Spark Alerts: Feb 7, 2025

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

February 07, 2025

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

Illinois Community Solar

📰 Market & Development News

McLean County Board approves solar energy projects
Developer: 6GM LLC
AHJ: McLean County
February 5, 2025: The McLean County Board convened to discuss the approval of two solar energy projects. The board approved applications for two special use permits: one for a 10 MW commercial solar facility in Hudson Township and another for a 5 MW commercial solar facility in Bellflower Township.
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Morris Council Objecting To Potential New Solar Farm Near City Limits
Developer: Gore Community Energy Initiative
AHJ: City of Morris
February 5, 2025: The Morris Council is against a proposed solar farm by Gore Community Energy Initiative near the city limits, which they believe could hinder plans for future annexation of prime real estate.

📢 Policy & Programs

  • HB3265- RES AUTOMATED SOLAR PLATFORM

    • Requires municipalities with populations over 5,000 and all counties to adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform by July 1, 2026.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • HB2633- REPEAL-ENERGY ACT

    • Repeals clean energy legislation, including the Energy Transition Act, the Energy Community Reinvestment Act, the Community Energy, Climate, and Jobs Planning Act, and the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund Act.

    • Republican sponsored.

    • Introduced in the House 2/6.

  • HB2810- AGRICULTURE IMPACT MITIGATION

    • Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to temporarily halt construction or other activities on a project upon a finding of noncompliance with an agricultural impact mitigation agreement.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • SB1816- RENEWABLE ENERGY PROCUREMENT

    • Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act to allow for post-award renegotiation of contract terms for renewable energy projects supported through competitive procurements.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • HB3231- UTILITIES- ENERGY CREDITS/CP

    • Among other changes, removes the requirement for the Illinois Power Agency to annually determine the amount of utility-scale renewable energy credits to be included in the self-direct RPS compliance program.

    • Republican sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • HB3322- MUNI CD/CTY CD-SOLAR RIGHTS

    • Prohibits a county or municipality from adopting any ordinance or resolution that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/6

East Coast: MD, NY, PA, VA

📰 Market & Development News

Maryland

Baltimore County farm to get Maryland's first "agrivoltaics" project
Developer: Lightstar
AHJ: Baltimore County
February 6, 2025: A farm in northern Baltimore County, Maryland, is set to host the state’s first agrivoltaics project. The system will allow soy and hay to grow underneath elevated solar panels on a 23-acre farm.
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Discussion on Bonneville Solar Project and Convenience Store Redevelopment
Developer: ARM Group LLC/Chaberton Solar Bonneville LLC/John Cairnes
February 5, 2025: The Development Advisory Committee meeting on February 5, 2025, discussed the Bonneville Solar Project proposed by ARM Group LLC on approximately 206.41 acres. No decision was reached
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Public Hearing for Solar Facility in Maryland
Developer: Turning Point Energy
AHJ: Millington
February 6, 2025: Turning Point Energy is holding public hearings through the Maryland PSC for two community solar projects totalling 20MW. One project’s hearing was held on February 6th, with another hearing for a second project scheduled for February 19th.
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Trump’s funding pause clouds future of Solar For All Program
February 5, 2025: Maryland’s "Solar for All" program, a $7 billion initiative aimed at providing solar power to low-income households, is facing an uncertain future after President Trump froze federal funding. This freeze impacts nonprofit groups and states that had already received funding. Legal challenges are underway, with some courts temporarily blocking the freeze, though the future of the funding remains uncertain.

New York

22 states sue New York, alleging environmental fund is unconstitutional
February 6, 2025: Twenty-two states are suing New York over its Climate Change Superfund Act, arguing it is unconstitutional for requiring fossil fuel companies to pay $75 billion for climate damage caused between 2000 and 2018. The states claim the law unfairly forces other states' energy producers and consumers to fund New York's infrastructure projects.
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NY automobile dealers say shortage of charging station for EVs concerning
February 7, 2025:New York automobile dealers are concerned that the state's EV sales targets may be difficult to meet due to a shortage of fast-charging infrastructure, with fewer than 120 high-speed chargers currently available. They warn that without expanding the charging network, EV adoption could be hindered, impacting the state's climate goals, auto industry, and economy.
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Public Comment Hearing for York Run Solar Project
Developer: York Run solar, LLC
AHJ: Chautauqua County
February 5, 2025: The York Run Solar project held a public comment hearing. The facility aims to produce 90 MW of power and will be located in the towns of Busti and Kiantone. Minutes are not yet available.

Pennsylvania

Shapiro’s budget proposal seeks more renewable energy to modernize Pennsylvania’s grid
February 4, 2025: Governor Josh Shapiro's "Lightning Plan" aims to shift Pennsylvania’s energy mix by increasing renewable energy production and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, with a goal of reaching 35% clean energy by 2035. The plan includes tax credits for new energy projects, a carbon cap program, and updates to energy standards, though it will face challenges in a Republican-controlled legislature.
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Public hearing for solar energy system application=
Developer: Boyles Run Solar I, LLC and Boyles Run Solar II, LLC
AHJ: Lower Augusta
February 6, 2025: The Lower Augusta Township Board of Supervisors held a public hearing to discuss a Conditional Use Permit for a solar energy project proposed by Boyles Run Solar I, LLC and II, LLC. The proposed site is located at 1978 Boyles Run Rd and falls within the Agricultural Preservation Zoning District. Minutes are not yet available.

Virginia

Dominion Energy customers to help pay $900M cost increase of Virginia wind farm
February 4, 2025: Dominion Energy announced that its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will face a $900 million cost increase, attributed to higher onshore interconnection and network upgrade costs, bringing the total cost to $10.7 billion. Customers will bear part of this cost through increased bills. Despite the hike, the project is set to be completed by 2026.
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Coalfield Solar Fund Completes Construction of First Round of Solar Schools in Virginia and West Virginia
February 5, 2025: The Coalfield Solar Fund has installed of 451kW or solar power at Lee County Schools in Virginia, aiming to help the historic coal-producing region transition to clean energy. The projects, which will save over $4 million in energy costs over 35 years, also include workforce development programs to prepare students for careers in clean energy.

📢 Policy & Programs

Maryland

New York

  • S1502A

    • Requires manufacturers of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to recycle materials at end of life.

    • Introduced in Senate 1/10, referred to Environmental Conservation Committee.

    • Amended 2/5.

  • A4588

    • Establishes New York state renewable pilot programs to authorize the development of up to 300MW of renewable electric capacity statewide.

    • Introduced in Assembly 2/4, referred to Energy Committee.

  • A4701

    • Permits and encourages state owned parking facilities to install solar canopies in any parking facility.

    • Introduced in Assembly 2/4, referred to Governmental Operations Committee.

  • A4682

    • Requires a public referendum to approve a final siting permit for electric generating facilities.

    • Introduced in Assembly 2/4, referred to Energy Committee.

  • S4408

    • Allows the state to provide leases/easements for renewable energy projects on state reforestation areas.

    • Introduced in Senate 2/4, referred to Environmental Conservation Committee.

Pennsylvania

  • HR53- Lake Erie Generation

    • A Resolution directing a state study on the feasibility and potential benefits of the offshore hydropower, solar and wind generation systems on Lake Erie.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/4, referred to Environmental and Natural Resources Committee.

    • Note- ties into HB522 below.

  • HB522- Lake Erie Energy Development Act

    • Authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to lease parts of Lake Erie and for renewable offshore energy projects.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/5, referred to Environmental and Natural Resources Committee.

Virginia

  • HB2024- Solar photovoltaic equipment

    • Stops prohibition of use of any material associated with solar facilities that meet EPA standards.

    • Introduced in House 1/7.

    • Passed House 69-29 on 2/4.

    • Referred to Senate Committee on General Laws 2/5.

  • HB2621- Phase I Utilities; securitized asset costs.

    • Among other changes, prohibits new rate increases for Appalachian Power customers Nov-Feb, and requires Appalachian to consider seasonal winter rates.

    • Introduced 1/13.

    • Passed House 81-17 on 2/4.

    • Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor 2/5.

  • HB2459- New solar generation facilities

    • Provides that the State Corporation Commission shall only issue a certificate of convenience and necessity for a public utility to construct, enlarge, or acquire a solar generation facility that has a size of over one acre if the public utility has filed a bond for performance of at least $10,000.

    • Introduced 1/8, in House Committee on Labor review.

    • Failed to pass Committee review 2/5.

  • SB1099- Solar Workforce Development Incentive Grant Program

    • Requires the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System to establish and implement a program through which any community college that enters into a PPA, and that provides workforce development opportunities tied to renewable energy projects,are eligible to apply for grants for projects that implement solar and battery microgrid systems.

    • Introduced 1/7, incorporated by Senate Committee on Education and Health 1/27.

    • Failed to pass Committee review 2/5.

  • SB1190- Va. Energy Facility Review Board & Virginia Clean Energy Technical Assistance Center

    • Establishes the Virginia Energy Facility Review Board for the purposes of conducting critical interconnection reviews, conducting analysis and study policy options, reviewing regional energy plans, local comprehensive plans, and local solar and storage ordinances and to facilitate the responsible siting of critical interconnection projects in the Commonwealth.

    • Significant regulatory oversight for municipalities.

    • Failed to pass Senate in Senate 19-20 on 2/3, vote deferred on 2/4.

    • Failed to pass Senate 2/6.

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