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To find earlier stories in Public Power Current, browse by popular topics or contact us at News@PublicPower.org.
Electricity Markets
A full solar eclipse on April 8 will briefly but fully obscure sunlight to utility-scale solar generation facilities from Texas through Maine with a combined 6.5 GW of capacity, the Energy Information Administration said on April 5.
Reliability
The Department of Energy on April 4 released its final rule on energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers. In relaxing the materials standards and extending the implementation timeline in its final rule, DOE "has demonstrated that it has listened to industry stakeholders and understands the challenge before us,” APPA said.
Grid Modernization
Installers have replaced all but 551 of the 51,259 electric meters in Chelan County, Wash., with advanced metering infrastructure, Chelan County PUD said. The $15 million installation of advanced meters began about a year ago. Crews replaced about 1,000 meters a week. The change has been in the works since 2017.
Electric Vehicles
Florida public power utility Kissimmee Utility Authority on April 2 unveiled its electric vehicle charging program for residential customers. Eligible KUA customers must be the property owner or have the written permission of the property owner prior to installation.
Energy Storage
A ribbon cutting for a new Burbank Water and Power iron flow battery storage system scheduled for April 5 has been postponed due to an inclement weather forecast for California.
Security
Responding to concerns voiced by the American Public Power Association, the Department of Energy has revised a Frequently Asked Questions section included in the DOE’s overall guidance related to its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program.
Distributed Energy Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Utah State Director Michele Weaver on March 26 announced USDA is investing $76.5 million to expand the Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm in Utah.
Bonds and Financing
The U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Internal Revenue Service announced $4 billion in tax credits for over 100 projects across 35 states to accelerate domestic clean energy manufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities.