Rural electric co-ops in Kentucky have submitted more than 60 proposed projects to a federal grant program called Empowering Rural America, which is aimed at helping rural communities transition to clean and affordable energy. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the program will funnel nearly $10 billion toward projects that help rural communities shift to clean and renewable energy. Chris Woolery, energy projects coordinator with the Mountain Association, said the state s more than two dozen co-ops are focused on projects that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs for consumers. .
The New York HEAT Act is again making its way through the state Legislature. The bill aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances and gives the Public Service Commission authority to keep utility companies in line with the state s climate laws. In previous years, the bill has gotten far, clearing the Senate chamber in 2023. .
The California Public Utilities Commission rejected Southern California Edison s plan to help families trade in their gas appliances for electric, drawing criticism from environmental groups. The commission argued the $200 million, four-year plan would have raised rates too much in the short term. Nihal Shrinath, associate attorney for the Sierra Club, said the rebates would have taken between 25% and 75% off the cost of an electric heat pump or combination heat pump/water heater. .
Residents and advocacy groups will rally in Charleston this Saturday to protect net-metering for solar customers. Two of West Virginia s major utilities, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, are petitioning the state s Public Service Commission to reduce the credit that solar panel owners get for producing power. The Commission holds a virtual hearing for public comments on the issue on Monday, Jan. .