Policy Update

Clean Energy Funding Must Remain a Priority Despite California’s Budget Deficit

Last week, California Gov. Newsom announced this year’s state budget. Despite reductions, the new budget preserves much of the critical funding for clean energy and transportation investments. United’s Edson Perez noted that maintaining funding commitments is crucial to supporting grid reliability, supporting in-state jobs, and better positioning California to meet its clean energy goals. United urged the legislature to continue investing in advanced energy infrastructure that supports Californians. Continue reading the press release here.> 

On the Blog

Texas’ ADER Task Force Makes Progress on VPPs, Challenges Remain 

Micalah Spenrath of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, United’s state chapter, discusses the progress made since the launch of two virtual power plants (VPP) last year in Texas. The VPPs are part of a pilot project from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) facilitated by the Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) Task Force, of which Micalah is a member. The pilot project acts as a testing ground for customers to contribute to the energy market. Continue reading on the blog.> 

Paving the Road for EVs: Getting Our Power Grid EV-Ready 

It’s estimated that, in 2023, Americans purchased 1 million electric vehicles (EVs), surpassing 11% of new car sales. United’s Ryan Gallentine explains that as we move into a world where EVs are the norm, not the exception, we must recognize and prioritize the urgent need to invest in grid infrastructure to support them. Continue reading on the blog.> 

Industry Events

Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, January 30-February 1

Join the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance for the region’s premier energy efficiency event. The 2024 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference will reunite the industry’s top innovators and decision-makers in the heart of Chicago for three days of inspiring talks, unparalleled networking, and insightful panels. Catch United’s Trish Demeter moderating the closing plenary on February 1 entitled “Federal Funds, Local Implementation,” which will explore how state leaders from across the Midwest are transforming opaque policy directives into tangible goals and actionable frameworks. Register here.>

Executive Forum: Innovative Partnerships to Build Efficient, Electrified & Clean Communities, February 6

Advanced Energy United’s Executive Forums, part of our Polyceum™ Series, engage industry stakeholders leading the transition to 100% clean energy and electric transportation in the United States. This forum, to be held in Washington, D.C., will bring together advanced energy technology company executives working in and around the distribution system, as well as federal, state, and local public officials. Together, we’ll discuss and identify partnerships, both within the private sector and between the public and private sectors, that can accelerate electrification and the deployment of energy efficiency, demand response, and other behind-the-meter resources. Sign up to be invited.>

ERCOT Market Summit, February 13-15 

The ERCOT Market Summit will provide a deep dive into upcoming reforms to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and provide serious insights into the directions they will drive the market. A stellar group of policymakers together with utility, solar, wind, IPP, finance, and trading executives will explore the future of the power market. Catch Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance Executive Director Matt Boms, who will participate in the panel discussion “Impacts of the IRA and Industrial Decarbonization on the ERCOT Market” on the first day of the summit. Register here.> 

GridTECH Connect Forum Southeast, February 26 

Join us at GridTECH Connect Forum Southeast, where we are shaping the energy future. With the Southeast’s abundant natural resources, this region holds incredible potential for maximizing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Let’s bridge the gap and accelerate progress in the Southeast to ensure it keeps pace with the rest of the country. Take 20% off your registration with promo code GTCPART13. Register today.>