Spark Alerts: Feb 11, 2025

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

February 11, 2025

Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates in US federal policy, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin

📰 Market & Development News

US

  • Judge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending
    February 10, 2025: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration failed to fully comply with an order to unfreeze billions of dollars in federal funding, labeling the freeze unconstitutional and ordering immediate release of the funds. The administration appealed the decision.
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  • Mayors Across US Urge Congress Not to Repeal Clean Energy Tax Credits
    February 10, 2025: Mayors and local leaders from 39 states are urging Congress to safeguard the clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, arguing that these incentives have generated thousands of jobs and billions in investments, particularly benefiting Republican districts. They warn that freezing or repealing the credits will disrupt local projects, raise energy costs, and threaten American jobs.

Georgia

Illinois

  • Champaign County Board Approves Solar Contract
    Developer: Illinois Solar Services
    AHJ: Champaign County
    February 7, 2025: The Champaign County Board recently approved a contract with Illinois Solar Services for the provision of on-site solar services.
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  • Senator says Trump’s EPA will cut $100M Solar Funding for Illinois
    February 7, 2025: Senator Dick Durbin expressed concern that a funding freeze for Illinois’ Solar for All program will lock the state out of over $100 million for solar energy projects. In contrast, State Rep. Chris Miller expressed skepticism about solar initiatives. The Illinois Power Agency says that its incentive programs are not dependent on federal funding but continues to monitor potential impacts.
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  • Ogle County Board discusses multiple solar projects
    Developer: OneEnergy Development, LLC; USS Stillman Creek Solar, LLC
    February 11, 2025: OneEnergy Development, LLC is seeking a SUP for a 2MW community solar facility on a 16.13-acre site in Buffalo Township. Additionally, USS Stillman Creek Solar, LLC has filed for a SUP to construct a 5MW community solar facility on an approximately 35-acre site in Scott and Marion Townships. Both projects were previously approved by their respective committees and are awaiting further review by the Zoning Board on February 27, 2025.

Iowa

  • City Council Discusses Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays Zoning Changes
    AHJ: Marshalltown
    February 10, 2025: Discussions from the City Council centered around amending local zoning codes to allow for ground-mounted solar arrays in non-residential zones. The Council will waive additional readings of the ordinance, indicating a quick path forward for its approval.

Michigan

  • Isabella County amends battery storage ordinance
    February 8, 2025: Isabella County commissioners have updated a zoning ordinance regarding solar- and wind-plus-storage systems. This amendment is designed to set clear standards for the siting of systems.

Ohio

  • Commissioners Seek Township Input On Utility-Scale Solar Regulations
    AHJ: Richland County
    February 8, 2025: At a meeting on February 8, 2025, Richland County Commissioners discussed wind and solar energy regulations and sought input from local townships on whether to restrict large-scale renewable energy projects. Lawmakers highlighted a new procedure outlined in Senate Bill 52, allowing for local control of energy projects. They will send letters to 18 townships by April 30, providing them with options to adopt resolutions against large projects or to maintain openness for future considerations.

Pennsylvania

Wisconsin

  • Ordinance Amendment for Solar Energy Systems
    AHJ: Yorkville
    February 10, 2025: On February 10, 2025, the Village of Yorkville passed an ordinance amending its solar code. This ordinance includes detailed definitions for various types of solar technologies, including community solar. It establishes requirements for permits and approvals for installation of various system sizes.

📋 RFP Opportunities

Illinois

Ohio

Wisconsin

  • Grow Solar Central Wisconsin 2025 RFP
    The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial PV systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices. The MREA will hold six free information sessions. Proposals are due by March 7.
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  • Request for Proposal (RFP) for Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation
    Frank L. Weyenberg Library is seeking bids for the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a 114,000-120,000 kWh PV system at 11345 N Cedarburg Rd Mequon, WI 53092. Bids are due by Feb 20.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Georgia

Maryland

  • SB0983/HB0827- Affordable Grid Act

    • Requires electric companies to develop an electric system distribution plan every 3 years and provide the Public Service Commission with annual progress reports.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in Senate 2/3, hearing scheduled for 3/6.

    • Cross-filed with House bill- House hearing scheduled for 2/21.

  • SB0931/HB1036- Renewable Energy Certainty Act

    • Alters requirements for CPCNs and construction for solar and storage systems.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced 2/5, House and Senate hearings set for 2/28.

  • HB1061- Housing and Solar Energy Production

    • Requires state government to review all state-owned property for suitability for redevelopment into either solar or housing projects.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in House 2/5.

Ohio

  • HB15- Amend competitive retail electric service law

    • Ends subsidies for utility-scale solar energy projects as well as ratepayer funding of coal power plants. Also prohibits distribution company ownership of generation assets.

    • Republican sponsored.

    • House Energy Committee hearing rescheduled- was initially listed to be held 2/5. No new date given.

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