Spark Alerts: Feb 7, 2025

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

February 07, 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 Nationwide (new)

Trump Has Paralyzed Renewables Permitting, Leaked Memo Reveals
February 4, 2025: A leaked memo from the American Clean Power Association reveals that permitting for renewable energy projects, especially solar and wind, has been severely hindered under the Trump administration due to inconsistent federal guidance and paralysis of key agencies. The Army Corps of Engineers later confirmed it has paused evaluation on 168 permits for renewable projects.
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Trump Mulls Canceling Loans From $400 Billion Green Bank
February 4, 2025: The Trump administration is considering canceling loans from a $400 billion clean-energy program, while reviewing commitments to align with the new administration's priorities. This move could impact billions in pending funds and disrupt clean-energy projects.
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EPA lifts spending freeze on some environmental funding
February 5, 2025: The EPA has lifted its freeze on certain environmental funding programs, including those from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, following a federal court ruling that blocked the Trump administration’s spending freeze. However, funding for climate-related initiatives, like the Solar for All program, remains paused.

Georgia

Public Service Commission preparing for surge in data centers in Georgia
February 5, 2025: Georgia is experiencing a surge in data centers due to tax incentives, electricity prices, and a reliable energy grid. Lawmakers expect data center energy demand to continue to rise and drive new energy projects.
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RWE to fix runoff at Timberland
Developer: RWE Clean Energy
February 5, 2025: The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners discussed stormwater runoff issues affecting residents stemming from the Timberland Solar Project, owned by RWE Clean Energy.

Illinois

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.

Iowa

Floyd Co Supervisors Put Indefinite Hold on Utility Scale Solar Development
February 5, 2025: At a recent meeting on February 3, 2025, the Floyd County Supervisors voted unanimously to impose an indefinite hold on the development of utility-scale solar projects within the county.
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Tama Co. Zoning Commission meets for first time since enactment of wind, solar moratoriums
February 5, 2025: The Tama County Zoning Commission held its first meeting following the enactment of moratoriums on wind and solar projects, focusing on developing a new utility scale solar ordinance. They discussed feedback from the public, noting that most comments received were against solar and wind developments. The commission aims to finalize its new ordinance and invited community feedback at future meetings.

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 crops like soy and hay to grow underneath elevated solar panels on a 23-acre farm.

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 Donald Trump froze federal funding for climate-related projects. This freeze impacts nonprofit groups and states that had already received funding, like GRID Alternatives, which was awarded $357 million for solar installations. Legal challenges are underway, with some courts temporarily blocking the freeze.

Michigan

Push for solar power could ‘greatly increase deforestation in Michigan’
February 5, 2025: Michigan forestry experts warn that the state's push for solar power could lead to increased deforestation. To meet RPS goals, the state might need to clear up to 209,000 acres for solar and wind. Earlier this year, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources generated controversy by leasing 400+ acres of forested land for a utility-scale solar project.
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Amid legal challenges, federal funding freeze hangs heavy over Michigan climate and energy efforts
February 4, 2025: The Trump administration's freeze on federal funding has sparked lawsuits and raised concerns about its impact on Michigan's clean energy industry, low-income heating assistance, and environmental justice efforts. Legal challenges and uncertainty surrounding the freeze could delay funding and hinder Michigan's renewable energy projects.

Ohio

Nearly $300 million for Ohio clean energy projects frozen, despite court orders
February 6, 2025: Nearly $300 million in Inflation Reduction Act grants for clean energy projects in Ohio are frozen despite court orders reversing the freeze, leading to uncertainty.

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 hearingto 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.

📋 RFP Opportunities

Georgia

GPC All-Source Capacity RFP 2029-2031
Georgia Power announced an all-source RFP for capacity resources needed in 2029-2031. Details are forthcoming, but interested participants must register on their website.

GPC CARES 2025 Renewable RFP
Georgia Power accounced a 2025 renewable-source RFP. Details are forthcoming, but interested participants must register on their website.

Michigan

Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Renewable Energy RFP
The MPSC has issued an RFP for nearly $5 million in renewable energy projects, including solar. The deadline for proposal submissions is March 20, 2025. Proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected].

Wisconsin

City of Madison: Solar PV - Water Utility
The City of Madison is seeking proposals for a solar project at the Water Utility on Olin Ave. The bid open/due date is February 27, 2025, with an estimated start date of May 5, 2025.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Georgia

  • HB 249- Solar power facility agreements; revise provisions

    • Would require certification by the Department of Natural Resources that solar facility agreements meet certain requirements and lay out civil penalties for not meeting requirements.

    • Republican sponsored.

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

    • Moved to House Energy Committee 2/6.

  • HB 230: Require recycling of solar panels

    • Republican sponsored.

    • Would mandate solar panel recycling agreements for all projects.

    • Introduced in House 2/6.

Illinois

  • 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

Maryland

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.

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 scheduled for 2/5.

Wisconsin

  • AB7- Local Approval for Renewables

    • Sister bill to Senate’s SB3- Would require local approval from every AHJ in which a solar or wind facility is located before state PSC approval can be granted. Would apply to any project over 15MW in capacity.

    • Republican sponsored.

    • Introduced 2/6, referred to House Committee on Energy and Utilities.

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