliability- governments and consumers are finding it pays to just do it!