"Thank you Gov. Northam for marking this historic legislation with this ceremony today. As Virginia looks to rebuild from COVID-19, and create a more just and sustainable economy for all its citizens, Virginia's Clean Economy Act will serve as a cornerstone of economic recovery - helping to create tens of thousands of new, family-supporting jobs and attract billions in investment as we move to 100% clean energy, make our our air cleaner, and combat the threat of climate change."
Press Releases
- July 13, 2022: Youngkin Administration fails to ease new burdensome regulations on solar industry
- February 8, 2022: Report: Virginia Clean Economy Act will cut average electric bill by over $30 per year in 2030
- January 28 2022: Clean energy businesses call on Virginia General Assembly to stay the course on building a reliable, affordable and clean energy future for the Commonwealth
- July 14, 2021: Targeted Stimulus Investment in Advanced Energy Would Deliver Nearly $134 Billion to Virginia’s Economy
- June 16, 2021: Public News Service: Report: Shift to Electric Vehicles an Economic Boon for Virginia
- June 3 2021: Virginia and U.S. Lawmakers Convene for Powhatan County School Solar Energy Unveiling, Highlight Expected 8% Growth in Clean Energy Jobs Across Commonwealth
- June 2 2021: Advanced Energy Jobs Poised for Growth in States Around the Country
- August 17 2020: Godfrey on Gov. Northam's Ceremonial Signing of Virginia Clean Economy Act
- July 29 2020: Energy Storage Is Key for Virginia's Grid Resilience, Meeting Clean Energy Targets, Saving Customers Money
- June 9, 2020: Virginia AEE Applauds Gov. Northam's Appointment of Jehmal Hudson to State Corporation Commission
- May 5, 2020: Dominion Energy Resource Plan Falls Short on Implementing Virginia’s New Clean Energy Law
- April 13, 2020: Governor Northam Signs Virginia Clean Economy Act
- March 6, 2020: Virginia Senate Completes Passage of Historic Clean Economy Act
- March 5, 2020: Virginia House Passes Landmark Clean Economy Act, Senate Up Next
- February 11, 2020: Virginia Senate Passes Landmark Clean Economy Act
- February 11, 2020: Virginia House Passes Historic Clean Economy Act
- September 24, 2019: Report: Virginia Would Gain from Transition to Clean Electricity
- August 6, 2019: More Workers in Virginia Advanced Energy Than in Hospitals, Double Those in Real Estate
- May 2, 2019: Virginia AEE Lauds Approval of Dominion Energy Efficiency Programs
- August 18, 2018: Virginia AEE Releases 2018 Va. Advanced Energy Job Numbers
- April 9, 2018: Virginia AEE Supports DEQ Carbon Regulations, Economic Driver for Commonwealth
- March 22, 2018: Virginia AEE lauds Microsoft’s investment in 500 MW Solar Project
Virginia AEE In The News
- July 18, 2022: Pod Virginia: What's next for Virginia's proposed offshore wind farm?
- July 13, 2022: Augusta Free Press: Youngkin administration’s new regulatory guidelines create further burden for solar industry
- July 1, 2022: Fauquier Now: After a long battle to keep his land, one Fauquier County farmer looks to solar as a way out
- June 11, 2022: Richmond Times-Dispatch: Kim Jemaine column: Smart legislation will save money, point Va. toward EVs
- May 16, 2022: Virginia Mercury: What’s ‘reasonable and prudent’ when it comes to Dominion offshore wind project’s costs?
- April 26, 2022: Chesapeake Bay Journal: More than 800 solar projects in Bay states stuck waiting for review
- April 4, 2022: Chesapeake Bay Journal: Virginia debates impacts of solar panels on stormwater runoff
- March 25, 2022: Virginia Public Media: Just how much should Virginians pay for solar energy?
- March 18, 2022: Virginia NPR (VPM): Governor Youngkin says RGGI will increase energy costs. Advocates say that’s short-sighted
- March 10, 2022: Virginia Mercury: One of this Years Biggest Solar Bills is All About Forests and Farms
- February 21, 2022: Virginia Mercury: Legislation repealing Virginia Clean Economy Act rejected by Senate panel
- January 16, 2022: RTO Insider: Youngkin Takes 1st Steps Toward Va. RGGI Withdrawal
- January 5, 2022: RTO Insider: Youngkin Taps Trump’s Former EPA Chief to Head Virginia DNR
- January 5, 2022: Virginia Mercury: Trump EPA head, coal lobbyist tapped as Virginia’s environmental chief
- November 18, 2021: RTO Insider: CHESSA Working with Conservative Groups to Promote Solar in Rural Va. Counties
- November 17, 2021: Canary Media: What does Glenn Youngkin’s win in Virginia mean for clean energy?
- October 29, 2021: Richmond Times-Dispatch: Harrison Godfrey column: Staying the course on clean energy in Virginia
- October 26, 2021: Virginia Mercury: After years of bipartisan giving, Dominion Energy leans into Democratic control
- October 23, 2021: WVTF: Activists Want Regulators to Consider Environmental and Racial Justice Implications of the Mountain Valley Pipeline
- October 21, 2021: Virginia Mercury: In Norfolk, loosened state solar laws open up chance to put panels on low-income homes
- October 20, 2021: Virginia Mercury: Panelists voice doubt about Texas-style grid failures in Virginia
- September 26, 2021: WVTF: What Happens When the Sun Isn't Shining? Virginia's Need for Renewable Backups
- August 30, 2021: Virginia Business: Power utilities, state government look to carbon-free future
- July 14, 2021: Augusta Free Press: Report: Advanced energy stimulus would add $134B to Virginia economy
- July 12, 2021: Pod Virginia: Dive Into the Virginia Clean Economy Act
- June 16, 2021: Public News Service: Report: Shift to Electric Vehicles an Economic Boon for Virginia
- June 8, 2021: Augusta Free Press: Lawmakers Convene for Powhatan Elementary School Solar Unveiling
- May 26, 2021: The Virginia Pilot (Opinion): Dominion’s Power Decision Leaves Virginia with Questions
- May 25, 2021:Virginia Mercury: Dominion’s Exit from Regional Capacity Market Raises Some Eyebrows — And Questions
- May 14, 2021:Public News Service: To Some, VA Gas Shortage Spotlights Need for Electric Vehicles
- May 13, 2021: Virginia Mercury: With Approval of Dominion’s Renewables Plan, is it a ‘New Day’ or ‘Business as Usual’ for State Regulators?
- May 5, 2021:RTO Insider: Virginia SCC Gives IOUs a Pass on RPS Plans — for Now
- February 27, 2021: Virginia Mercury: General Assembly Approves Electric Vehicle Rebate Program but Leaves it Unfunded
- February 10, 2021: Public News Service: Four Pivotal Electric-Vehicle Bills Advance to Virginia Senate
- February 1, 2021: Virginia Mercury: One Year After Clean Economy Act’s Passage, Solar Land Use Tensions Linger
- January 20, 2021: Virginia Mercury: Legislation Aims to Reduce Barriers for Energy Storage Projects
- October 20, 2020: Dominion Plan Fails to Provide Energy Savings that Would Lower Costs to Virginia Customers
- September 17, 2020: The Free Lance-Star: Column: Virginia Can Lead on Clean Energy and Maintain a Reliable Grid
- January 21, 2020: Virginia Mercury: Senate Committee Gives the Nod to Nuclear as Part of Renewables Transition
- January 15, 2020: Virginia Mercury: The Virginia Clean Economy Act is a Giant Leap Forward for Virginia Energy Policy
- January 6, 2020: Virginia Mercury: With New Democratic Leaders, General Assembly Faces Flood of Energy Proposals
- December 30, 2019: Virginia Mercury: Natural Gas Development is Speeding Up in Virginia. Legislators Will Have to Square That With State Climate Goals.
- September 17, 2019: Augusta Free Press: Virginia Advanced Energy Economy on Northam, Clean Energy
- October 30, 2019: Virginia Mercury: Dominion's Green Energy Package Comes with a Catch: Coal. Businesses aren't Happy
- October 28, 2019: Richmond Times-Dispatch (Opinion): Harrison Godfrey, Matthew Cox: Let's Turn the Page on Energy in Virginia
- October 2, 2019: Virginia Mercury (Opinion): Virginia's New Renewable Energy Goals Can Spur Job Creation, If Combined with Action from the General Assembly
- August 15, 2019: T&D World: Advanced Energy Jobs Experience Growth in Virginia
- August 8, 2019: Virginia Mercury: Northern Virginia Continues to Dominate Advanced Energy Jobs, Report Shows
- August 7, 2019: Augusta Free Press: Report — Growth in Virginia jobs in Advanced Energy
- August 5, 2019: Utility Dive: Dominion's 100% Renewables Tariff Could Kill Virginia's Retail Choice Ambitions
- June 20, 2019: Virginia Town & City: Advanced Energy Gains Momentum in Virginia
- March 27, 2019: The Roanoke Times (op-ed): Smart emission markets benefit our economy and families
- February 26, 2019: Washington Post (AP): Walmart stuck with Dominion, setting up potential fight
- February 5, 2019: Fredericksburg Freelance-Star (Opinion): Let's get grid modernization right in Virginia
- September 7, 2018: Virginia Mercury Op-Ed by VA AEE's Godfrey - "Advanced Energy - Thousands of Va. Jobs..."
- July 19, 2018: Energy News Network Q&A with VA AEE's Godfrey: 'Virginia is Changing Fast'
- June 25, 2018: Energy News Network quotes VA AEE's Godfrey regarding OSW in Va.
- June 7, 2018: Navigating Renewable Energy Options in Virginia
- April 27, 2018: Energy News Network quotes VA AEE's Harry Godfrey regarding Va. efficiency programs
- April 24, 2018: Grow Virginia's Economy while Shrinking Emissions? You Bet.
- April 17, 2018: Virginian-Pilot Op-Ed by VA AEE's Godfrey - "Virginia Moves Closer to Increasing Clean Energy"
- March 28, 2018: Roanoke Times Op-Ed by VA AEE's Godfrey - "Gov., Appoint an SCC Commissioner..."
- March 23, 2018: Utility Dive quotes VA AEE's Harry Godfrey regarding Microsoft's investment
- March 14, 2018: Success, Suspense, and Advanced Energy Progress in Virginia
Virginia and U.S. Lawmakers Convene for Powhatan County School Solar Energy Unveiling, Highlight Expected 8% Growth in Clean Energy Jobs Across Commonwealth
June 8, 2021
Harrison Godfrey
Today, business group Virginia Advanced Energy Economy (Virginia AEE), its member, Virginia-based solar developer Sun Tribe, and BrightSuite Solar, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, hosted Virginia and U.S. congressional lawmakers for the unveiling of Powhatan Elementary School’s recently completed solar energy rooftop array. The project illustrates the impact of Virginia’s Clean Economy Act and growing advanced energy employment across the Commonwealth, expected to increase by 8% according to AEE’s latest jobs fact sheet.The solar arrays at Powhatan County Public Schools were developed through a partnership between BrightSuite and Sun Tribe.
Continue reading the original article here
Advanced Energy Jobs Poised for Growth in States Around the Country
June 2, 2021
Monique Hanis
Today national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) published fact sheets on 14 states demonstrating that the advanced energy industry was a major employer at the end of 2020, had a base of growth in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and had employers projecting job growth in 2021 ranging from 6% to 8%.
“2020 was a tough year for the advanced energy industry, as it was for many others,” said Nat Kreamer, CEO of AEE. “But in all these states and others around the country, advanced energy has established a solid foundation and is ready to help local economies come back stronger than before. Offering annual cost savings for consumers, good jobs for workers, and economic growth for states, advanced energy technologies point the way to prosperity powered by secure, clean, affordable energy.”
- VIRGINIA: 93,200 advanced energy jobs – more jobs than management consulting, five times as many as telecommunications
State employment fact sheets for the 14 states are available for download here. Maps of advanced energy employment by county for the 14 states are also available.
Continue reading the original article here
Godfrey on Gov. Northam's Ceremonial Signing of Virginia Clean Economy Act
August 17, 2020
Harrison Godfrey
Continue reading the original article here
Report: Virginia Would Gain from Transition to Clean Electricity
September 24, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
WARRENTON, Va., September 24, 2019 – Virginians would benefit in monthly electricity bills, jobs, income, and state GDP, as well as health and environment, by a transition to zero-carbon sources of electricity. That is the top finding of a new report released today by business group Virginia Advanced Energy Economy (Virginia AEE).
Continue reading the original article here
Virginia Advanced Energy Economy's Harry Godfrey Reacts to Governor's Call for 100% Clean Energy
September 17, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
RICHMOND, September 17, 2019 — Today, business group Virginia Advanced Energy Economy (Virginia AEE) reacted to Governor Northam's Executive Order calling for the Commonwealth to use 100% clean energy to meet its electric power needs by 2050. The Governor's plan includes more immediate goals focused on the deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and battery storage over the next decade.
Continue reading the original article here
More Workers in Virginia Advanced Energy Than in Hospitals, Double Those in Real Estate
August 6, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
RICHMOND, August 6, 2019 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) released a fact sheet showing that Virginia has 101,400 people working in advanced energy. This represents more than those employed by hospitals (98,549), and twice as many as those in real estate (43,181) across the Commonwealth. The U.S. has a total of 3.5 million working in advanced energy jobs throughout the nation.
Continue reading the original article here
Virginia AEE Lauds Approval of Dominion Energy Efficiency Programs
May 2, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
“This decision marks a genuine sea change in the use of energy efficiency and demand response in Virginia,” said Harry Godfrey, executive director of Virginia AEE, in response to the Commission’s ruling. “For years our Commonwealth has badly underutilized these resources for reducing energy demand and saving money on electric bills. That’s cost Virginia families and businesses dearly. Today’s ruling is a major step toward changing that.”
Continue reading the original article here
The Roanoke Times (op-ed): Smart emission markets benefit our economy and families
March 27, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
On March 14, Gov. Northam issued one of his first vetoes this year. HB. 2611 would have made it harder for the Commonwealth to establish cost-effective, free-market emission rules for power plants. By vetoing it and the corresponding budget language, which we presume he will address, the governor did all Virginians, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, a favor.
Continue reading the original article here
Washington Post (AP): Walmart stuck with Dominion, setting up potential fight
February 26, 2019
Alan Suderman | Washington Post
Virginia regulators have denied Walmart’s request to buy electricity generated by someone other than the state’s two largest electric monopolies, setting up a potential legislative brawl between heavyweight business interests.
Virginia is one of a handful of states with electric monopolies where customers can also shop around under certain circumstances. Walmart wanted to aggregate its stores’ total electric usage in order to meet the threshold needed under state law in order to buy its energy on the open market. Several other major companies have filed similar requests, including Target, Costco, and Albertsons, which now appear doomed after the Walmart ruling…
“This ruling heightens the importance of legislation to secure the right of consumers to access cleaner, and more affordable energy,” said Harry Godfrey, executive director Virginia Advanced Energy Economy, a business coalition that advocates for greater energy choice…
Continue reading the original article here
Fredericksburg Freelance-Star (Opinion): Let's get grid modernization right in Virginia
February 5, 2019
Harrison Godfrey
LAST month, the State Corporation Commission rejected the majority of the provisions in Dominion Energy’s grid modernization plan, citing “high costs to customers outweigh(ing) … any proven benefits.” In other words, the SCC concluded that much of Dominion’s grid mod filing lacked justification when asking for ratepayers to foot a multi-billion-dollar bill...
Following the SCC decision, Dominion watchdogs in the General Assembly, as well as environmental and consumer advocates from every corner of Virginia, reveled in seeing the utility so publicly rebuked. But their celebration tells only half the story.
While it is significant that the SCC so bluntly said that Dominion lacked a “well-reasoned plan” that had “little to no benefit to customers,” the commission also gave the utility a set of clear and reasonable suggestions for future filings that detail how they may invest in grid modernization while ensuring that ratepayers see a return on such investments.
Continue reading the original article here
Virginia Mercury Op-Ed: "Advanced Energy - Thousands of Virginia jobs rely on it"
September 7, 2018
Harrison Godfrey
Think about how many people work at your local supermarket. There is a manager, likely a butcher or two, a green grocer, half a dozen stock clerks, a dozen cashiers, maybe a baker or even a pharmacist. Multiply that across your town, county, the commonwealth as a whole and you get a big workforce.
Big as that workforce may be, the advanced energy workforce is bigger. Today in Virginia, 97,700 people hold jobs in wind, solar, energy efficiency, battery storage, electric vehicles and other innovative energy technologies. That’s more than the total number of employees in all of the grocery stores and supermarkets across the Commonwealth.
These numbers make it clear: Advanced energy is a vital part of our economy. This industry employs people in every corner of Virginia – from 1,990 people in Roanoke to 4,600 in Virginia Beach, 3,580 in Chesterfield and 19,900 in Fairfax — with a range of skills and degrees: construction workers, software designers, sales professionals, electrical engineers and more.
Continue reading the original article here
AEE Releases 2018 Advanced Energy Jobs Report for Virginia
More Workers in Virginia Advanced Energy than in Grocery Stores, Double Those in Hotels and Motels
August 18, 2018
VA AEE
Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) released a fact sheet showing that Virginia has 97,700 people working in advanced energy across the state. This represents more than those employed by groceries and supermarkets (75,133), and twice as many as those at hotels, motels, and resorts (45,777) across the state. The U.S. has a total of 3.4 million working in advanced energy jobs across the nation.
Download the full Fact Sheet here
Energy News Network Q&A with VA AEE's Harry Godfrey: 'Virginia is changing fast' when it comes to clean energy
July 19, 2018
Elizabeth McGowan | Energy News Network
Energy News Network interviewed Virginia AEE's Executive Director for a piece regarding his outlook on the Commonwealth as AEE works to build a presence in Virginia. From the article:
Energy News Network: You’re about five months into your job. What’s been the biggest surprise for you in that short window?
Godfrey: It’s the speed at which things are changing in Virginia. The legislation known as SB 966, with its focus on targets for wind and solar, energy efficiency, energy storage pilot projects and grid modernization is an encouraging and concrete sign of how the landscape has shifted.
Continue reading the original article here
Energy News Network quotes VA AEE's Harry Godfrey regarding Offshore Wind in Va.
June 25, 2018
Elizabeth McGowan | Energy News Network
Energy News Network wrote an in-depth piece regarding the opportunity for offshore wind development in Virginia, and what it might take to get the Commonwealth ready for action. From the article
Does Virginia have the pieces in place for an offshore wind boom?
"The state and region that decides to lead on offshore wind will enjoy the gains of providing the supply chain and jobs" [Harrison Godfrey] said. One of his fears is that the state will move too slowly and lose out on a growth opportunity for which it is well suited. "The race is on," Godfrey said "and to the victor go the spoils."
Continue reading the original article here
Navigating Renewable Energy Options in Virginia - Guide to a Changing Landscape
June 7, 2018
Posted by Caitlin Marquis & Harry Godfrey
In Virginia, several voluntary renewable energy tariffs have been introduced by the state’s two largest investor-owned utilities, Dominion Energy (Dominion) and Appalachian Power Co. (APCo). Customers also have the option to purchase renewable energy from competitive service providers, with certain restrictions. Are the options now available sufficient to meet the needs of Virginia’s diverse businesses that want renewable energy to power their operations?
The purpose of renewable energy tariffs, in Virginia and elsewhere, is to give customers (generally commercial and industrial, or C&I, customers) of vertically integrated utilities a way to choose renewable energy to meet their electricity needs. For some customers, the programs in Virginia have done the trick. But others are still waiting for a plan that’s right for them. AEE and Virginia AEE have teamed up to provide a guide to renewable energy in the Commonwealth – how to get it, and what needs to change to get all customers the renewable energy they want.
Continue reading on blog.aee.net
Energy News Network quotes VA AEE's Harry Godfrey regarding Va. efficiency programs
April 27, 2018
Jim Pierobon | Energy News Network
Energy News Network wrote an in-depth piece regarding the outlook for energy efficiency in the Commonwealth. While SB. 966 should spur over $1 billion in new EE investments over the next decade, advocates are worried that the investments may not yield the savings they should. From the article
Virginia Efficiency Programs Due for Windfall, But Will It Be Well Spent?
'Harrison Godfrey, executive director of Virginia Advanced Energy Economy, a trade association that advocates for clean energy and efficiency, said he is “not convinced utilities will invest in technologies that are real game-changers,” such as digital meters to help mid-sized customers manage energy use.'
Continue reading the original article here
Grow Virginia's Economy while Shrinking Emissions? You Bet.
April 24, 2018
Posted by Harry Godfrey
Step-by-step, Virginia is moving closer to establishing a carbon trading market. That’s good news for advanced energy and the Commonwealth’s economy.
Earlier this month, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wrapped up a public comment period on its proposed CO2 Budget Trading Program. Under this regulation, fossil-fired generators with a capacity equal to or greater than 25 megawatts (MW) would be issued permits and required to meet mitigation targets, either through reducing emissions or procuring additional permits. This regulation will help make Virginia’s energy more secure, clean, and affordable while reducing emissions and bolstering the state’s economy – central goals of Virginia AEE.
The Virginian-Pilot Op-Ed "Virginia moves closer to increasing clean energy"
April 17, 2018
Harrison Godfrey
For entirely too long, Virginia has trailed its neighbors when it comes to advanced energy. This year, the General Assembly took an important step to change that, with legislators from Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area playing a leading role. We should celebrate that leadership, and work to fully realize the opportunity they created.
In March the General Assembly passed, and Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law, SB 966. This legislation has the potential to accelerate advanced energy in Virginia, saving money for customers and boosting job growth in the commonwealth. Negotiated by the governor, legislators, Virginia utilities, large energy users and a group of environmental, clean energy and consumer advocates, this bill opens the door to significant investments in energy efficiency and clean generation.
From our perspective, this bill presents an opportunity to create new clean energy jobs while potentially letting all Virginians save money and benefit from an advanced energy economy. Advanced energy in Virginia means jobs and entrepreneurial innovation.
Continue reading the original article here
Virginia AEE Supports DEQ Carbon Regulations, Economic Driver for Commonwealth
Modeling finds regulation proposed by DEQ could reduce electricity rates, boost economy with up to $4.6 billion in investment and up to 40,000 new advanced energy jobs
April 9, 2018
Posted by VA AEE
Virginia Advanced Energy Economy (Virginia AEE) submitted comments today regarding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission trading program proposed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In the comments, Virginia AEE expressed its support for the proposed regulation, noting that it will help make Virginia’s energy more secure, clean, and affordable, while driving up to $4.6 billion in in-state investment and adding up to 40,000 new advanced energy jobs.
Using the State Tool for Electricity Emission Reductions (STEER), an integrated resource-planning tool built to identify the least-cost way to implement CO2 regulations, Virginia AEE modeled possible compliance pathways. It found that utilizing a diverse portfolio of advanced energy resources – including both renewable energy and energy efficiency – Virginia could reduce emissions by over 13.3 million tons between 2020 and 2030, far surpassing the reduction targets in the draft regulation.
Roanoke Times Op-Ed "Governor, Appoint an SCC Commissioner - and point Virginia toward advanced energy"
March 28, 2018
Harrison Godfrey
Gov. Ralph Northam has an opportunity — through a rare vacancy on the State Corporation Commission (SCC) — to unleash innovation and accelerate economic growth in the commonwealth. We urge him to seize it.
The SCC regulates Virginia’s energy economy, overseeing everything from the costs a utility may recoup for building infrastructure (such as pipelines) to the development of wind power in places such as Botetourt County. This past February, Judge James Dimitri, one of the three members of the SCC, retired.
Under normal circumstances, vacancies on the SCC are filled by the General Assembly, without the governor’s input. Although legislators considered a number of candidates to fill the remainder of Dimitri’s term, they failed to reach consensus before adjournment. As a result, the responsibility to fill this vacancy — in accordance with Virginia’s Constitution — falls to the governor.
Utility Dive quotes VA AEE's Harry Godfrey regarding Microsoft's investment
March 23, 2018
Peter Maloney | Utility Dive
Utility Dive covered the announcement by Microsoft that it will purchase 315 MW of energy from two sPower solar projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. From the article:
Microsoft claims its planned purchase of 315 MW from two solar projects under development in Virginia by sPower is the largest power corporate PPA in the United States to date.
Virginia AEE hailed the announcement, as quoted by Utility Dive:
The Microsoft deal will not only “nearly doubles the amount of installed solar capacity in the Commonwealth, but with it Microsoft and sPower will also provide a new way for other energy purchasers to buy into, and benefit from, the secure, clean, affordable energy these solar facilities provide,” Harrison Godfrey, executive director of the advocacy group Virginia Advanced Energy Economy.
Continue reading the original article here
Virginia AEE lauds Microsoft’s investment in 500 MW Solar Project
March 22, 2018
Posted by VA AEE
RICHMOND, March 22, 2018 – Today, Virginia Advanced Energy Economy (Virginia AEE) hailed the announcement by Microsoft Corp. that it would purchase 315 MW of energy from two new solar energy projects being developed in the Commonwealth. The projects – Pleinmont I and II, which will be developed, owned, and operated by sPower, an AES and AIMCo company – will have a total capacity of 500 MW. Both Microsoft and AES are members of Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a national business organization, with which Virginia AEE is affiliated.
“This announcement is groundbreaking for advanced energy in Virginia,” said Harrison Godfrey, executive director of the business group Virginia Advanced Energy Economy. “Not only will this investment nearly double the amount of installed solar capacity in the Commonwealth, but with it Microsoft and sPower will also provide a new way for other energy purchasers to buy into, and benefit from, the secure, clean, affordable energy these solar facilities provide.”
Continue reading the original release on aee.net
Success, Suspense, and Advanced Energy Progress in Virginia
March 14, 2018
Posted by Harry Godfrey
The 2018 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly ended Saturday, capping a two-month sprint that included breakthrough legislation that will accelerate renewable energy development and energy efficiency investment in the Commonwealth, with AEE engaged all the way. But the legislature left behind some unfinished business: while much ink has covered the Assembly’s inability to pass a budget, lawmakers also failed to reach consensus on appointing a new member of the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which has potential implications for Virginia’s advanced energy future.
Here is a look back at the progress we have made, and ahead to unfinished business, as we work to build a greater presence in the Commonwealth and expand the market for advanced energy companies.