Advanced Energy Perspectives

The first week of May marked the close of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ first legislative session. During the 120-day session Colorado legislators passed more than 13 energy-related bills. These bills covered a wide range of pro-advanced energy topics, from exploring and enabling utility business model reform, to updating the state’s building codes for energy efficiency, to expanding tax-credits for electric vehicles (EV) and reducing barriers to EV charging infrastructure. Advanced energy legislation is sweeping the West – and Colorado is no exception.

Nevada scored a major win for advanced energy last week, when Governor Steve Sisolak signed a new, stronger clean energy standard into law. SB 358, sponsored by Sen. Chris Brooks, doubles the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), to 50% by the year 2030. Passing both houses of the legislature without a single no vote, the RPS legislation was the latest – and biggest – step toward Nevada becoming an advanced energy leader nationally. It was also a source of satisfaction for AEE and member companies involved in our Gubernatorial Engagement work in the Silver State last year.

With the budget sucking up the legislative oxygen in Colorado, AEE hosted an Advanced Energy Lobby Day in Denver, supporting a number of bills that will reshape the state’s energy market, creating significant investment opportunities for a rapidly growing industry here. Like other Western governors, Gov. Jared Polis entered office on the promise of expanding clean energy investments while ensuring a just transition for the communities impacted by the shifting economics of energy. The bills supported by AEE would help him fulfilled that promise. We navigated the Capitol, meeting with legislators between committee hearings and floor votes, communicating the business message on advanced energy. With a little less than a month of session remaining, we push forward on bills that would reduce barriers to EV charging infrastructure, securitization of coal-fired power plants to be retired, and carbon mitigation plans. 

The outcome of the 2018 election cycle has the potential to cause a seismic shift in energy policy. Last year, Advanced Energy Economy and our allies conducted a comprehensive campaign in nine targeted states to engage candidates for governor on the benefits of advanced energy. In seven of the nine states the winning candidates made strong commitments for expanding advanced energy in their states. While it is early in these new administrations, it’s not too soon for a snapshot of what’s happened to date and determine where promises are being kept or broken.

One week after the election, we can confidently say that Americans from all walks of the political spectrum were energized to vote. It was the largest turnout in a midterm election in 50 years, with over 110 million ballots cast across the country. As we look to what this means for the industry, it is clear that Americans want their elected leaders to prioritize advanced energy policy at both the state and federal level. New market and policy opportunities emerge at the state and federal level from the election results. Here are AEE’s top five takeaways on the election and what it means for advanced energy.