Spark Alerts: March 4, 2025

The latest Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates at your fingertips

March 04, 2025

Mar 4, 2025 Issue

Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on Illinois community solar, then on New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

Illinois Community Solar

📰 Market & Development News

  • Public Hearing for New Solar Facility in DeKalb
    Developer: Turning Point Energy
    AHJ: Dekalb County
    March 1, 2025: Turning Point Energy will hold a public hearing to grant a Special Use Permit to a 4.99-megawatt community solar facility, named TPE IL DE35 This facility would cover about 30.20 acres of a 40-acre, agriculturally zoned site in Franklin Township.
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  • On a Test of Energy Democracy, Illinois Passes
    February 27, 2025: The Institute for Local Self-Reliance released their annual Community Power Scorecard, measuring control over their energy systems state-by-state. Illinois rated the highest thanks to consumer-friendly rules on rooftop and community solar, receiving a B.

📢 Policy & Programs

  • No community solar market or competitor updates since last issue.

East Coast: MD, NY, PA, VA

📰 Market & Development News

Maryland

  • Kent County Commissioners oppose state solar bill
    AHJ: Kent
    February 28, 2025: Kent County Commissioners, Ron Fithian and Albert Nickerson, spoke in a Maryland General Assembly hearing to oppose HB103/SB931. This bill aims to centralize authority over solar project siting, which local officials argue would undermine their ability to control local land use.
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  • Residents challenge solar project over zoning, health risks
    Developer: Turning Point Energy
    AHJ: Town of Millington
    February 28, 2025: At a Maryland Public Service Commission meeting, residents of Millington voiced their concerns regarding a proposed 41-acre solar project on a 199 acre site. They raised issues about potential zoning conflicts, expressing that the project does not align with local zoning regulations. Turning Point Energy noted that PSC approval overrides local zoning in this case.

New York

  • Moratorium enacted on battery storage systems
    AHJ: Town of Pound Ridge
    February 28, 2025: The Pound Ridge Town Board has instituted a six-month moratorium on large-scale battery energy storage systems, responding to public safety concerns about potential hazards like fires and leaks. Town leaders emphasized focusing on commercial installations in the moratorium while seeking a permanent solution after the hiatus.
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  • New York Approves White Creek Solar Project
    Developer: AES
    AHJ: Livingston County
    February 28, 2025: The 135-megawatt White Creek Solar project in Livingston County has received final approval from the state. This marks New York's 25th large-scale renewable project in four years.
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  • Report: New York Clean Energy Jobs rank fourth in the nation
    February 27, 2025: According to a new nonpartisan report, New York’s clean energy jobs have more than doubled since 2016. The state ranks fourth in the nation with more than 173,000 clean energy jobs.

Pennsylvania

  • Buffalo Township officials give green light to solar array ordinance
    AHJ: Buffalo Township, PA
    March 1, 2025: Buffalo Township supervisors have adopted a new ordinance setting regulations for the siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of solar facilities, particularly focusing on balancing renewable energy with the protection of agricultural land. Key provisions include outright prohibitions on solar projects on Class 1 and Class 2 agricultural land and provisions made for agrivoltaics.
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  • Solar energy project rising in Bedford County to support natural gas network
    Developer: Enbridge, Bear Peak East Providence LLC, Pivot Energy
    AHJ: Bedford Township, PA
    March 2, 2025: Canadian company Enbridge is building a solar array on 41 acres of farmland to generate electricity for compressor units in the Texas Eastern Pipeline. The project is expected to be completed by May 2025. Additionally, two other companies, Bear Peak East Providence LLC and Pivot Energy, have proposed separate 3-megawatt projects in the region.
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  • Antis solar farm proposal raises some concerns among planners
    Developer: SRI Captura Sage Holdco LLC
    AHJ: Blair County
    February 28, 2025: The Blair County Planning Commission discussed the 8-megawatt Blair Frito Solar Project proposed in Antis Township. Concerns were raised about site access and stormwater management issues. The planning director instructed that all compliance matters need to be addressed to minimize community impact before the project can proceed.

Virginia

  • Nottoway County board considers 400 megawatts solar energy proposal for economic benefits
    AHJ: Nottoway County
    February 28, 2025: Nottoway County is considering a proposal for a 400-megawatt, 4,000-acre solar power project. Highlighted at a Board of Supervisors meeting, the project is expected to bring an estimated $12 million in upfront revenue that could help reduce the county's courthouse debt service, saving taxpayers interest costs. The Board has shown interest in the proposal, indicating plans for continued discussions.
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  • Gabriel Solar hearing date set, project’s size raises questions
    Developer: Gabriel Solar
    AHJ: Prince Edward
    March 1, 2025: An 80-megawatt solar-plus-storage project is set for special use permit review on March 11. The proposal raised safety concerns among planning commission members regarding fire risks associated with the large-scale battery storage system.
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  • Stafford County solar farm sees the light of day — for now
    Developer: ESA
    AHJ: Stafford County
    February 27, 2025: The proposed 3-megawatt Enon Road Community Solar Preserve was granted a conditional use permit by a county planning commission on a 4-3 vote. However, it still needs the approval of the county board, which has previously rejected another solar project.

📢 Policy & Programs

Maryland

  • SB0931/HB1036- Renewable Energy Certainty Act

    • Alters requirements for CPCNs and construction for solar and storage systems. Lessens local control over solar project approval. Prevents counties from taxing solar as industrial use.

    • Introduced 2/5.

    • UPDATE- House and Senate hearings held 2/28 at 1:30pm. Strong local opposition, including from local farmers and legislators.

New York

  • S5781

    • Requires all AHJs with a population over 5,000 to adopt an automated solar permitting platform by 6/30/2026.

    • Introduced in Senate 2/28, referred to Community Development Committee.

  • A6198

    • Provides for a tax abatement for electric energy storage equipment installed from 2027-28.

    • Introduced in Assembly 2/27, referred to Real Property Taxation Committee.

  • A6260

    • Directs a full cost-benefit analysis of the feasibility of renewable energy systems in New York and to compare directly with other methods of electricity generation.

    • Introduced in Assembly 2/27, referred to Energy Committee.

Pennsylvania

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