The Chink in the Utility Armor. I interviewed the legislative leader behind Florida’s Amendment 4, Senator Brandes. The news in the interview came from our discussion about what’s next for solar in the Sunshine State. Senator Brandes understands the value of solar and the benefits of having a known 30 year price structure, something that cannot be offered by fossil fuel plants. In our conversation we talked about the strength of the Florida Utility Monopoly and how the consumer’s choice for fixed pricing and clean energy could be the chink in monopoly armor. The Governor is now ready to sign the bill that Senator Brandes helped push through the legislature potentially marking the beginning of the solar renaissance here. Of note, Senator Brandes is the most conservative member of the Florida legislature as rated by the Americans for Prosperity.
Wholesale Power Markets. As we enter an era of low cost centralized solar, storage and end of life fossil assets, we have to broaden and redefine power markets. Solar plants will always produce energy at the same time, naturally increasing available energy and lowering the cost of marginal energy in the market. The markets should start looking at how storage at all levels, central, substation and behind the meter, can be the replacement for fossil stations at the end of their lives. Replacing plants with new central fossil doesn’t make much sense in most areas, time to create the right price signals.
The Energy Storage Road Show is happening, starting May 22nd in San Diego!
Mexico, week after MIREC. Every year during and shortly after MIREC, Mexico becomes the next big market. Having overseen some development in Mexico, I have to say it was a long road and it surely isn’t easy to be patient to cross the finish line. This MIREC was probably different because the market now has some big solar already built and under construction. So hopefully for everyone working on solar in Mexico, here is to the takeoff of your market.
- SolarWakeup: Interview with Senator Brandes, How to Pass Solar Tax Policy in Florida
- Dive: CAISO – Wholesale power prices dropped 9% in 2016 to $34/MWh average
- PV-Tech: 2018 will be ‘take-off year’ for solar in Mexico, says GTM
- PV-Magazine: California opens second SGIP round after awarding $50 million on May 1
- The Oregonian: SolarWorld says Hillsboro factory ‘operating as usual’ despite parent’s insolvency
- CNBC: Tesla does deal with Vermont utility to reduce electricity bills with Tesla batteries
- Solar Industry: Washington Clean Energy Fund Backs Utility Microgrid Projects
- Arizona Daily Star: Tucson Electric Power proposes higher charges, fewer credits for future solar customers
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann