RMEL eNews

Industry Information

Utilities Hold the Key to Unlocking the Real Value of the Smart Home

As the smart home market heats up, digitalization, changing customer demand, and innovation in home energy management technology has opened the door for electric utilities to get in on the game.

Visit https://www.elp.com/articles/2019/06/utilities-hold-the-key-to-unlocking-the-real-value-of-the-smart-home.html to view the full article online.

Legislation Introduced to Encourage Marine Energy Research in the U.S.

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), have reintroduced The Marine Energy Research and Development Act, intended to increase production of low-carbon, renewable energy from the natural power in ocean waves, tides and currents.

Visit https://www.hydroworld.com/articles/2019/06/legislation-introduced-to-encourage-marine-energy-research-in-the-u-s.html to view the full article online.

Utilities Collaborate on Open-Source Software

The electric utility industry is increasingly challenged by external drivers such as regulatory obligations and mandates as well as competitors who want to disintermediate utility customers from their current energy provider.

Visit https://www.tdworld.com/overhead-distribution/utilities-collaborate-open-source-software to view the full article online.

Iowa Officials Consider Energy Storage Tax Credit, ‘Value of Storage’ Study

Iowa economic development officials are tentatively endorsing a tax credit for battery storage to complement the state’s wind and solar generation.

Visit https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2019/06/iowa-officials-consider-energy-storage-tax-credit-value-of-storage-study.html to view the full article online.

Department of Energy Invests $39 Million to Improve Existing Coal-Fired Fleet

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) has selected 17 projects to receive approximately $39 million in federal funding for cost-shared research and development under funding opportunity announcement Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Existing Coal-Based Power Plants.

Visit https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-invests-39-million-improve-existing-coal-fired-fleet to view the full article online.

The Rise of EVs Could Overwhelm the Grid, but PG&E has a Better Plan

The power demand from the 20 million electric vehicles (EVs) expected to be on U.S. roads by 2030, up from today's 1.1 million, could overwhelm the nation's grids.

Visit https://www.utilitydive.com/news/the-rise-of-evs-could-overwhelm-the-grid-but-pge-has-a-better-plan/555984/ to view the full article online.

Canada Invests in Smart Grid Technology for Ottawa Net-Zero Energy Communities

Energy efficiency helps families save money, makes businesses more competitive and creates a cleaner environment for future generations. That's why Canada is investing in technology to make our electrical systems more efficient and prepare us for a clean energy future.

Visit https://electricenergyonline.com/article/energy/category/general/16/774506/canada-invests-in-smart-grid-technology-for-ottawa-net-zero-energy-communities-.html to view the full article online.

Japan is the World’s Third-Largest Coal-Importing Country

Japan imported more than 210 million short tons (MMst) of coal in 2018, making it the world’s third-largest coal-importing country after only India and China.

Visit https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=39853 to view the full article online.

U.S. Set to Overtake South Korea in 2019 as World’s Largest Grid-Connected Battery Energy-Storage Market

The United States in 2019 will become the world’s largest market for grid-connected battery energy storage, as solar-plus-storage and peaking capacity requirements drive increased procurement, according to IHS Markit.

Visit https://www.power-eng.com/articles/2019/05/us-set-to-overtake-south-korea-in-2019-as-worlds-largest-gridconnected-battery-energystorage-market.html to view the full article online.

Target Aims for 100% Renewables by 2030; Walmart Announces Minnesota Solar Deal

Target plans to power 100% of its US operations with renewable generation by 2030, including stores, distribution centers and offices.

Visit https://www.utilitydive.com/news/target-aims-for-100-renewables-by-2030-walmart-announces-minnesota-solar/556897/ to view the full article online.

LES CEO Receives National Public Power Award

Kevin G. Wailes, chief executive officer of Lincoln Electric System, received the Alan Richardson Statesmanship Award at the American Public Power Association’s national conference in Austin, Texas, on June 11, 2019. This award honors public power leaders who work to achieve consensus on national issues important to public power utilities.

Visit https://www.les.com/about-les/news/view?article_id=115751 to view the full article online.

Member Announcements

Cool House Tour Showcases Energy-Efficient Homes in Austin

The 23rd annual Cool House Tour was June 9, with some of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes in Austin. This year’s tour features three remodels, three new homes, an Accessory Dwelling Unit built using a shipping container and a wildlife sanctuary residence.

Visit https://austinenergy.com/ae/about/news/press-releases/2019/cool-house-tour-showcases-energy-efficient-homes-in-austin to view the full article online.

Wyoming Lime Receives Award for Perfect Safety Record

The employees of Wyoming Lime Producers earned the Certificate of Achievement from the Wyoming State Mine inspector for working nearly 35,000 hours, a perfect record of no lost-time accidents, for the calendar year 2018. In total, the plant went nine-and-a-half years without a lost-time accident.

Visit https://www.basinelectric.com/news-center/news-briefs/wyoming-lime-receives-award-perfect-safety-record-2018 to view the full article online.

CPS Energy Celebrates Electrify America EV Charging Station Opening at North East San Antonio Walmart

Powered by CPS Energy, Electrify America is offering its most updated and high-powered electric vehicle charging stations for the San Antonio community installed at the Walmart Supercenter located at 4331 Thousand Oaks.

Visit https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/cps-energy-celebrates-electrify-america-ev-charging-station-opening-at-north-east-sa-walmart/ to view the full article online.

Important Message from El Paso Electric Company's President and CEO

We want to share with you an important update about El Paso Electric (EPE). On June 3, 2019 we announced a significant, long-term investment in our service area. Infrastructure Investments Fund (IIF), an investment vehicle advised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., has agreed to acquire EPE.

Visit https://www.epelectric.com/about-el-paso-electric/article/important-message-from-president-and-ceo to view the full article online.

NPPD Recognized as Safest Company with Distinction

The National Safety Council, Nebraska Chapter (NSC, NE) is once again recognizing several Nebraska companies for outstanding safety initiatives and performance; among those being honored for many consecutive years of outstanding safety performance is Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).

Visit https://www.nppd.com/press-releases/nppd-recognized-as-safest-company-with-distinction to view the full article online.

OPPD Customers Embracing Programs, Pilots to Help Manage Their Energy Usage

Omaha Public Power District is leading the way the future is powered. The district has a number of customer program offerings to support that vision and provided an update to the OPPD Board of Directors.

Visit https://www.oppd.com/news-resources/news-releases/2019/may/oppd-customers-embracing-programs-pilots-to-help-manage-their-energy-usage/ to view the full article online.

Sandy City Opens 45 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Made Possible by Rocky Mountain Power Grant

Sandy City leaders celebrated the opening of 45 new electric vehicle charging stations installed at municipal facilities.

Visit https://www.rockymountainpower.net/about/nr/nr2019/electric-vehicle-charging-sandy-utah.html to view the full article online.

Platte River, Owner Communities Ink New Contract

Platte River Power Authority’s owner communities signed an extension to the organic contract extending the life of Platte River through 2060. New power supply agreements (PSAs) were also executed, running concurrently with the organic contract.

Visit https://www.prpa.org/news/platte-river-owner-communities-ink-new-contract/ to view the full article online.

SRP Board Approves Stronger, More Aggressive Sustainability Goals

The SRP Board of Directors approved changes to further improve the SRP 2035 Sustainability Goals that will now include more aggressive measures to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen the grid to allow more customer choice and improve water resiliency.

Visit https://media.srpnet.com/srp-board-approves-stronger-more-aggressive-sustainability-goals/ to view the full article online.

Tri-State Issues Sixth Renewable Energy Request for Proposals

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has issued its sixth request for proposals (RFP) for renewable energy resources.

Visit https://www.tristategt.org/tri-state-issues-sixth-renewable-energy-request-proposals to view the full article online.

TEP Shows Appreciation for Teachers

Tucson Electric Power knows teachers are the backbone of our schools – and we show appreciation for what they do.

Visit https://www.tep.com/news/tep-shows-appreciation-for-teachers/ to view the full article online.

WAPA Administrator Shares Accomplishments, Opportunities With Senators

Administrator and CEO Mark A. Gabriel testified before the U.S. Senate Energy and Mineral Resources Committee’s Water and Power Subcommittee on issues and opportunities facing WAPA as it continues to invest in a connected energy future.

Visit https://www.wapa.gov/newsroom/NewsReleases/2019/Pages/senate-testimony.aspx to view the full article online.

Xcel Energy on Path to Achieve Carbon Vision

Xcel Energy reported that it reduced carbon emissions 38% from 2005 levels – well ahead of industry reductions – as it aims by 2050 to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity.

Visit https://www.xcelenergy.com/company/media_room/news_releases/xcel_energy_on_path_to_achieve_carbon_vision to view the full article online.

Rocky Mountain Electrical League