Mike Harshfield, MBA

The ongoing debate around community solar in California is reaching a critical juncture with the upcoming vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The decision could have significant national implications, especially considering Neil Chatterjee's warning about potential federal-state jurisdictional conflicts. This case underscores the broader challenge of integrating distributed energy resources like community solar into the existing grid framework while maintaining equitable market conditions. It's concerning that the proposed decision might undervalue community solar, potentially stifling growth in a state that could significantly contribute to national renewable energy targets. The Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) proposed seems to offer a fairer and more comprehensive approach by considering the multiple value streams of distributed energy resources, which could set a positive precedent if adopted. As the situation develops, the community solar sector's resilience and adaptability will be tested. Regardless of the CPUC's decision, the determination of advocates like the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) to pursue legislative avenues shows a commendable commitment to ensuring sustainable energy solutions are accessible and beneficial across the board. This scenario highlights the intricate balance required between advancing technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics to truly capitalize on the potential of renewable energy.

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Want to learn how scaling community solar helps ensure all of California's diverse population can participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition? Then you should check out these amazing stories and profiles, many of whom are our partners in CA! (scroll towards the bottom to the "Our Stories" section) https://lnkd.in/e6fFSrkj #communitysolar #californiasolar #energypolicy #cleanenergytransition

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California's gas utilities are required to procure renewable natural gas (RNG). In Feb. 2022, California's Public Utilities Commission set targets for RNG procurement: - 17.6 billion cubic feet (156 million GGE) by 2025 - 72.8 billion cubic feet per year (646 million GGE/yr) by 2030 The 2030 target reflects ~12 percent of residential and small business gas usage. It exists to help California meet its 40% methane reduction goal. Note: Utilities cannot use dairy RNG to meet the 2025 target. They can use it to meet the 2030 target, but there's a ceiling: 4 percent of total procured RNG (26 million GGE/yr) . You can read more here about this ruling here:

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