The experiment could become the largest renewable energy grid of its kind.
A pilot program in Puerto Rico could create the largest renewable energy ‘virtual’ grid in North America. “The yearlong pilot, launched late last year by Puerto Rico’s utility Luma Energy, will pull power from up to 6,500 households during energy shortages. It is part of a transformational effort to modernize a deteriorating grid and transition to clean energy,” explains Gabriela Aoun Angueira in a Grist article republished in Next City.
The system utilizes “virtual power plants,” or VPPs, which can include home batteries, heat pumps, or water heaters that can contribute to the grid in an emergency. “Virtual power plants, or VPPs, are networks of distributed energy resources — like home batteries, electric water heaters, or heat pumps — that can help the grid.” The program connects batteries from household rooftop solar panels to the grid, providing an alternate power source when other energy sources go offline.
“The Department of Energy is promoting them as a way of addressing the anticipated growth in energy demand in the coming years.” Households that contribute can decide how much energy to keep in their reserve and get paid to let the rest supplement the grid when needed.
FULL STORY: Puerto Rico Is Using Residents’ Home Batteries To Back Up Its Grid
Federal Rule Update to Speed Clean Energy Approvals
A regulatory change at the federal level will shorten the time it takes clean energy projects to gain approval and start providing energy to the grid.
New Power Transmission Line Approved in the Southwest
The proposed transmission line will transfer wind-produced power from New Mexico to cities in Arizona and California.
California Could Drastically Cut Solar Incentives
Rooftop solar customers in California could face higher costs and reduced incentives if a proposed overhaul of the state's solar program is approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service