Kimberly Lewis Ferguson

Free SCE Webinar: Energy Storage Basics, June 28, 10am -12pm PT: https://buff.ly/3yRjzoo @SCE #ESS #energystorage #energy #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #batteries #solar #buildings #greenbuilding #electrification #infrastructure #utilities #electricity #decarbonization #EVs #free

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Free SCE Webinar: Energy Storage Basics, June 28, 10am -12pm PT: https://buff.ly/3yRjzoo @SCE #ESS #energystorage #energy #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #batteries #solar #buildings #electricity #greenbuilding #infrastructure #utilities #electrification #decarbonization #EVs #free

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☀️↗️“This will open up opportunities for distributed energy resources to be designed in a way that aligns with grid needs.” Sky Stanfield with Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) The Golden State is receiving just the renewables boost it needs! California legislators approved new interconnection rules that empower solar and solar + storage projects to be much more of a help than a hazard to the state’s grid. This “Limited Generation Profile option” will help usher in more solar. Read about it! 📕https://lnkd.in/eu2aC587 #PoweringTheEnergyTransformation #communitysolar #commercialsolar #asset-acquisition

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Don’t be fooled by Big Utilities. Uncontrolled utility spending and a lack of government oversight are why California's electricity costs are so high — not solar users. In fact, we need higher rooftop #solar and battery adoption to get utility spending under control and meet the state’s #climate goals. Watch this video to learn more about their uncontrolled spending and what you can do to stop it and keep California a solar energy leader! https://bit.ly/49BHpRQ

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Solar power has surpassed 100% of power demand in California! For 55 consecutive days, and 80 out of the last 87 days, California's main grid has seen electricity from solar, wind, and hydro power exceed daily demand for part of the day. At peak times, solar provided 102.1% of electricity demand, with renewables as a whole peaking at 136.4%. This milestone underscores California's leadership in renewable energy and validates pro-renewable advocates. One notable achievement is California’s progress in addressing the "duck curve" issue. By rapidly expanding energy storage, California is effectively storing surplus solar energy for use during peak demand times after sunset. This has significantly mitigated the duck curve challenge, proving that solutions to renewable energy integration are viable and effective. Despite high electricity prices, research shows renewables actually drive costs down, while other factors, including fossil gas prices and infrastructure costs, contribute to higher rates. #renewableenergy #solarenergy #california #cleanenergy #sustainability #energyinnovation #solarpower #windpower #hydropower #energystorage #solarpowered #solar

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Important update from California: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has implemented new monthly fixed charges on electricity bills. While the charges are lower than initially proposed, they still impact California residents. Stephanie Doyle from Solar Energy Industries Association emphasizes the need for careful consideration regarding the impact on #rooftopsolar, #storage adoption, and #electrification measures crucial for climate goals. Amidst concerns, SEIA remains committed to advocating for policies that address high utility rates and promote sustainable energy solutions. Stay informed as we navigate these changes together. 💡🔋 #california #energypolicy #renewableenergy #climateaction

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Disappointing Decision by CPUC: A Setback for California's Solar Growth On May 30, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a disheartening decision, approving a revised proposal for the state's community solar program, supported by major investor-owned utilities. This decision ignored a promising alternative proposed by a coalition of solar advocates, ratepayer groups, and labor unions. The rejected proposal, based on a Net Value Billing Tariff, aimed to compensate community solar subscribers fairly and boost renewable energy capacity. The approved decision makes only minor changes to existing programs, which have already failed to foster substantial renewable energy growth. Derek Chernow from the Coalition for Community Solar Access criticized the decision, stating it disregards the demands for a functional community solar program and solidifies California's lagging position in community solar markets. Similarly, Aaron Halimi of Renewable Properties expressed concern that this decision will deter investment in community solar projects, undermining the state's climate goals and efforts to reduce electric bills for low-income residents. Stephanie Doyle of the Solar Energy Industries Association emphasized that the CPUC's decision favors utilities' financial interests over the needs of low-income Californians and renters, further blocking their participation in the clean energy economy. She called for intervention from Governor Newsom and state leaders to prevent further setbacks in California's clean energy progress. This decision marks a significant missed opportunity for California to lead in community solar, leaving solar advocates deeply disappointed. #CPUC #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarGrowth #CleanEnergy #CaliforniaSolar #EnergyEquity #Sustainability #ClimateGoals https://lnkd.in/gbe8rmrm

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Aspen Power's Kristy Zaragoza will be on GridTECH Connect Forum's upcoming panel: "Community solar: A California dream?" Expect an interesting discussion on the heels of the recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to adopt a flawed community solar program. If you have questions or would like to connect in advance let us know! By siding with utilities, the CPUC has made a choice that not only undermines the interests of ratepayers but also poses a significant setback to California's ambitious climate goals. Distributed energy generation supports the equitable and sustainable growth of community solar initiatives, and our progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Learn more about the panel here: https://lnkd.in/eAw87QMP #GridTECH #Sustainability #Solar

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California's 8 GW Solar Gold Mine: Resilience Hubs Shaping the Future 🌞🏢 TL;DR: A study spots 18,000 resilience hub sites in California that can generate 8GW of solar power, boosting grid resilience and supporting communities during power outages. It underscores fossil fuel drawbacks and backs solar plus energy storage as a sustainable solution. Highlights • Average US household faced 8 hours without power in 2020. • Resilience hubs more cost-effective, located in public spaces. • Fossil fuel generators high-maintenance, fail 48 hours into outages. • Solar power reliable for critical needs, funding a major challenge. • Identified hubs could power 15.8M Californians, reducing emissions by 5m tons. • Equity crucial for vulnerable communities; strategic placements explored. • High utility rates justify solar; calls for discounted renewable pricing. #SolarPower #ResilienceHubs #CleanEnergy #California #Sustainability #CommunitySupport #EnergyStorage #EquityInEnergy Article Source https://lnkd.in/gA-6Uyxj

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In this week’s AEIC (Association of Edison Illuminating Companies) Grid Mod Pod episode, we’re excited to be joined by Mark Esguerra, Director of Distribution System Planning and Strategy for Southern California Edison (SCE) California Edison. Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen in: -Why planning for increased transportation and building electrification is a top priority for Southern California Edison -How changes in overall load have impacted the evolution of grid planning technologies -How Southern California Edison is enabling a faster interconnection process for customers, and how other utilities can do the same -Why automation will play a critical role in supporting increased demand on the grid -How forecasting can get key customers and stakeholders on board with transportation electrification projects – This podcast is brought to you by AEIC, the place where operations leaders come together to share knowledge and provide guidance to the electric utility industry. We'll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on! https://lnkd.in/eWQ-DjUh

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Elevate Your Energy Management with California Solar's Smart Panel or Breakers! ✅You can monitor and automate your energy usage ✅Gain control of each circuit and get insights into energy production, and consumption ✅Identify and reduce costly energy issues ✅Offset peak utility rates ✅Automate load shifting for smarter use of your home’s energy Want to learn more? Click here https://zurl.co/ly2M

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An important and insightful read about our efforts to lower costs, and deliver more affordable clean energy to our hometowns. Take a minute and read it!

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California, once a leader in solar panel adoption, hit a roadblock with the introduction of a new Net Metering policy at exactly this time in 2023. Because of that, the California solar market has changed significantly over the last year: - 69% of installers report lower sales  - The average installer has laid off at least 5 workers - 76% of companies are concerned about their ability to meet their cashflow California Solar & Storage Association CEO states: “Solar companies are working harder than ever to stay afloat, but our market has been set back 10 years, and the state continues to throw up obstacle after obstacle to the adoption of solar and storage. It’s like a Bizzaro World out here.” One thing remains true, though: The high cost of electricity in California will keep solar as a viable option for homeowners, even if they will not be getting paid for their excess energy. But that is where batteries can shine. Scroll to page 14 in our report to dig deeper. https://lnkd.in/exEvgtgU

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Without commenting on the financial aspects, why is California incentivizing solar plus storage in their Net Energy Metering 3.0 program? They are doing this because the peak time of energy use (dinner time) doesn't match the peak time of solar generation (lunch time). By including energy storage at the customer locations, renewable energy can be captured at each solar-generating residence and used later in the day at that same location. This helps reduce the amount of energy moving back and forth on the grid at different times. Most importantly, it reduces stress on the grid during peak demands. Any kind of energy storage helps enable renewable energy. Batteries are not the only way to do this. They are the simplest for most customers. But thermal storage and geoexchange can also be used to reduce grid stress, reduce operating costs, and increase reliability.

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