In this week’s Solar News Roundup, LADWP votes to expand a beneficial feed-in tariff program in their service area, and the first 100% electric vehicle “gas” station opens.
LADWP votes to expand feed-in tariff program by 300 MW
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the largest municipal utility in the U.S., recently voted to expand its feed-in tariff program by 300 megawatts (MW). Their program is already the largest municipal feed-in tariff (FiT) program in the country; this most recent expansion is a part of Los Angeles’ 2019 Sustainable pLAn, intended to help the city reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
“The FiT program has been enormously well-received, as it provides dependable guidelines and set pricing to give customers and businesses the confidence to invest in renewable energy. This expansion will allow even bigger projects incorporating new, innovative technology to participate throughout the locations we serve,” said LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Abrams.
LADWP’s feed-in tariff program works similarly to other FiT programs – customers in their territory are allowed to sell the electricity they generate on-site back to the grid for a fixed price. FiT programs offer commercial customers an additional revenue stream, and generally help solar panel owners benefit from the production of their system.
Nation’s first 100 percent electric vehicle “gas” station opens in Maryland
Electric vehicles are grabbing more and more of the U.S. car market share each year; just recently, the first gas station to convert to entirely electric vehicle chargers opened in Maryland. RS Automotives in Takoma Park, MD has been a local station in business since 1958. Depeswar Doley, the owner of the facility, noted that he was unhappy with how oil and gasoline companies create contracts that limit using multiple suppliers and extend contracts when sales volumes aren’t met, among other problems.
The station features four dispensers connected to a 200 kilowatt (kW) system, allowing for four vehicles to charge at once and reach an 80 percent battery charge in 20 to 30 minutes.
“Maryland is proud to be a national leader when it comes to clean and renewable energy, climate change and the promotion of electric infrastructure and vehicles,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “This fully converted gas-to-electric charging station is a prime example of our administration’s commitment to the environment and transportation.”
