June 6, 2025 

A monthly roundup of activity and progress made towards our mission to transform public policy to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy. 

A New Member Portal Experience! 

In case you missed our announcement earlier this week, we have a new Member Portal for Working Group sign up, call registration and document sharing! Please bookmark https://unitedmemberportal.com/. The first time you access the Portal you will need to sign up with the email address that you’re receiving this email on. Follow the steps in our Member Portal Guide to log in and create your password, and access your membership information. As a note, you remain registered for the same Working Group email lists and calls that you are currently plugged into, so no additional action is required to access them. However, please review your profile to confirm everything looks as it should. Contact our Member Engagement Team with any questions or troubles logging in.

Texas Legislature Passes Favorable Legislation on DERs, TAEBA Helps Defeat Anti-Renewable Bills

Three Distributed Energy Resources (DER) focused bills that United supported through our Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA) have passed both chambers and are headed to the Governor. TAEBA worked in coalition with key partners and allies to advocate for the passage of three bills that will benefit demand side resources:

• HB 5323, which establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate demand reduction, energy efficiency, and grid reliability.
• SB 1202, which enables third-party inspections for home backup power systems.
• SB 1252, which prevents municipalities from restricting residential backup power installations.

TAEBA, in collaboration with industry partners and coalitions, was successful in helping defeat three bills that would have significantly harmed large-scale wind, solar and batteries in the ERCOT market. These bills died in the House committee process:

• SB 715 would have established "firming" requirements for all existing and new large scale wind and solar, dramatically increasing costs for developers and project owners.
• SB 819 would have set onerous new regulations, unworkable setback standards and permitting requirements on wind, solar and batteries.
• SB 388 would have established a 50% "dispatchable" standard for the state (akin to an RPS) for resources other than battery storage

Colorado Legislative Session Results in Some Wins, Some Unfinished Business

Colorado’s legislative session concluded on May 7. Compared to previous years, this session was characterized by limited progress on clean energy policy due to a combination of factors. While United’s advanced transmission technologies bill (SB25-127) did not advance, the United-supported “NextGen Highways” bill (HB25-1292) to open state highway rights-of-way for co-location with new transmission capacity has been signed into law by the Governor. The Legislature also approved a United-supported residential solar consumer protections bill, SB25-299. Meanwhile, the Administration’s “Clean Energy Planning by 2040” bill framework, which would have codified a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040 and updated resource planning requirements, failed to get off the ground due to opposition from utilities and others. We expect it will come back in some form in the 2026 session, along with renewed discussion around data center policy and omnibus-type legislation based on the PUC sunset review report. For United’s fuller perspective on legislative wins and unfinished business this session, please read our blog.

Connecticut Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) Bill Moves to the Governor's Desk

One of United’s priority legislative proposals —aimed at accelerating the deployment of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and other advanced transmission technologies — was included as a key component of the Senate’s omnibus energy bill. United’s advocacy throughout the session has positioned ATTs as a common-sense solution for increasing the efficacy of Connecticut’s grid in a cost-effective manner. Governor Ned Lamont plans to sign the bill.

United Testifies in Support of Virtual Power Plants and Advanced Transmission Technologies in Pennsylvania

United testified on transmission options in the state of Pennsylvania for the House Energy committee on May 14. The committee had reached out to us to ask about considerations in clean energy deployment that were not encompassed by the Lightning Plan package, and we steered them towards considerations in transmission and distribution to include rights-of-way, advanced conductors, GETs, and virtual power plants (VPPs). The hearing got considerable media coverage in the state and many positive responses from the legislature. We expect legislative language to be developed soon to advance these concepts.

United Defends Key Grid Reliability Programs in California

Amidst a $12 billion state budget deficit and weak cap-and-trade revenues, Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed May Revision to the 2025 January budget proposal significantly cuts funding for the state’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) and Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) programs. United has rallied a coalition of industry, environmental, and load serving entity stakeholders to push back on these cuts and ensure the programs have enough funds for the next two years. The statutory deadline for a budget deal is June 15, but legislators are expected to pass a placeholder budget and continue negotiations through August.

United Releases Massachusetts Rate Design Study 

On May 15, United published a report in partnership with Demand Side Analytics that identifies ways in which the Commonwealth could support electrification without abandoning its energy conservation and long-term system cost containment imperatives. The analysis shows that a time-of-use (TOU) electric rate, paired with enhanced energy efficiency efforts, can significantly reduce residential energy bills for electrified homes while mitigating rate increases for all homes. United expects to use the analysis as an advocacy tool in rate design proceedings before the MA Department of Public Utilities.

United Engages in Day-Ahead Market Debate in Colorado

United is participating in a variety of activities to raise concerns about Xcel Energy’s application to join Markets+. Our primary engagement is through docket intervention at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), where we filed testimony last month and this month strongly recommending that the Commission reject the application. Our testimony explains how Xcel has not provided sufficient evidence to support its application and argues that there are compelling reasons to wait while the very dynamic western market landscape evolves. We also released a statement of support for new analysis showing that Xcel could be better off joining the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) and were quoted in a Colorado Sun article urging Xcel to consider other options. Hearings in this proceeding are being held at the end of May, and the Commission is required to make a decision by July 14.

Wisconsin PSC Approves 1200+ MW of New Gas Capacity

On May 22, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) voted 3-0 to approve We Energies’ proposed $1.2B 1,100 MW Oak Creek gas peaker plant and $280M 128 MW Paris baseload gas plant. United was an intervenor in this case and had urged the PSCW to take a more cost-effective approach that leverages widely available, affordable and innovative advanced energy resources to meet their customers’ electricity needs. The options presented in our testimony included VPPs, energy efficiency programs, more distributed generation in homes and businesses, large-scale renewables, and batteries, as well as grid enhancing technologies that make transmission more efficient. Though the result was disappointing, comments made by the Commissioners during the discussion of the Oak Creek project indicate areas where further opportunities may exist on demand response, energy efficiency and long-term resource planning.

United Priority Bills Move to Second House in California

This week was action-packed in the California Legislature as both chambers debated hundreds of bills before the June 6 deadline to pass bills out of the first house. Key priority bills for United advanced this week, including United-sponsored AB 740 (virtual power plants) and AB 44 (load modification), SB 540 (Pathways/western RO), AB 1408 (surplus interconnection), SB 330 (transmission financing), and SB 541 (load flexibility). SB 540, in particular, saw a lively floor debate that reflected increased understanding of many lawmakers about the importance of this issue, as reported in RTO Insider. We also saw two bills we oppose continue to advance, AB 1111 (electric school bus mandate rollback) and AB 942 (changes to NEM 1.0/2.0). Moving ahead, we will be focused on the second house to ensure our supported bills’ continued progress and amendments to, or defeat of, the bills we oppose. We will also be working, alongside many coalition partners, to resolve major issues with recent amendments to SB 540 that, as currently drafted, seek to address California lawmakers’ concerns in a way that will alienate market participants across the broader West.

Breaking the Bottleneck: Industry Insights on Barriers to DER Adoption

United, in partnership with member company, DNV, has released Breaking the Bottleneck, a landmark report uncovering the root causes of delays in connecting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to the grid. Based on interviews with 24 utility leaders, developers, regulators, and large energy users, the report highlights widespread issues including outdated interconnection processes, lack of visibility into grid upgrade timelines and costs, and insufficient utility accountability. It also provides a roadmap of policy and process reforms needed to accelerate DER deployment and modernize grid operations. United hosted a webinar to explore these findings in depth, view the webinar recording here.

Texas Legislature Passes Favorable Legislation on DERs, TAEBA Helps Defeat Anti-Renewable Bills

Three Distributed Energy Resources (DER) focused bills that United supported through our Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA) have passed both chambers and are headed to the Governor. TAEBA worked in coalition with key partners and allies to advocate for the passage of three bills that will benefit demand side resources:

• HB 5323, which establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate demand reduction, energy efficiency, and grid reliability.
• SB 1202, which enables third-party inspections for home backup power systems.
• SB 1252, which prevents municipalities from restricting residential backup power installations.

TAEBA, in collaboration with industry partners and coalitions, was successful in helping defeat three bills that would have significantly harmed large-scale wind, solar and batteries in the ERCOT market. These bills died in the House committee process:

• SB 715 would have established "firming" requirements for all existing and new large scale wind and solar, dramatically increasing costs for developers and project owners.
• SB 819 would have set onerous new regulations, unworkable setback standards and permitting requirements on wind, solar and batteries.
• SB 388 would have established a 50% "dispatchable" standard for the state (akin to an RPS) for resources other than battery storage

Texas Legislature Passes Favorable Legislation on DERs, TAEBA Helps Defeat Anti-Renewable Bills

Three Distributed Energy Resources (DER) focused bills that United supported through our Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA) have passed both chambers and are headed to the Governor. TAEBA worked in coalition with key partners and allies to advocate for the passage of three bills that will benefit demand side resources:

• HB 5323, which establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate demand reduction, energy efficiency, and grid reliability.
• SB 1202, which enables third-party inspections for home backup power systems.
• SB 1252, which prevents municipalities from restricting residential backup power installations.

TAEBA, in collaboration with industry partners and coalitions, was successful in helping defeat three bills that would have significantly harmed large-scale wind, solar and batteries in the ERCOT market. These bills died in the House committee process:

• SB 715 would have established "firming" requirements for all existing and new large scale wind and solar, dramatically increasing costs for developers and project owners.
• SB 819 would have set onerous new regulations, unworkable setback standards and permitting requirements on wind, solar and batteries.
• SB 388 would have established a 50% "dispatchable" standard for the state (akin to an RPS) for resources other than battery storage

Colorado Legislative Session Results in Some Wins, Some Unfinished Business

Colorado’s legislative session concluded on May 7. Compared to previous years, this session was characterized by limited progress on clean energy policy due to a combination of factors. While United’s advanced transmission technologies bill (SB25-127) did not advance, the United-supported “NextGen Highways” bill (HB25-1292) to open state highway rights-of-way for co-location with new transmission capacity has been signed into law by the Governor. The Legislature also approved a United-supported residential solar consumer protections bill, SB25-299. Meanwhile, the Administration’s “Clean Energy Planning by 2040” bill framework, which would have codified a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040 and updated resource planning requirements, failed to get off the ground due to opposition from utilities and others. We expect it will come back in some form in the 2026 session, along with renewed discussion around data center policy and omnibus-type legislation based on the PUC sunset review report. For United’s fuller perspective on legislative wins and unfinished business this session, please read our blog.

Connecticut Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) Bill Moves to the Governor's Desk

One of United’s priority legislative proposals —aimed at accelerating the deployment of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and other advanced transmission technologies — was included as a key component of the Senate’s omnibus energy bill. United’s advocacy throughout the session has positioned ATTs as a common-sense solution for increasing the efficacy of Connecticut’s grid in a cost-effective manner. Governor Ned Lamont plans to sign the bill.

United Testifies in Support of Virtual Power Plants and Advanced Transmission Technologies in Pennsylvania

United testified on transmission options in the state of Pennsylvania for the House Energy committee on May 14. The committee had reached out to us to ask about considerations in clean energy deployment that were not encompassed by the Lightning Plan package, and we steered them towards considerations in transmission and distribution to include rights-of-way, advanced conductors, GETs, and virtual power plants (VPPs). The hearing got considerable media coverage in the state and many positive responses from the legislature. We expect legislative language to be developed soon to advance these concepts.

United Defends Key Grid Reliability Programs in California

Amidst a $12 billion state budget deficit and weak cap-and-trade revenues, Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed May Revision to the 2025 January budget proposal significantly cuts funding for the state’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) and Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) programs. United has rallied a coalition of industry, environmental, and load serving entity stakeholders to push back on these cuts and ensure the programs have enough funds for the next two years. The statutory deadline for a budget deal is June 15, but legislators are expected to pass a placeholder budget and continue negotiations through August.

United Releases Massachusetts Rate Design Study 

On May 15, United published a report in partnership with Demand Side Analytics that identifies ways in which the Commonwealth could support electrification without abandoning its energy conservation and long-term system cost containment imperatives. The analysis shows that a time-of-use (TOU) electric rate, paired with enhanced energy efficiency efforts, can significantly reduce residential energy bills for electrified homes while mitigating rate increases for all homes. United expects to use the analysis as an advocacy tool in rate design proceedings before the MA Department of Public Utilities.

United Engages in Day-Ahead Market Debate in Colorado

United is participating in a variety of activities to raise concerns about Xcel Energy’s application to join Markets+. Our primary engagement is through docket intervention at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), where we filed testimony last month and this month strongly recommending that the Commission reject the application. Our testimony explains how Xcel has not provided sufficient evidence to support its application and argues that there are compelling reasons to wait while the very dynamic western market landscape evolves. We also released a statement of support for new analysis showing that Xcel could be better off joining the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) and were quoted in a Colorado Sun article urging Xcel to consider other options. Hearings in this proceeding are being held at the end of May, and the Commission is required to make a decision by July 14.

Wisconsin PSC Approves 1200+ MW of New Gas Capacity

On May 22, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) voted 3-0 to approve We Energies’ proposed $1.2B 1,100 MW Oak Creek gas peaker plant and $280M 128 MW Paris baseload gas plant. United was an intervenor in this case and had urged the PSCW to take a more cost-effective approach that leverages widely available, affordable and innovative advanced energy resources to meet their customers’ electricity needs. The options presented in our testimony included VPPs, energy efficiency programs, more distributed generation in homes and businesses, large-scale renewables, and batteries, as well as grid enhancing technologies that make transmission more efficient. Though the result was disappointing, comments made by the Commissioners during the discussion of the Oak Creek project indicate areas where further opportunities may exist on demand response, energy efficiency and long-term resource planning.

United Priority Bills Move to Second House in California

This week was action-packed in the California Legislature as both chambers debated hundreds of bills before the June 6 deadline to pass bills out of the first house. Key priority bills for United advanced this week, including United-sponsored AB 740 (virtual power plants) and AB 44 (load modification), SB 540 (Pathways/western RO), AB 1408 (surplus interconnection), SB 330 (transmission financing), and SB 541 (load flexibility). SB 540, in particular, saw a lively floor debate that reflected increased understanding of many lawmakers about the importance of this issue, as reported in RTO Insider. We also saw two bills we oppose continue to advance, AB 1111 (electric school bus mandate rollback) and AB 942 (changes to NEM 1.0/2.0). Moving ahead, we will be focused on the second house to ensure our supported bills’ continued progress and amendments to, or defeat of, the bills we oppose. We will also be working, alongside many coalition partners, to resolve major issues with recent amendments to SB 540 that, as currently drafted, seek to address California lawmakers’ concerns in a way that will alienate market participants across the broader West.

Breaking the Bottleneck: Industry Insights on Barriers to DER Adoption

United, in partnership with member company, DNV, has released Breaking the Bottleneck, a landmark report uncovering the root causes of delays in connecting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to the grid. Based on interviews with 24 utility leaders, developers, regulators, and large energy users, the report highlights widespread issues including outdated interconnection processes, lack of visibility into grid upgrade timelines and costs, and insufficient utility accountability. It also provides a roadmap of policy and process reforms needed to accelerate DER deployment and modernize grid operations. United hosted a webinar to explore these findings in depth, view the webinar recording here.

United Responds to Congressional Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence and Energy Security

On March 10, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), a former member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, issued a Request for Information (RFI) addressing AI’s growing energy demand. On May 15, United submitted its responses to the RFI and worked with members and across the organization to develop responses to questions in the RFI specifically pertaining to policy mechanisms that can help alleviate the highest-demand growth scenarios and help the U.S. compete on a global scale.

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Package with Deep Cuts to Clean Energy Credits

On May 23, the U.S. House of Representatives voted along party lines (215-214) to advance a reconciliation bill that included rollbacks and problematic restrictions to clean energy and transportation credits. Notably, House leadership further amended clean energy provisions shortly before passage, inserting a requirement that projects commence construction within 60 days of enactment to qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) and barring the use of such credits for leased wind and solar systems. United President & CEO Heather O’Neill released a statement expressing strong opposition, likening the cuts to those of a “meat cleaver”. The package now heads to the U.S. Senate, where United is already engaged, for action in the weeks ahead.

United Organizes Panels and Meetings with New England PUC Commissioners at NECPUC

At the Northeast Conference of Public Utility Commissioners (NECPUC) Annual Symposium, two of United’s proposed panels were included on the agenda and four representatives from member companies were featured as panelists. In addition to our engagement on the content for the conference, United held a series of our own member meetings, facilitating opportunities for members to engage directly with Commissioner Staci Rubin (MA), Commissioner David Arconti (CT), and Chair Ron Gerwatowski (RI).

Utility Accountability Bill Passes Through One Chamber in New Jersey

The United-led bill to bring transparency to how New Jersey’s utilities vote at PJM Interconnection advanced through the Assembly of New Jersey with broad bipartisan support. Similar legislation which we supported in Maryland has been signed by Governor Wes Moore into law. We are optimistic about the legislation’s prospects of making it through the New Jersey Senate when they take it up in the next few months.

FERC Agrees with United's Concerns as it Rejects MISO's Expedited Resource Adequacy Study 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected MISO's Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) proposal, which United protested alongside clean trade allies. United was very engaged on ERAS during the short stakeholder process at MISO, weighing in with comments and meeting with MISO staff. United met with states in the lead up to the filing to discuss our concerns with the proposal and with FERC staff ahead of the filing, and filed a detailed protest with expert testimony alongside clean trade allies. While FERC’s rejection validated United’s most pressing concerns with MISO’s discriminatory filing, the Commission indicated in its Order that a revised version of ERAS may be acceptable, and we expect MISO to file by June 6. United will engage on this filing, as well as on SPP’s closely related ERAS filing now before the Commission.

United Holds Meetings with FERC Commissioners, Staff Weighs in on Resource Adequacy Challenges 

United and a group of member companies held in-person meetings with all four FERC Commissioners and their senior advisors, as well as with FERC staff. We shared our views on FERC’s upcoming technical conference focused on resource adequacy, emphasizing the benefits of competitive regional markets while urging reforms to make them more responsive to grid needs and resource capabilities. We also discussed the importance of continued improvements to interconnection and transmission planning to facilitate market entry of new resources needed to maintain resource adequacy as demand grows. We followed up with comments ahead of FERC’s June 4-5 technical conference.

United Urges Improvements to PJM's Order 1920 Compliance, Echoed by PJM Governors 

United participated in a special meeting of PJM’s Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee (TEAC) dedicated to stakeholder feedback on PJM’s Order 1920 compliance proposal. United’s presentation focused on two primary concerns with PJM’s proposal as it currently stands: (1) PJM’s proposal to bifurcate its needs analysis into “core” and “additional” risks undermining beneficial transmission expansion, and (2) PJM’s proposal to evaluate alternative transmission technologies delegates responsibility to proposers and fails to ensure adequate evaluation of transmission alternatives. The first concern, which was echoed by multiple other presenters at the special TEAC, was also the primary topic in a letter to the PJM Board from five governors across PJM states.

Join Our 2025 Regional NARUC Tour (May 19 - July 17)

Join United for member engagement with PUC commissioners and staff at the upcoming regional NARUCs and Summer NARUC. If you would like to attend any or all the following events, please contact the staffer listed:

• Southeast (SEARUC) June 8-11 in San Antonio, TX
  • Monday, June 9 at 12:00pm - Lunch with Commissioner Fitz Johnson (GA) 
  • Contact: Christina Kurre
• Mid-America (MARC) June 23-26 in Indianapolis, IN
  • Monday, June 23 at 6:00pm - Dinner with Commissioners Partridge (MN), Freeman (IN), Sullivan (MN), and Veleta (IN) 
  • Tuesday, June 24 at 12:00pm - Lunch with Commission Staff from IA and KS 
  • Meeting information forthcoming.
  • Contact: Megan Walkenhorst
• Mid-Atlantic (MACRUC) June 23-26 in Louisville, KY
  • Monday, June 23rd at 6:00pm - Dinner with Commissioners Barve (MD) and Valova (NY) 
  • Tuesday, June 24th at 3:00pm - Bourbon Truffle Tasting with Commission Staff from KY 
  • Meeting with Judge Bagot (VA), more meeting details to come. 
  • Contact: Mikaelyn Libier
• Summer NARUC (national) July 27-29 in Boston, MA
  •  Sunday, July 27 at 6:30pm - Clean Energy Industry Reception (RSVP here)
    Monday, July 28 at 6:15pm - Dinner with Commissioners
  • Tuesday, July 29 at 12:15pm - Lunch with Commission Staff
  • Meeting with Commissioner Rendahl (WA) 
  • Contact: Christina Kurre

Note that engagement at the regional NARUCs is determined by regional working group membership. Contact Christina Kurre if you are planning to be there or have any questions. 

U.S. Senate Tax Policy Fly-in (Washington, D.C., June 17)

As the reconciliation package, with significant and negative proposed changes to advanced energy and transportation tax policies, continues to progress, United is turning its attention to the U.S. Senate. Join our federal team and fellow United members for a day of meetings on Tuesday, June 17th, with Senators and their staff as we detail our priorities for tax reform. This Lobby Day is open to Advocate and Leader-level members. Please note if you are not yet registered for U.S Senate Tax Policy Fly-in we have launched a New Member Portal. Please see this guide for instructions on how to log in. Visit the “Member Events” tab and select U.S Senate Tax Policy Fly-in to register for the lobby day if you are not already. If you have trouble registering, reach out to Julieta Romero.

2026 Portfolio Upcoming Discussion (Virtual, June 17 - June 26)

We’re streamlining the process by focusing discussions on areas that may need a strategic shift. Most of these conversations will happen during Working Group meetings in early June, with a few topic-specific sessions in May.

• June 17: FERC (rescheduled from June 12th) 
• June 18: West Regional WG, Central Regional WG, PJM (regular call time) 
• June 26: Federal Priorities (as part of Q2 Policy Council meeting)  

Save the Date: 2025 Leadership Forum: Power, Policy, and the Path to Advancing America's Energy Future (Arlington, CA, December 9 - 10) 

Join us this December 9 – 10 in Arlington, VA for our annual Leadership Forum —an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders and innovators shaping the future of the energy industry. With 2025 already off to an impactful start for our industry, we'll come together this December to focus on the takeaways and share insights that will help drive meaningful change in the industry. Gain exclusive access to thought leaders, expand your professional network, and engage in forward-thinking strategy session discussions designed to empower leadership and spark collaboration in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates, including the full agenda, speakers, and registration and sponsorship opportunities. Check out our event page for our 2024 Leadership Forum recap. Registration opens soon!

Share your feedback on the format of this Member Report by contacting us at membership@advancedenergyunited.org.