Anna Collins

It is exciting to see great discussions and policy work to expand Transmission Grid Capacity and the role of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) in unlocking the Grid for more renewables. We at GridAstra acknowledge some of the pressing challenges mentioned - the laborious work to simulate GETs during studies and lack of software tools to help plan the Grid with GETs. GridAstra recently released ‘𝙁𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉-𝙏 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’ to address this very challenge by providing 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗚𝗘𝗧𝘀) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀. The ‘𝙁𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉-𝙏 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’ can not only perform the detailed pre-projects and post-projects steady state analysis to identify the basecase and post-contingent constraints based on cluster studies, but can also provide automated suggestions for mitigating these constraints with GETs based controls. As a part of such GETs based control actions, it can automatically provide an optimal strategy by coordinating Grid Topology Reconfiguration and Advanced Power Flow Controllers (APFCs), or using any one of these control types based on your choice. In case you are wondering about where to place the APFCs in the Grid for optimal impact (with minimum APFC installation), our software can also help find that out for you! And last but not the least, this software can be easily integrated in your existing Interconnection Study workflows, thanks to its compatibility with industry-standard data formats. Ultimately, our goal with the ‘𝙁𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉-𝙏 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’ software is to empower Transmission operators, Utilities, and Generation project developers to reliably connect larger volumes of new generation in a much shorter period of time and at a much lower cost. If you are interested in a demo of our ‘𝙁𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉-𝙏 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’ software, please reach out to us at info@gridastra.com or https://lnkd.in/g6BacNK5.

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Despite significant barriers, the future of clean energy is bright. For starters, our research at Aurora Solar shows that 77% of homeowners are interested in—or already have— solar panels. And, as negative sentiment around punitive #netmetering legislation grows, it is clear that Americans aren’t willing to stand by and let solar slip away. Read more in my recent piece from Fortune: https://lnkd.in/ezq5imHH. #AuroraSolar

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✅ California's community solar potential is not being fulfilled amidst stakeholder demands, leading to a controversial vote by the CPUC. ✅ Alliant Energy in Wisconsin completes 200 MW solar project, part of a 12-project buildout, with combined capacity reaching over 1 GW. ✅ Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) advances in competition with lithium-ion batteries, offering lower costs over larger periods. From community solar projects in California not reaching their full potential owing to a contentious CPUC vote, to unprecedented solar accomplishments in Wisconsin where Alliant Energy wraps up a 200 MW solar project - part of an ambitious multi-phase assignment spanning 12 projects aiming for over 1 GW! The post also discusses remarkable advancements in Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES), expected to overtake lithium-ion batteries with lower costs over extended periods. In international news, price trends in the global solar industry are fluctuating due to complex intercontinental trade environments, with the solar wafer prices softening. As for weather, unique irradiance patterns recorded across North America due to the Gulf's heat dome and a polar jet stream have brought fascinating changes to solar outputs in May. Adding to exciting developments, Chinese wafer manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan aims to acquire a majority stake in Maxeon, boosting its financial strength. Lastly, Canadian Solar, a global manufacturer, is challenging the widespread support for tariffs among fellow solar manufacturers. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com ☀️

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I’m going off a little half-cocked here (but CA entrapment in Net Energy Metering is always the quicksand you’re standing on). “The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) proposed a new tariff—Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT)—that takes a page from New York’s value of distributed energy resources (VDER). Proponents of this approach say it’s an accurate economic measure because it considers multiple value streams produced by distributed energy — including costs DERs may avert. In California, for example, the tariff considers such benefits as avoiding the need for transmission lines and reducing environmental harm.” - emphasis - “costs DERs may avert” You can’t “avert” costs that have already been spent … yes you may improve capacity headroom but that is of little value. The only - long term - guaranteed “aversion” is if there was/is complete disconnection. Australia is so much better off as our networks are structurally separated and regulated (by the Australian Energy Regulator).

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Don’t miss the upcoming panel presentations and discussion 2 weeks from today on the topic of EV Charging and Grid Reliability at IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) T&D Conference on May 7th from 1-3 pm in Anaheim, CA. Ryan Quint, CEO of Elevate Energy Consulting, and former engineering director at North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) will lead off the discussion with a landscape overview and call to action for more engaged cross-sector collaboration and establishment of “grid friendly” charging practices. Bryan Jungers, Director of Mobility at E Source will provide an overview of some of the challenges in the areas of managed charging, EVs as a grid resource, and understanding the impacts of medium and heavy-duty vehicle charging, as well as the need for improved communications and data sharing. Ryan Garoogian, Senior Engineer at Southern California Edison (SCE) and Deepak Aswani, Supervising Principal Engineer at SMUD will share their perspectives regarding some of the challenges their companies are facing, as well as examples of mitigation strategies they are deploying, with the rapid growth of EV charging loads in their service territories. Peter Klauer Senior Advisor to the California ISO will share important insights on some of the operational challenges the CAISO is facing in understanding and managing EV load growth in the context of California’s changing resource mix and the increased presence of DERs. He’ll also highlight opportunities for EV’s to make positive contributions in addressing these challenges, as well as the need for standards which allow grid operators to gain greater situational awareness of EV and DER load impacts. Scott Caruso, President of Gridmetrics, Inc. will share valuable insights on the breakthrough broadband enabled continuous point on wave platform his company has developed for delivering insights to mitigate EV charging grid reliability impacts. This will be a great session and we hope you can join us. #gridreliability #evcharging #DistributedEnergyResources #EVs

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Shocking statistic: 92% of all persistently impoverished communities are served by co-ops. 🤯 With 110 on bill financing programs around the country (mostly run by co-ops), the barriers have never been lower to reduce bills. So why are these communities still suffering? Barriers: Accessibility. Education. Capital. Accessibility: Going through an energy audit, sourcing and hosting 3-5 contractors, and filling out loan applications with little support is HARD. Even tougher to go through this process with confidence.... Education: Expertise is hard to come by in co-op territories and delivering it is expensive! Capital: Many on-bill programs still have credit checks, lengthy bill payment criteria, and small loan funds. In other words, to be successful these programs MUST: 1) Reduce the time intensity 2) Educate homeowners -- get them excited to move forward with confidence! 3) Lighter capital requirements and raise bigger loan funds Is there something else that I've missed? A big thank you to Miguel Yañez-Barnuevo (he, his) for penning this paper and for all his effort helping co-ops get access to the capital they need to help their members! ______________ I'm Grant Gunnison Click my name + follow + 🔔 to learn how to get off gas and electrify P.S. If you'd like early access to our platform, repost this! #onbill #batteries #renewables #heatpumps

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Had a great time at VerdeXchange (VX) today, meeting with city, state, utility strategists and policy makers, and technology entrepreneurs. What set this event apart from others was the focus on practical problem-solving rather than just theory. The discussions with Pasadena and LA were particularly insightful, as we listened to challenges faced by others in the industry with data and AI. It's always inspiring to see people coming together to find solutions rather than just talk. People are hungry to see results. #VerdeXchange #entrepreneurship #innovation

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What a great program from GridLab. Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship can be daunting. Don’t let the fear win out. Support like this in the beginning is a great way to help with the transition. Kudos to GridLab

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Community solar is likely 'dead on arrival' in California. After a 2022 law opening California to community solar, regulators adopted a plan that only makes minor changes. It’s possible regulators are favoring utility-scale solar over rooftop and community to better navigate the impending challenges (such as excess solar supply) and build a more financially sustainable grid. #CommunitySolar #ClimateTech #CleanTech #CAISO #Solar

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Great to see this article in the Virginia Mercury by Robert Zullo describe how sustainable energy is bringing needed capacity for grid stability across the U.S., with new solar capacity in particular expected to help the country meet expected peak demands this summer. This piece also notes that there are points of stress impacting the U.S. electric grid all across the country. These stress has its roots in changes that relate to both consumption (more electric heat pumps, more induction cooking, more electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles) and generation changes (more sustainable power with intermittent generation, more home solar, new power generation locations in different places than historical generation, requiring additional transmission infrastructure) but are also accompanied by new tools like utility scale power storage. Those who know me well know that I am regularly sharing that I believe we all will get a crash course on power and what’s needed to actually deliver a carbon-free electrical grid that provides clean, abundant and reliable power. I recommend this article for those who are now interested.

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Come to hear two big brains on utility policy and EVs. Stay for the optimism and insights on what to expect in the near term. We're entering a pivotal moment in EVs. It's time to deliver on infrastructure promises for all vehicle types. The utilities are the driving force behind the power delivery necessary for this to happen. Two industry leaders, Brian Wilkie and Nadia El Mallakh joined me to talk about EV grid integration. Check it out on YouTube below or your favorite podcast app. Are utilities up to the challenge? What do you think? https://lnkd.in/eSTSFXVE

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Microgrids significantly impact EV charging by enabling faster deployment and operation of charging stations, offering cost savings, lower emissions, and 100% reliability. They allow for quicker electrification of fleets, beneficial for areas like Southern California facing regulatory pressures.

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Rounded out my week in the A at RE+ Southeast on a panel with great colleagues like Josephus Allmond and Andrew Posner. I talked about my approach to crafting innovative clean energy policies and how this has led to more equitable access to #solar in the Southeast and nationwide. “We need to democratize access to solar…and all climate solutions.” #InflationReductionAct #ClimateAction #EarthDay

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"Predictive technology is now positioned as the ultimate tool for ensuring the viability of solar power resiliency on a global scale for years to come." Please join me in learning from this article in PV Tech from Tigo Energy's own Evgeny Finkel where he explores the practical challenges faced in the energy industry, including specific examples from recent history. Ensuring efficient, effective, reliable, and affordable energy is pretty far down Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Balancing supply and demand is an absolute requirement for utilities and disruptions such as the Covid-19 scare and the reality of war in Ukraine and Israel test the capabilities of energy providers. Evgeny and the team at Tigo Energy are innovating daily to use AI and machine learning technologies to contribute to uninterrupted energy worldwide.

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Excellent Rate Design AND rate design program implementation is imperative to the clean energy transition. Helping our utility partners and their customers achieve that excellence is exactly what GridX set out to do 14 years ago! But, what is considered excellent in these two disciplines? Join Ahmad Faruqui and myself for a Latitude Media Frontier Forum on June 13th for a live, interactive conversation to examine the need for great rate design — and the consequences of getting it wrong. It's clear that time varying and dynamic prices are vital for motivating customers to electrify, adopt DERs, and embrace demand flexibility to meet a changing power supply curve. But, many disagree about the details of designing and implementing these rates. I look forward to discussing and debating the trade-offs, lessons learned, successes, failures, and the future of modern rates and rate design implementation. Let's make rate talk fun!! 😉 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gE52MXYF

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This online resource provides access to an interactive map that tracks how the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are encouraging historic levels of private sector investments across the country. This increase in funding is creating many jobs and opportunities in the clean energy sector while inspiring the development of new projects as well. #CleanEnergy #InflationReductionAct #Impact

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The ongoing debate around community solar in California is reaching a critical juncture with the upcoming vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The decision could have significant national implications, especially considering Neil Chatterjee's warning about potential federal-state jurisdictional conflicts. This case underscores the broader challenge of integrating distributed energy resources like community solar into the existing grid framework while maintaining equitable market conditions. It's concerning that the proposed decision might undervalue community solar, potentially stifling growth in a state that could significantly contribute to national renewable energy targets. The Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) proposed seems to offer a fairer and more comprehensive approach by considering the multiple value streams of distributed energy resources, which could set a positive precedent if adopted. As the situation develops, the community solar sector's resilience and adaptability will be tested. Regardless of the CPUC's decision, the determination of advocates like the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) to pursue legislative avenues shows a commendable commitment to ensuring sustainable energy solutions are accessible and beneficial across the board. This scenario highlights the intricate balance required between advancing technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics to truly capitalize on the potential of renewable energy.

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