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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Repealing clean energy tax credits would raise SC utility bills, reduce jobs
The "big, beautiful bill" passed by U.S. House Republicans on May 22, 2025, would repeal or phase out many renewable energy tax credits. (File photo by Robert Zullo/States Newsroom) Now that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed its version of the budget reconciliation bill, the U.S. Senate gets its turn to pass its own version. Let's look at how the House bill is projected to impact South Carolina's ratepayers. The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) released a study May 15 by NERA Economics Consulting that projects electricity bills for businesses in South Carolina would increase by 17.1%, while residential electricity bills would increase by 11.5% between 2026 and 2032 if Congress repeals 'technology neutral' clean-energy tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the bill passed by the House on May 22, energy projects would have to be underway practically immediately to collect the credits. Construction would have to begin within 60 days of the bill's passage and produce electricity by the end of 2028. South Carolina's residential and small business ratepayers are already struggling financially due to the effects of inflation. The new tariffs on foreign imports that have been imposed by the current administration are projected to raise consumer prices even higher. But higher electric bills are not the only adverse consequences for repealing the credits. If the 'big, beautiful bill' eliminates all federal tax credits for renewable energy, South Carolina's residents and small businesses will not only suffer from increased electricity bills but would lose 4,860 jobs and suffer a $620 million decrease in our state's gross domestic product, according to the NERA study. A better solution would be for the Senate to preserve the Inflation Reduction Act's federal tax credits to bring more affordable sources of energy like solar with battery storage. The traditional knock on solar is that it's intermittent. Investor-owned utilities claim that solar is not available at night or on cloudy days. But if solar is paired with battery storage, that would make additional power available when needed to meet unexpected demand. Expanding energy efficiency programs also makes good financial sense. Energy efficiency programs would help reduce South Carolina's need to build more new generating plants which would help in reducing ratepayers' electric bills. But investor-owned utilities had rather build expensive nuclear and gas plants because they result in higher profits for their shareholders. That's exactly why the utility companies aren't enthusiastic about expanding energy efficiency programs or connecting more renewable energy to the grid. This House bill would also add trillions more to our federal debt. Several U.S. senators are already complaining about how this House bill would increase our national debt. In April, GOP Sens. John Curtis of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune arguing against the repeal of energy tax credits. These senators pointed out that the House bill would undermine the administration's efforts to increase manufacturing here in the United States. They also expressed concerns that repealing the credits would cause an immediate increase in electric utility bills. Let's hope that the Senate will carefully examine these flaws in the House bill. The best path forward for our state and our nation is for Congress to keep the original investment tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize additional renewable energy. It's just common sense to incentivize investments in lower-cost energy projects. Investments in renewable energy will help reduce the federal debt, reduce wasteful spending, reduce harmful emissions and create thousands of new clean energy jobs in South Carolina.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shaprio's renewable energy plan advances as Trump administration keeps Pa. fossil fuel plant online
The Blue Creek wind farm in Ohio, consists of 152 wind turbines with a total capacity of 304 megawatts. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has finalized new rules that are expected to help ease the backlog of new wind, solar and battery storage projects awaiting regulatory approval. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom) Days before Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced Gov. Josh Shapiro's plan to expand the commonwealth's renewable energy resources, the Trump administration ordered a fossil fuel-fired power plant outside Philadelphia to keep running past its planned retirement date. The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday ordered Pennsylvania's electricity grid operator PJM Interconnect and owner Constellation Energy to keep the Eddystone Generating Station in Delaware County ready to meet peak power demands. It was scheduled to cease operations Saturday. The order highlights challenges facing Pennsylvania policymakers as they work to ensure there's enough electricity for industry and residents while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Legislation that would set a more ambitious goal for renewable energy production in what Shapiro describes as an all-of-the-above approach to meeting demand passed a state House committee on Monday. House Bill 501 would enact the Pennsylvania Reliability Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), which is part of Shapiro's broader energy policy dubbed the Lightning Plan. It would require 35% of the state's energy to come from clean sources including solar, wind, nuclear and other emerging technologies by 2040. Other aspects of the plan would provide tax credits for renewable energy development and establish a dedicated board to streamline energy permitting to incentivize developers to prioritize clean energy. While President Donald Trump has backed the oil, gas and coal industries since he campaigned for his first term in 2016, the DOE order to keep the Eddystone Generating Station online cited an 'emergency situation' as PJM warned that electricity demand in the 13 states it serves could soon outpace the opening of new power plants. PJM projects its peak demand will grow by about 70,000 megawatts to 220,000 megawatts by 2040. The growth is being driven by the increased electrification of transportation and industry and the proliferation of data centers to satisfy the demand for computing power from artificial intelligence and other technologies. PJM's process to authorize new power plants to connect to the grid faces a backlog including hundreds of gigawatts of renewable energy while about 20% of its existing generating capacity is expected to retire in the next five years. Starting this month, consumers in Pennsylvania and the rest of PJM's footprint will see electric bills increase by 10% to 20% as a result of soaring prices in last July's capacity auction, in which electricity generators bid to provide generating capacity. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, lags behind most of the nation in renewable energy development. An analysis of federal energy data by PennEnvironment put the commonwealth behind all but Washington and Alaska, which tied for last place. Debate on the renewable energy legislation Monday in the House Environmental and Natural Resources Committee demonstrated the tension between Pennsylvania's energy future and its past. Republicans argued the goal of obtaining 35% of the state's energy from clean sources by 2035 is unrealistic. Natural gas and coal provide reliable electricity while helping to drive Pennsylvania's economy, they said. Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) said renewable energy sources including solar and wind power would take up too much land. And subsidizing them at the expense of established fossil fuel sources would hurt workers and consumers by taking away jobs and increasing prices. 'It's just going to waste money and not solve our problems,' Twardzik said. Democrats said diversifying the state's energy portfolio is essential to staving off an energy crisis. 'We are at a crossroads,' Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester) said. 'I think that we should be looking at many forms of energy, nuclear, geothermal, and even using our gas and our oil.' Pielli rebutted claims by Republicans that the renewable energy legislation would create winners and losers. He argued Pennsylvania's gas industry benefitted from a subsidy when lawmakers chose not to impose an excise tax on gas production, forgoing billions in revenue. Deeply conservative Texas, Pielli noted, leads the nation in both natural gas production, wind and solar energy. 'Let's look at that … recognizing that this bill is an opportunity that we can fine tune, where we can use any and all of these resources to protect our consumers going forward when it comes to our power,' he said.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pa. awards $22.5 million in Solar for Schools grants to help 73 schools reduce energy costs
A solar array. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom) Pennsylvania has awarded grants totaling $22.5 million to 73 schools across the state to help pay for solar energy installations, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced Tuesday. The awards under the Department of Community and Economic Development's Solar for Schools program will provide up to $500,000 to each school. The solar arrays they help pay for could save school districts millions of dollars in energy costs, state Rep. Elizabeth Fieldler (D-Philadelphia) said. 'I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,' Fiedler, who introduced legislation to create the program last year, said. 'I've heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program's flexibility to meet their school's needs and to make the most of their strengths.' The grant awards come as the legislature is preparing for the final month before the state budget is due June 30. The current budget included up to $25 million for the Solar for Schools program and Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed to match that amount in the upcoming budget. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Fiedler's bill, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support last summer, was created as a way to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs and climate change together, her office said. 'As energy costs rise, diversifying our energy sources is more important than ever. Increased energy usage throughout the country also puts us at a higher risk because of the inadequate power grid,' state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene) said. 'Schools that use solar panels will counteract that problem by improving Pennsylvania's energy security and lowering costs – saving millions of dollars of taxpayer money.' It also received strong support from building trade unions, whose members will benefit from the construction jobs the grants help to create. 'These new projects through Solar for Schools will open up doors for workers across the state,' said Robert S. Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council. 'Energy jobs are crucial in Pennsylvania. Labor needs to be on the forefront of growing industries like solar.' Union support was, in part, the result of a yearslong effort to strengthen relationships between environmental and labor advocates, who recognize the adoption of renewable energy sources requires skilled workers just as fossil fuel plants do. In the initial round of applications for Solar for School, districts from rural, suburban and urban areas requested $88 million, more than three times the amount available in the current budget. The grants awarded totaled less than the full $25 million because the money is divided between three regions and the DCED did not find enough qualifying applications in one of them, Fiedler said. While interest in renewable energy is growing and political support for such programs is broadening, solar energy still faces hurdles in state government. With the overwhelming response to the initial appropriation, Fiedler said she is hopeful that at least another $25 million Solar for Schools will be approved as part of the next budget. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana's energy future: progress, innovation, and economic opportunity
Lawmakers passed a number of bills this year impacting energy and utilities. (Photo by Robert Zullo/States Newsroom) With the conclusion of Indiana's 2025 legislative session, Hoosiers have reason to be proud of our state's leadership on energy policy during this dynamic period of unprecedented energy demand. The legislature leaned into pragmatic, forward-looking solutions that balanced reliability, affordability, and innovation — all while reinforcing Indiana's commitment to economic growth and building upon current law. The nexus of energy and economic development was at the heart of this year's public policy proposals introduced by Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Ed Soliday. Whether it was urging state and federal coordination, supporting emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced transmission technologies, or speeding up generation build out for large customers, lawmakers and Gov. Mike Braun's administration worked with purpose to keep Indiana competitive and demonstrate leadership on key issues facing our state and nation. The adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 3 urges regional transmission organizations and the federal government to take action on expediting the approval of electric transmission and generation projects. This resolution recognizes that the ability to quickly develop and build additive energy infrastructure is critical to economic development and the utilities' obligation to serve Hoosier customers 24/7/365. The bipartisan passage of HEA 1007 addresses economic development, as well, by creating a 20% tax credit for the manufacturing of SMRs in Indiana. This aligns with the governor's vision to be a leader in nuclear development and ensures Indiana stays competitive in attracting a supply chain and developing a workforce needed to meet long-term energy needs. Additionally, it accelerates regulatory review of generation and infrastructure projects needed to serve large customers, such as data centers and semiconductor manufacturers. It also includes strong protections for existing and future customers. This is a win-win as it ensures large customers pay their fair share while making sure the energy industry can meet its obligation to serve at the speed of business. CONTACT US The General Assembly also focused on reliability of the electric grid and bringing new generation online. For example, it now requires regulatory review of generation retirements to ensure there is adequate capacity going forward. Another example is SEA 424, which removes initial barriers to the development of SMRs by addressing the upfront costs associated with research and planning. The law allows utilities to charge customers in real time as costs are incurred, as opposed to all at once after the fact, which saves customers money. This is similar to how costs are already recovered during the construction process with ongoing regulatory review. The passage of SEA 422 requires the study of advanced transmission technology by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the consideration of it in planning by electric utilities. This is beneficial for Hoosiers because advanced transmission technologies have the potential to improve efficiency and boost capacity in certain applications thereby saving customers money. Recognizing the importance and benefits of natural gas, policymakers added it to the list of energy types that qualify as a clean energy resource in SEA 178 for the purpose of energy incentives. Natural gas has half the emissions as coal and is a cleaner burning fuel with high efficiency and affordable pricing. The General Assembly also took up the topic of siting for energy generation projects through several hearings in the Senate and House this year. In the end, important steps were enacted on siting through SEA 425, which codified an energy utility's ability to site traditional baseload generation on former and existing generation sites over 80 MW or former mining sites without usurping other local, state, and federal permits and laws. This is very similar to a local ordinance enacted in Spencer County in 2024 related to a current generation facility and the potential for SMR development in the future. Given infrastructure is already located on these generation sites, they are ideal locations for future investment, which means continued revenue for communities in which they are located. Lawmakers also capped local moratoriums on projects to one year with the goal of encouraging communities to set standards going forward while maintaining control over zoning and other local requirements. Energy is the foundation of Indiana's economic future. It demands recognition of the unique challenges facing each community and a vision for what we want to become as a state. As we look ahead, continued engagement between the Braun Administration, policymakers, utilities, local leaders, and the business community is essential. But with the momentum built this session, Indiana is well-positioned to lead on energy – just as we've long led on manufacturing, innovation, and economic growth. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grain Belt Express awards $1.7B in contracts for transmission line through Kansas, other states
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom) TOPEKA – The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday. The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It's also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years. 'Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,' the press release said. 'Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas.' Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans. 'The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,' he said. In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties. 'The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,' a KCC press release said. 'The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.' A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed here. The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete. 'Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that's affordable and reliable, and that's what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,' said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.
