Latest news with #CAISO
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FERC ALJ order threatens competitive transmission cost caps: CAISO
This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. An order by a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission administrative law judge threatens cost caps included in competitive transmission solicitations across the United States, according to the California Independent System Operator. A May 22 ruling by FERC ALJ Joel deJesus could also upend FERC's framework for providing refunds to electricity customers when the agency finds a company has been overcollecting revenue, CAISO said in a filing with the commission on Tuesday. The California grid operator urged FERC to overturn deJesus' findings, saying they 'will harm ratepayers, undercut the consumer protections afforded by the Federal Power Act …, and cast doubt on the CAISO's and customers' ability to rely on voluntary, binding cost caps proposed and agreed to by project sponsors in competitive transmission planning processes.' The issue centers on a dispute over a proposal by a Lotus Infrastructure Partners affiliate to recover more than double a cost cap for the 500-kV Ten West Link transmission project between California and Arizona. CAISO selected the DCR Transmission project in 2014 following a solicitation that grew out of its transmission planning process. The transmission line started operating a year ago. DCR in June 2023 asked FERC to approve a transmission tariff based on a $553.3 million estimated project cost compared to a $259 million binding cost cap. Three months later, FERC accepted DCR's proposal, subject to refund, but ordered hearings and settlement procedures, according to CAISO. The proceeding was moving under the Federal Power Act's section 205, according to CAISO. However, deJesus said FERC's initial order was 'ambiguous' as to what FPA section the case should advance under. He contends FERC should have determined that the DCR rate filing was an 'initial rate filing' to be handled under section 206 of the FPA and that FERC should have established a refund date under that part of the law. In his order, deJesus noted that in section 205 filings, the burden of proof for the justness of a rate falls on the applicant — while in section 206 cases, the burden is on the entity challenging a utility's rate. DeJesus plans to move forward with the case under the FPA's section 206, unless FERC acts on appeals to his decision by June 6. Parties appealing the ALJ's order include CAISO, FERC staff, the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition and a group that includes the California Public Utilities Commission. Recommended Reading CAISO asks FERC to reject Starwood affilate's request to blow past transmission cost cap Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PG&E and Smart Wires Enhance Grid Reliability, Capacity for Data Centers in San Jose
Deployment of advanced power flow control technology enables 100+ MW of additional capacity, ensures efficient power distribution for critical infrastructure SAN JOSE, Calif. and DURHAM, N.C., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Smart Wires today announced a new project to enhance grid reliability and meet energy commitments for data centers connecting in San Jose. By deploying its cutting-edge advanced power flow control (APFC) technology, Smart Wires will help PG&E mitigate thermal overloads, redirect power flow, and increase available capacity at its Los Esteros electric substation. The project will boost capacity by more than 100 megawatts (MW) at the substation, which is located adjacent to new data centers under development in the Alviso community of San Jose. The installation of Smart Wires' SmartValve APFC devices is expected for completion in late 2025 and will reinforce critical infrastructure to keep these data centers operating. "As the demand for data centers skyrockets, ensuring a reliable and efficient grid is more important than ever," said Joanna Lohkamp, CEO of Smart Wires. "Our work with PG&E demonstrates the significant impact of our SmartValve technology, dynamically redirecting power from overloaded to underutilized lines. This approach addresses current capacity constraints and optimizes existing infrastructure for the massive energy needs of data centers while also offering a scalable solution for future grid enhancements." The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) projects a load increase of up to 500 MW in the San Jose area due to data center growth. While a new transmission line is planned for 2032, a near-term solution was needed to ensure reliable power delivery starting in 2025. After evaluating multiple options—including reconductoring and energy storage, both of which proved too costly and slow—CAISO identified APFC as the most effective, reliable, and timely approach. SmartValve devices deliver fast, high-impact upgrades that mitigate thermal overloads by up to 34%, enabling an additional 100 MW of firm power delivery over the existing lines. "Working with Smart Wires allows PG&E to efficiently address projected capacity needs while maintaining high reliability for our customers," said Chad Dupuis, Principal Electrical Engineer, PG&E. "This collaboration highlights our commitment to deploying innovative technologies that enhance our grid's flexibility, security, and resilience." SmartValve provides a fast and cost-effective path to meet increasing electricity demand and allows utilities to dynamically manage capacity and load. This technology can be rapidly deployed, adjusted, or relocated to accommodate shifting energy needs and the integration of new power generation sources. Additionally, SmartValve's modular and relocatable design allows for future expansion or reconfiguration to accommodate evolving grid needs. Once the new transmission line comes online in 2032, SmartValve will continue to enhance its benefits by dynamically balancing power flows across the network. About PG&EPacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit and About Smart Wires Smart Wires is a leading grid enhancing technology and services provider. We help electric utilities unlock capacity and solve their critical grid issues, using our solutions to create a more flexible, reliable and affordable grid. This enables a faster, more cost-efficient path to meet growing electricity demand with clean energy generation, at the lowest cost to consumers. Headquartered in the Research Triangle of North Carolina, Smart Wires has a global workforce of passionate and visionary industry-leading experts across four continents, who work every day to transform grids globally. In collaboration with our customers and partners, we've unlocked nearly 4 gigawatts (GW) capacity—enough to power over 2.5 million homes—supporting the faster integration of clean energy and new demand, enhancing security of supply and delivering cost savings to consumers. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Clean Power Alliance Targets Breakthrough Technologies and Business Models with New Clean Energy Innovation Solicitation
Los Angeles, Calif., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clean Power Alliance (CPA), the nation's leading green power provider and California's largest community choice energy aggregator, is excited to announce the launch of its Clean Energy Innovation Solicitation: Emerging Technologies and New Business Models. This solicitation seeks to identify and support early-stage clean energy projects that leverage innovative technologies, business models, customer programs, or procurement concepts—particularly those that may not meet the criteria of CPA's traditional Requests for Offers (RFOs)—but offer strong potential to enhance CPA's clean energy portfolio or operations. The primary goal of this solicitation is to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies that can play a key role in California's transition to a sustainable energy future. By partnering with innovative businesses, CPA aims to bring forward solutions that can be scaled to meet the state's energy needs, reduce its carbon footprint, and create opportunities for emerging technologies and business models as they advance in their commercialization process. 'This solicitation is an open call to those who are reimagining how clean energy can be produced, delivered and experienced,' said Clean Power Alliance CEO Ted Bardacke. 'We're looking for bold ideas that can scale, adapt and bring tangible benefits to the communities we serve.' The Clean Energy Innovation Solicitation is open for submissions, starting on May 27, 2025. Emerging technologies proposals will undergo two review and shortlisting cycles over the next year, while new business models submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis per the solicitation schedule. Interested parties are encouraged to submit innovative ideas that have the potential to drive clean energy solutions and contribute to CPA's goal of delivering reliable, affordable renewable energy to Southern California residents and businesses. 'We're proud to launch this innovation-driven initiative as part of our continued commitment to advancing California's clean energy future,' said Lindsay Descagnia, vice president of power supply at Clean Power Alliance. 'By supporting emerging technologies and novel business models, we're paving the way for next-generation solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.' Submissions will be organized into two tracks with the following product types and eligibility characteristics: Track 1: Emerging Technologies Track 1 invites proposals for emerging clean energy technologies that could be in the early stages of development. This includes innovations in renewable or carbon-free power technologies, energy storage capabilities, and other advanced solutions designed to meet the growing energy demands of California. The resource must be located (or intended to be located) within California Independent System Operator (CAISO) territory or able to deliver energy to the CAISO grid. Projects within this track must meet a minimum size requirement of 1 megawatt (MW) with a maximum size requirement of 200 MW and have a projected commercial readiness date of no later than 2035. For projects selected from Track 1, proposers may elect to receive a formal letter of support from CPA for the project or enter into an agreement with CPA that would, upon successful completion of defined development milestones, allow the project to be shortlisted for negotiations of a power purchase agreement. These award mechanisms are designed to facilitate project advancement and contribute to its ultimate success. Track 2: New Business Models Track 2 focuses on new business models, innovative contracting structures, customer programs and partnerships that can benefit CPA's communities and customers. Submissions for Track 2 must have a commercial readiness date by 2030 or sooner. This track is aimed at developing creative solutions for the clean energy landscape that go beyond traditional energy procurement, creating value for both the organization and its diverse customer base. Based on Track 2 submissions, CPA may open a competitive procurement process to consider contracting for promising concepts that enhance CPA's operations and benefit its customers. How to Participate Track 1 proposals have two staggered deadlines—July 28, 2025, and January 9, 2026. Projects not submitted by the first deadline may still be submitted by the second. Track 2 proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis up to January 9, 2025. Detailed submission guidelines, including terms and conditions, evaluation criteria and proposal requirements, are available on CPA's solicitation website. About Clean Power Alliance Clean Power Alliance is the locally operated, not-for-profit electricity provider serving 38 cities and the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. CPA is the fourth largest electricity provider in California and the number one green power provider in the United States. CPA provides clean renewable energy at competitive rates for approximately three million residents and businesses, along with innovative programs that promote resiliency, electrification, and customer bill savings. CPA has an investment-grade credit rating of A-minus from S&P Global Ratings. View CPA's most recent Impact Report here. Learn more about CPA at Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GridBeyond Will Optimize 200-MW ESS in California
GridBeyond, a global artificial intelligence(AI)-powered energy group, on Feb. 27 announced it has signed a contract with Gore Street Energy Storage Fund to provide scheduling coordinator, trading, and energy optimization services for the 200-MW Big Rock energy storage system (ESS) in Southern California. GridBeyond, among the companies exhibiting at the InterSolar & Energy Storage North America conference in San Diego, California, this week, said its AI-based Bid Optimizer is key to achieving maximum returns in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) market, as shown during a multi-month simulation with several optimizers. The Bid Optimizer aligns market price forecasts with simulations of battery storage, renewable, and thermal assets to simplify decision-making while ensuring optimal bids that go beyond conventional trading strategies, according to the company. POWER is a sponsor of the event at the San Diego Convention Center. Sean McEvoy, GridBeyond president of North America, told POWER: 'This opportunity with Gore Street Capital leverages GridBeyond's expertise in end-to-end battery management and trading. Our AI-based solutions ensure that our clients' assets are always optimized for maximum performance and profitability.' GridBeyond noted that the California power grid is becoming increasingly reliant on solar power, meaning that energy storage systems are key to mitigating to mitigate the intermittency of renewable power generation. The company said that 'effective management of Gore Street Capital's 200-MW energy storage battery will be critical in storing excess solar energy during peak generation and releasing it during high-demand periods, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting grid stability, while generating revenues.' GridBeyond's CAISO optimization and proprietary must-offer strategy will be part of fulfilling the Big Rock Resource Adequacy contract acquired by a Goldman Sachs subsidiary in October 2024. Alex O'Cinneide, CEO of Gore Street Capital, said, 'Gore Street is committed to achieving the very best returns for all of its assets under management. We are therefore very pleased to have selected GridBeyond to partner with as Big Rock goes into operation and we move forward with the project.' 'We are thrilled to partner with Gore Street Capital on this energy storage project,' said McEvoy. 'This deal highlights our commitment to advancing energy storage optimization solutions and shows once again the accuracy of our AI-based solutions in delivering greater value for our customers ensuring grid stability, and supporting decarbonization goals.' GridBeyond also is exploring the use of public hourly emissions application programming interface, or API, data to track and calculate the carbon impact of its bidding strategies, which will further enhance the transparency of its optimization services and contribute to measurable environmental benefits. —Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
