By Paul Ciampoli, American Public Power Association
Smart community projects are “a natural for public power,” said Sue Kelly, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association on Feb. 11 in remarks made at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ 2019 Winter Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Among the things that public power is doing when it comes to smart city activities is converting streetlights to LEDs and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In addition, public power is working on microgrids and distributed energy installations. Read more here.
ALSO OF POTENTIAL INTEREST
Winning in a more distributed energy world: 3 steps to utility success, Utility Dive. A billion-dollar retail opportunity awaits utilities that turn reluctant customers into partners.
- The part of the Green New Deal we should all support, Opinion article by Alice Hill, CNN
Research tells us that by investing just $1 in resilience before calamity strikes, the nation can save itself $6 in future recovery costs. - Study Shows Positive Perception Creates More Acceptance of Wind Farms, Renewable Energy Magazine. A recent study from the University of Michigan states when local residents feel the
planning process for building wind turbines is fair and open, their perceptions of the often-controversial energy source remain steady or improve with time. In fact, the openness with which the planning process is handled is more important in shaping residents’ perceptions of wind energy than receiving a payment, researchers say. - New Podcast, “The Solar Maverick,” Launches With Great Success Blending Industry Insights and Entrepreneurial Advice, AltEnergy Magazine. “The Solar Maverick” debuted in November 2018 and is heading into 2019 as one of the most popular podcasts in solar, and with a growing
international audience. - Second phase of EV charging station plan begins in July, American Public Power Association
Electrify America has announced that the second, $300 million cycle of its National Zero
Emissions Vehicle investment plan is available and that the 30-month investment period begins on July 1.
FEATURED NATIONAL INITIATIVE
Tariffs Hurt The Heartland, a bipartisan coalition launched in
September 2018, represents 150 organizations, including farms, small businesses, and consumer groups.
The coalition has hosted 15 events across the country to showcase stories of individuals, businesses, nonprofits and communities that have been hurt by tariffs.
Previously Posted
- Local View: Tariffs jeopardize wind farm growth, by Dan McGuire, Lincoln Journal Star
Dan McGuire is director of the American Corn Growers Foundation. He lives in Lincoln. - SEIA News Release: Tariffs Take a Bite Out of American Solar Jobs
Over the past few years, wind farms have started springing up across the state, and these projects are providing a financial lifeline for our farming communities . . . Unfortunately, just like an unexpected drought or spike in gas prices, Nebraska farmers hoping to harvest the wind have been thrown yet another curveball — the Trump administration’s trade war with China is threatening wind’s growth in our state.
New tool helps states identify EV policies that work, and those that don’t, 
AT&T has agreed to purchase 520 megawatts of renewable energy, in what is being signaled as one of the largest corporate agreements to date The company has also signed on to a