Good afternoon. It’s Super Bowl Weekend! With that in mind let’s start off with a fun infographic from Penn Energy that describes what it would take for certain types of renewable energy to power a 60 inch plasma for the duration of the game. Any guesses on the number of potato batteries required?
In other news, MassLive reports that Senators Markey and Warren have asked FERC to rescind the Atlantic Bridge pipeline, but they may be out of luck with their request. Why you ask? Well it seems that despite “loving pipelines” the Washington Post reports that Trump’s personnel moves at FERC left them without a quorum, pretty much stopping them from getting anything done any time soon.
There was a lot of solar news this week from all around the region. The Union Leader reports the largest solar array in New England is planned in Hinsdale, NH – 65 MW total. Eversource, according to CommonWealth Magazine, is seeking higher fees on customers with solar. Bob Rio, writing on the AIM Blog says Massachusetts’ new solar subsidy program “gets it right.” And in Maine, Greentech Media reports that solar customers are going to receive lower bill credits.
Lastly, the NRC tells the Boston Globe that Pilgrim Nuclear in Plymouth is safe. In fact, it can refuel this spring and remain in operation until their planned shutdown date in May 2019.
Have a great weekend. And, Go Pats!
Natural Gas/Pipeline
Trump loves pipelines. But he just accidentally froze a bunch of them, Washington Post
Burrillville seeks more time to analyze Invenergy proposal, Valley Breeze
Rhode Island GOP leader asks Trump to jumpstart pipeline, Greeneville Sun
Ruling on Kinder Morgan pipeline proposal may be delayed, Danville Advocate
Tax hike to be on Rehoboth ballot, The Sun Chronicle
New analysis suggests ways for landowners to limit fracking and mineral extraction without regulations, Stanford University News
Florida Fracking Ban Bill Draws Bipartisan Support, InsideClimate News
New data: Pipeline leaks caused by human error are increasing, Digital Journal
US energy official’s resignation not expected to change Spectra decision, The Patriot Ledger
Renewable Energy
Super Bowl and the Environment: A fun look at renewable energy, Penn Energy
Net Metering: Energy Providers Clash On Cap, Utility Rates, New Hampshire Public Radio
Future of clean energy investment fund uncertain, VTdigger.org
Mass. Town To See Savings With Large Rooftop Solar Project, Solar Industry Magazine
Eversource seeks higher fees on customers with solar, Commonwealth Magazine
Solar Groups Praise Massachusetts’ Continued Support Of Incentives, Solar Industry Magazine
New solar plan cuts subsidies in half, CommonWealth magazine
Wind costs heading in the right direction, Windpower Monthly
Wind Turbines Blow Past Energy Records in Denmark, Popular Mechanics
Wind lender backs away from coal, Windpower Monthly
Proposed solar project in Hinsdale could be largest in New England. Union Leader
Maine Solar Customers to Receive Lower Bill Credits Starting in 2018, Greentech Media
Renewable Energy & Energy Storage To Expand Hand-In-Hand In Emerging Markets, Concludes World Bank, CleanTechnica
US Clean Energy Jobs Surpass Fossil Fuel Employment, Natural Resources Defense Council
Maine PUC tries to strike balance in phased reduction of NEM credit, Utility DIVE
UNH research: Trump voters don’t believe humans affecting climate, Foster’s Daily Democrat
Solar Policy Actions Spiked in 2016, With a Focus on Net Metering, Greentech Media
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Inks Community Solar Deal, Solar Industry Magazine
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency Program Expanded To Burlington Homeowners, WAMC
RI Environmental Activists Ponder Being Trumped, ecoRI news
Vermont Gas, BED launch residential energy efficiency program, Vermont Biz
A small efficiency experiment with big results, Rutland Herald
Energy savings and sustainable practices not out of reach midwinter, Bangor Daily News
Nuclear
Feds allow Pilgrim nuclear plant to remain open, BostonGlobe.com
Vermont Yankee decommissioning panel seeks more local reps, The Recorder
Vermont Yankee to move fuel in spring, vtdigger.org
Seabrook petition seeks to roll back impact fees, The Daily News of Newburyport
AARP wants disclosure, protections for ratepayers in Millstone bill, theday.com
Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.
‘Fuel security’ tops ISO New England’s challenges: CEO, Platts
National Grid Helps Drive Massachusetts Toward a Clean Energy Future, (press release) Justmeans.com
NH Supreme Court upholds Northern Pass access decision, The Union Leader
Regional Power Manager Warns of Future Grid Vulnerabilities In New England, WSHU
National Grid proposes added electricity rate reduction in R.I., beginning April 1, Fall River Herald News
An aging Maine power plant and nearby battery illuminate New England’s energy challenges, Bangor Daily News
NH’s high electricity costs threaten state economy, Seacoastonline.com
Vermonters spend less on electricity, despite high rates, BurlingtonFreePress.com
ICYMI: Electric Aggregation Coming To Sudbury Soon, Patch.com
Maine legislative committee questions electricity program staff, Bangor Daily News
Editorial/Opinion
New Solar Subsidy Program Gets it Right, AIM Blog
ViewPoint: Energy costs are costing New England companies, Boston Business Journal (paywall)
“Fitness for Purpose” Obligations for the Offshore Wind Sector, POWER magazine
Letter to the Editor: Regional emissions-cutting program saves money, lives, report shows, New Haven Register
‘Trump Can’t Stop Renewables Energy Growth At Home Or Abroad’, Forbes
Build the pipeline, not the wall, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian
Maine Compass: Biomass power benefits Maine, CentralMaine.com
Northeast Energy News 