The Limits of Large-Scale Utility Model; The future of energy is decentralized, clean, and community-driven

Is large-scale solar development slowing California's clean energy goals?

Will community solar programs continue to increase electricity prices for ratepayers?

Can the transition to clean energy sources and the development of charging infrastructure for electric trucks be achieved without overwhelming the grid?

These are the questions that should arise from the three articles I'm sharing which highlight the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to clean energy and sustainability goals.?

While California leads the world in innovative policy, the large-scale utility model for solar projects, transmission lines, and EV charging has reached its limits, resulting in higher electricity prices for ratepayers.?

The solution may lie in embracing small-scale solar projects and decentralized energy systems, which can lower energy costs, create new jobs, and improve local energy resilience.?

It's time to put the power into the hands of the people paying for it and embrace the technology and policy necessary to achieve a sustainable #future.

California wants to build more solar farms but needs more power lines

California needs to spend an estimated $30.5 billion on transmission development over the next two decades to meet its clean energy targets. However, the costs of developing transmission infrastructure for large-scale solar and wind projects, are driving up electricity prices for Californians.

This expense will be passed on to ratepayers, who will not only have to finance utility infrastructure but also face markups, for utility profits, on the final cost of electricity. This situation is particularly concerning given that the utility monopolies and their partners stand to profit from these rate hikes.

As a result, embracing small-scale solar projects and avoiding large-scale projects may be the only viable solution to avoid escalating costs for California's energy transition.

Community solar (utility-scale solar) is driving up electricity prices?

Starting July 1, residents of Maine can expect higher electricity bills due to community solar program incentives. The anticipated cost increases are projected to be higher than previously expected, largely due to generous incentives approved by the Maine Legislature.

Maine's two biggest utilities, Versant Power and Central Maine Power, estimate an increase in stranded costs, with two-thirds of this increase attributed to community solar programs. Versant Power projects an average increase of $15 a month for an average customer who uses 500 kilowatts of power, while Central Maine Power estimates an increase of $9.02 per month for an average customer.

Overall, if all 750 community solar projects come online, ratepayers can expect to pay more than $270 million per year, or an average of $330 per year for customers of Versant Power and Central Maine Power. The cost savings granted to subscribers of community solar programs are paid for by all other utility customers who do not participate.

This is ironic considering on April 15th, California will end historic net metering policies that led to over 1 million solar roofs, based on the argument that net metering shifts costs to all other utility customers who do not participate.

Heavy duty diesel is set to be phased out, requring massive charging infrastructure despite existing grid challenges?

The Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision to approve California's phase-out of diesel-powered trucks is raising concerns among Kern County truckers. While the new standards will apply to truck manufacturers or those that own 50 or more trucks, including semi-trailers, box trucks, and large passenger pickups, truckers fear the potential negative impacts on their industry.

Rannie Vincent, an Admissions Representative with Western Trucking School in Bakersfield, expressed concerns that the decision will cause further strain to an industry that is already facing massive worker shortages. Trucking schools may need to buy all new equipment on short notice, adding to the financial burden.

However, as California aims to improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions, this move towards cleaner transportation will inevitably require infrastructure development to support it. This includes the need for electric vehicle charging stations to meet the charging demand of electric trucks, as well as the development of transmission lines and large-scale solar projects to support the increased energy demand. It remains to be seen how this transition will play out for truckers and ratepayers in the coming years.

A decentralized future; power to the people for the greatest sustainability

The three articles demonstrate the benefits of localizing energy systems and transitioning to clean energy sources. By utilizing local solar and wind projects, communities can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, lower their energy costs, and create new local jobs in the renewable energy industry.?

Furthermore, decentralized energy systems help to improve local energy resilience and reliability, especially in the face of extreme weather events that can disrupt centralized grids.?

Finally, transitioning to clean energy sources can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.?

Overall, the localization of energy systems and the transition to clean energy sources are essential for achieving #sustainability goals on both an environmental and financial basis.

Thankfully the sun doesn't just shine in the desert. It shines everywhere and can power the whole nation (and world), just with rooftops.?It's time for society to embrace #technology and policy that puts the power, literally, into the hands of the people paying for it.?