Has Net Energy Metering Had Its Day in the Sun? Bright Ideas for Compensating Distributed Generation

Co-sponsored by the Committee on Electricity and Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment

As adoption of rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources (DERs) continues to grow, many states are implementing or considering changes to net energy metering (NEM) rates compensating energy exports to the grid. There is increasing agreement that NEM rates do not convey the full value of distributed energy to DER owners. However, stakeholders have not yet reached consensus about whether – and by how much – NEM rates overstate or understate the value of these resources. These discussions have brought a critical question before public utility commissions: how should regulators approach revising NEM rates in a manner that reduces carbon emissions, maintains reliability, encourages beneficial electrification, minimizes costs, and achieves equitable DER adoption? This panel will offer multiple perspectives from participants in recent NEM revision dockets. Panelists will offer lessons learned from their own experiences and recommendations on how commissions can facilitate an inclusive, productive process.

Moderators: 

Hon. Andrew French, Kansas

Hon. Jehmal Hudson, Virginia

Panelists: 

Hon. Sarah Hofmann, Vermont

Mohit Chhabra, Senior Scientist, Climate and Clean Energy Program, Natural Resources Defense Council

Emily Fisher, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Clean Energy, Edison Electric Institute

Kevin Lucas, Senior Director of Utility Regulation & Policy, Solar Energy Industries Association

Has Net Energy Metering Had Its Day in the Sun? Bright Ideas for Compensating Distributed Generation

Co-sponsored by the Committee on Electricity and Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment

As adoption of rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources (DERs) continues to grow, many states are implementing or considering changes to net energy metering (NEM) rates compensating energy exports to the grid. There is increasing agreement that NEM rates do not convey the full value of distributed energy to DER owners. However, stakeholders have not yet reached consensus about whether – and by how much – NEM rates overstate or understate the value of these resources. These discussions have brought a critical question before public utility commissions: how should regulators approach revising NEM rates in a manner that reduces carbon emissions, maintains reliability, encourages beneficial electrification, minimizes costs, and achieves equitable DER adoption? This panel will offer multiple perspectives from participants in recent NEM revision dockets. Panelists will offer lessons learned from their own experiences and recommendations on how commissions can facilitate an inclusive, productive process.

Moderators: 

Hon. Andrew French, Kansas

Hon. Jehmal Hudson, Virginia

Panelists: 

Hon. Sarah Hofmann, Vermont

Mohit Chhabra, Senior Scientist, Climate and Clean Energy Program, Natural Resources Defense Council

Emily Fisher, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Clean Energy, Edison Electric Institute

Kevin Lucas, Senior Director of Utility Regulation & Policy, Solar Energy Industries Association

What’s New? What are your thoughts on Transportation Electrification?

This interactive session will cover recent developments regarding EV’s, charging infrastructure, the impact of COVID-19, as well as federal and state guidelines on transportation electrification. Attendees should plan to join the conversation to make comments or ask questions! 

Co-hosts

Hon. Jason Stanek, Maryland

Hon. Bob Gordon, New Jersey

Panelists

Dan Bowerson, Director of Environment & Energy, The Alliance for Automotive Innovation

Kristy Fleischmann Groncki, Manager of Strategic Programs, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company

Rohan Patel, Senior Global Director, Public Policy and Business Development, Tesla

FERC 2222: Preparing for Take-Off, The Role of the State Commissions

Co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity

On September 17, 2020 the FERC issued its final rule Order 2222, outlining the pathway for distributed energy resources to participate in established wholesale markets. This landmark order envisions a future where new and existing distributed energy resources can access market based pricing in the regional organized wholesale capacity, energy and ancillary services markets alongside traditional resources.  Each RTO/ISO must file the tariff changes needed to implement the requirements of this final rule within 270 days of the rules publication in the Federal Register on October 21, 2020 (July 19, 2021). While FERC Order 2222 focuses on the intended roles and requirements of RTO/ISOs within their jurisdiction, in order for FERC’s vision to be realized it will require unprecedented coordination between RTO/ISOs, Distribution Utilities and Regulators now and beyond July 19, 2021.  This session will focus on the initial steps being taken by RTO/ISOs in their tariff development and compliance filings as well as issues that State Commissions should be considering such as interconnection requirements, coordination, and retail distributed energy resource program terms and conditions in the wake of this landmark Order.  

Moderator: Hon. Carrie Zalewski, Illinois

Panelist:

Hon. Ted Thomas, Arkansas

Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States

TBA

Co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity

On September 17, 2020 the FERC issued its final rule Order 2222, outlining the pathway for distributed energy resources to participate in established wholesale markets. This landmark order envisions a future where new and existing distributed energy resources can access market based pricing in the regional organized wholesale capacity, energy and ancillary services markets alongside traditional resources.  Each RTO/ISO must file the tariff changes needed to implement the requirements of this final rule within 270 days of the rules publication in the Federal Register on October 21, 2020 (July 19, 2021). While FERC Order 2222 focuses on the intended roles and requirements of RTO/ISOs within their jurisdiction, in order for FERC’s vision to be realized it will require unprecedented coordination between RTO/ISOs, Distribution Utilities and Regulators now and beyond July 19, 2021.  This session will focus on the initial steps being taken by RTO/ISOs in their tariff development and compliance filings as well as issues that State Commissions should be considering such as interconnection requirements, coordination, and retail distributed energy resource program terms and conditions in the wake of this landmark Order.  

Moderator: Hon. Carrie Zalewski, Illinois

Panelist:

Hon. Megan Decker, Oregon

Hon. Ted Thomas, Arkansas

Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States

Kelli Joseph, Advisor, Power Edison

Paul Suskie, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Southwest Power Pool

The EV Working Group of NARUC has collaborated with new national EV organizations – Plug in America (PIA) and the Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE) – to organize a virtual EV ride and drive event!

After a ‘cool and quiet’ drive, experts from PIA, ATE and the auto manufacturers will answer your questions!  During this interactive session you can ask about: the technology, charging rates, integration to the grid, how all this works to lower costs to consumers, preserving and transforming the auto and truck industry, and how to manage loads flexibly and integrate renewable energy.

Facilitator: Hon. Sarah Freeman, Indiana

PIA and ATE will work with two or three auto and truck OEMs to do a “virtual drive” on video with a driver, including the new light truck EV from Lordstown Motor. 

           Phil Jones, ATE

           Lincoln Wood, Southern Company

           Brett Steudle, DTE Energy

           Michael Krauthamer, Senior Advisor, ATE

           Katherine Stainken, PIA

           Chris Kerzich, Lordstown Motors

           Matthew DeWine, Lordstown Motors