EE Insights Header-1

Managing Grid Security in a Distributed Energy Environment

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 11/24/15 10:49 AM

Historically, utilities have shouldered the burden of mitigating the security risks inherent in energy generation, distribution and transmission. The utilities were, and continue to be, well-placed to do so as they benefit from historical knowledge, existing relationships with regulators and grid operators, large and highly-trained workforces and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to rate base. Although the nature of risks has evolved over the years, with terror threats and privacy concerns added to the list of conventional risks like weather events, traditional utilities have been up to the task with a few noteworthy exceptions.

However, the traditional model of energy generation and distribution is in midst of an evolution that, arguably, could be more impactful to the U.S. grid than deregulation has been. Even in competitive generation markets, retail interaction with customers has been handled almost exclusively by the utility as an energy aggregator with the ability to rate base. Places like New York are now serving as the test labs for alternate models as regulators there have been shifting their gazes toward distributed generation models where smaller, independent entities would drive power supply through resources co-located, or else located in proximity, with end users.

Read More

Topics: Utilities, NY REV, Power Generation, Microgrid, Energy Finance, Distributed Energy, Energy Management, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy

Mid-Atlantic: Distributed Energy Opportunities

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 11/3/15 11:58 AM

The Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia) is currently at the forefront of discussions regarding the next generation of distributed electricity markets. Notable developments pushing the region into the spotlight recently include M&A activity, creativity on the part of public service commissions, local innovations in PACE finance, and increasing flexibility on the part of local utilities.

Read More

Topics: Water Energy Nexus, Utilities, Water, Carbon Emissions, Energy Security, Thermal Generation, Energy Policy, M&A, Structured Transactions & Tax, Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency, Power Generation, Microgrid, Energy Finance, Distributed Energy, Energy Management, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Wind, Oil & Gas

Can the Clean Power Plan Achieve Its Carbon Emission Reduction Goal Through Increased Renewable Energy Development?

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 9/22/15 10:41 AM

Read More

Topics: Utilities, Carbon Emissions, Energy Policy, Structured Transactions & Tax, Energy Efficiency, Power Generation, Microgrid, Energy Finance, Legislation, Distributed Energy, Energy Management, Renewable Energy

Nevada Solar Update: Senator Harry Reid Takes On Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway in Net Metering Debate

Posted by Administrator on 9/8/15 8:00 AM

Read More

Topics: Utilities, Energy Policy, Legislation, Distributed Energy, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy

Offshore Wind Has Come to the U.S.; EPCs Can Help It Gain Momentum

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 8/27/15 10:08 AM

 

Read More

Topics: Utilities, Energy Policy, Structured Transactions & Tax, Power Generation, Energy Finance, Legislation, Wind

Understanding New York's 'Vision' -- Feature in Public Utilities Fortnightly

Posted by Administrator on 8/25/15 1:02 PM

With some of the highest electricity prices in the United States, and mindful of the massive disruptions to its electric service caused by Hurricane Sandy, New York has undertaken a major reform of its electric utility industry. This reform begins with the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), which has recently issued a broad-scale initiative to change the way utility service is provided that may serve as an example nationwide. The reforms will radically alter the way electric utility services are provided and priced to customers.

Read More

Topics: Utilities, NY REV, Energy Policy, Microgrid, Energy Finance, Distributed Energy, Energy Management, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy

Managing the Rise of Distributed Energy - Emerging Utility Trends

Posted by Administrator on 8/19/15 11:39 AM
Read More

Topics: Utilities, NY REV, Energy Policy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Finance, Distributed Energy, Energy Management, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy

Nation’s Capital Explores Modernized Energy Distribution

Posted by Administrator on 8/11/15 12:34 PM

 

Read More

Topics: Utilities, NY REV, Energy Security, Energy Policy, Energy Efficiency, Microgrid, Distributed Energy, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy

Lessons from the Recent NY REV Conference

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 8/7/15 10:14 AM

Several members of the Sullivan Energy Finance Team attended Infocast's recent NY REV Summit. Speakers ranged from utility and regulator representatives to CEOs of technology and service providers, all eager to discuss the latest in New York's ongoing Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) proceeding. Several key themes emerged during the two day event:

Read More

Topics: Utilities, NY REV, Energy Policy, Energy Finance, Distributed Energy

Senate Energy Bill Includes Funding For Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Pilot Projects

Posted by Administrator on 7/29/15 10:08 AM

In an era conscious of water scarcity, the water-energy nexus made the agenda of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which is considering broad based, bi-partisan legislation, the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.” The nexus between water and energy refers generally to the fact that the provision of water and wastewater services tends to be highly energy intensive, while most types of power generation tend to be highly water intensive.

Read More

Topics: Water Energy Nexus, Utilities, Water, EPMA, Energy Policy, Energy Management

Sullivan

About the Blog


The Environment & Energy Insights blog analyzes developments in the law, as well as provides updates and perspectives on trends and polices.

The material on this site is for general information only and is not legal advice. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage which may result from reliance on it. Always consult a qualified lawyer about a specific legal problem.

Subscribe to Blog

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic

see all