What if communities could put an economic value on their local solar resource potential? What if local decision makers could consider this value in the same way as other local resources that drive growth and local investment? Continue reading »
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The December GreenStep Cities workshop focused on benchmarking for wastewater treatment. After an introduction by GPI’s Abby Finis, the discussion covered the value of benchmarking wastewater treatment, Jon Vanyo, C.E.M., Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (23:50),and Benchmarking Wastewater Treatment Plants, Cheri Schneider (40:19). The workshop concluded with case studies on Energy Reduction Analysis at New Prague Wastewater Treatment Facility, Scott Werner, MNtap (1:11:08), and The Value of Using Benchmarking for Wastewater and City Operations, Tracy Holdel, City of St. Cloud. Continue reading »
Making Your City “EV-Ready”
November 30, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Brian Ross, Katelyn Bocklund
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction among consumers, governments, and automakers as battery prices fall and the benefits of EVs increase. Within the last year, virtually every major automobile manufacturer has announced plans to transition to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. As cities look to capitalize on the opportunity that EVs can bring, from lower maintenance costs for consumers to better air quality for residents, they also must lay the groundwork for their communities to become ‘EV-ready’. Continue reading »
Understanding the Interaction between Regional Electricity Markets and State Policies
November 29, 2017 in Reports & Whitepapers Author: Franz Litz
Regional electricity markets—operated by regional transmission organizations (RTOs)— span multiple states and bring significant benefits to the electricity grid. States policies—such as renewable or clean energy portfolio standards or procurement mandates—have always helped shape market outcomes, but increasingly they are aimed at addressing perceived market shortcomings. Continue reading »
MISO’s Triennial Review of Regional Transmission Lines in the Midwest Shows Worthwhile Investment
November 29, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
In late October, 2017, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) released its third triennial review of the Multi-Value Project (MVP) electric transmission portfolio, which is an update of previous analyses performed to understand the how these 17 transmission lines, approved in 2011, continue to show benefits to the MISO region. The report describes how these projects, which cross multiple states in the Midwest, continue to deliver benefits above and beyond what was initially expected. Continue reading »
Q&A: Can Regional Competitive Wholesale Markets for Electricity Function alongside State Energy Policies?
November 29, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Franz Litz
As states have increasingly moved to implement state-specific energy policies, tensions have grown between these states and the regional wholesale electricity markets that serve them. Although regional transmission organizations (RTOs) oversee the markets and manage the electricity grid, states’ right to pursue certain energy policies—such as renewable portfolio standards and tax incentives for preferred generation resources—is raising fundamental questions. Continue reading »
How Carbon Disclosure Platforms Can Help Cities Translate Commitments into Action
November 28, 2017 in Communities Author: Abby Finis
Note: This blog is the first installment of a two-part series on carbon disclosure.
Carbon disclosure is the practice of reporting and managing emissions through credible reporting platforms, consistent with global standards and protocols. Cities around the globe have committed to reducing their impact on climate change and are using these entities to monitor and demonstrate their progress. Established disclosure platforms are available to cities to measure their impact while providing insights into their energy use that can be used to identify opportunities for more effective practices and policies. Continue reading »
GPI Staff Picks for Fall: What We’re Reading, Listening to, and Watching
November 28, 2017 in News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen
Follow this new series that will feature GPI staff picks throughout the year. From podcasts to the latest analysis, you can check out what we’re interested in right now. Continue reading »
New Paper Examines Regional Electricity Markets
November 27, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Franz Litz
As states have increasingly moved to implement state-specific energy policies, tensions have grown between these states and the regional wholesale electricity markets that serve them. Continue reading »
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. For the past seven years, cities have been recognized at three step levels for taking and reporting action. In 2016, the program introduced Steps 4 and 5, which allow cities to measure and track the impact of their actions. The following includes highlights of what we have learned so far. Continue reading »
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