Pace Energy and Climate Center

01 Apr 2019

Estimating the Air Emissions of Stationary Engine Generators under Two Megawatts

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Joseph O’Brien Applegate, Dr. Sreekanth Venkataraman, Dr. Praveen Amar

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2019

Abstract: The provision of electric power to homes, businesses and industry via distributed generation (“DG”)2 technologies has increased at a rapid pace over the last 10 to 15 years. New York has made the development of a distributed energy future a centerpiece of the Governor’s path breaking “Reforming the Energy Vision” initiative. The environmental consequences of dramatic increases in distributed generation, however, have not been empirically examined. Because certain forms of DG have previously only run to a very limited extent, their emissions were not regulated closely. However, evolving markets and new rate structures could create incentives that encourage an increase in the operating hours of fossil-fired DG. In this study we have...

19 Mar 2018

A Distributed Energy Amenable Grid

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Pearl Gray, Radina Valova

Topics: DER, Utility,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2018

Abstract: Puerto Rico has the opportunity to rebuild its grid in a manner that makes the island more resilient. We find that PREPA can take action now to lay a strong foundation for distributed energy resources (DER) to integrate with the transmission & distribution system by making the right kind of capital equipment investments as it is being rebuilt. The future grid should be designed to accommodate far greater penetration of DER and ought to have the functionality to utilize DER as dynamic assets, supporting the grid. If PREPA fails to take actions to accommodate DER and beneficially utilize their grid support capabilities, it could face grid defection, and forego opportunities to significantly improve grid performance, productivity, and syst...

11 Sep 2017

Voluntary and Corporate Renewable Energy in New York: Challenges to Maximize Voluntary Benefits and Meeting States Goals

Author: Prepared for Pace by CRS

Topics: DER, Renewables, Solar,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: Since the adoption of New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2004, voluntary and compliance markets for renewable energy have been used together to meet state goals and drive in-state development. Today, the New York State Energy Plan (SEP) coordinates the Governor's energy initiative, Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), and the State's Energy Standard (CES). However, it is yet to be determined what proportion of the goals the voluntary market will represent, what requirements will be placed upon it, and whether or not generation serving voluntary buyers will be surplus to regulation. Like the rest of the Northeast, New York residents and businesses buy a large volume of voluntary green power, but New York does not supply much of i...

01 Jan 2017

Renewable Energy as an Economic Driver of Sustainable Development: UN High-Level Political Forum Side Event Report

Author: Richard Ottinger

Topics: DER, Solar,

States: International,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: Renewable energy and sustainable energy more broadly must be central to efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Energy is often forgotten or glossed over as the basis for almost all modern human activity, seen as seperate from the healthcare, education, IT, construction, sanitation, etc that it enables. Renewable energy has become one of the most promising drivers for sustainable development, offering a way to reduce energy costs for households, and businesses.

20 Oct 2016

The Utilities of Maryland's Future: An Agenda for Transformation

Author: Karl R. Rábago, Jordan Gerow, Radina Valova, Sheryl Musgrove

Topics: DER, LMI, Utility Reform,

States: Maryland,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: The electric utility industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Moving from large centralized, capital-intensive, and highly polluting utility to a distributed, efficient, clean paradigm. This paper sets out the many key questions that must be addressed in order to carry out a regulatory agenda of market transformation.

22 Aug 2016

Proposed Comprehensive Queue Reform Initiative

Author: Environmental Advocates, National Resources Defense Council, Pace Energy and Climate Center, and Riverkeeper

Topics: DER,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: The key to an efficient interconnection process is timely commitment, reasonable study of costs and procedures and effective timelines. The Proposed Comprehensive Queue Reform Initiative is a proactive start in resolving inefficiencies, however in order to accomplish New York State’s 50% Renewable Energy Mandate, effective queue reform must be more robust and extensive.

01 Apr 2016

2015 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Climate, DER, Markets,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: The Pace Energy and Climate Center had an amazing year in 2015. Our staff members and law student interns engaged in some of the most important clean energy policy and development issues in New York and in the Northeast region, as well as in selected venues across the United States and around the world. We have made important progress in empowering continued advancement toward a cleaner energy present and a more sustainable future for all of us. We are really proud of what we have done, and hope you will find our report interesting and informative. We are especially grateful for all the support from Pace University and the Pace Law School, and from our many donors and clients. We couldn’t do any of this without them! You will find our rep...

01 Apr 2016

Clean Power Plan Amicus Brief

Author: Karl R. Rábago

Topics: Climate, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Amicus brief filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by sixteen former high-level state environmental and energy officials in support of the Clean Power Plan.

16 Feb 2016

Primer on Solar Hot Water Technologies in New York State

Author: Karl R. Rábago, Daniel Leonhardt, Perri Hom

Topics: DER, Solar,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: This research report summarizes basic information on solar hot water (SHW) technologies and their use in the state of New York. This report relies upon published secondary sources and direct interviews with experts in the field. This report covers four major topics: specific SHW technologies deployed in New York, major technology configuration, and an analysis on how installations differ, barriers to widespread solar hot water adoption, research, and literature gaps. The Pace Energy and Climate Center thanks Environmental Defense Fund for its support on this report. Special thanks to Rory Christian, director New York Clean Energy and Abbey Brown, Clean energy project Manager.

12 Feb 2016

Unpacking and Rebutting the Utiltiy Embedded Cost Fallacy

Author: Karl Rábago

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: New Article

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Monopoly distribution utilities have proposed charges and other mechanisms to collect those system costs as they planned, and want to reduce any credits earned by customer generators in order to make it less economic for customers to become customer generators.

01 Jan 2016

The Net Metering Riddle

Author: Karl Rábago

Topics: DER, Net Metering, Value of Solar,

States: National,

Resource Type: New Article

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Net metering opponents have done a masterful job in casting the debate around mistaken assumptions. As regulators conduct NEM 2.0 and Value of Solar proceedings, those errant assumptions should be exposed and the real questions addressed.

01 Jan 2016

Comments on Volkswagen

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: DER, Electric Vehicles,

States: National,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: VW ZEV investment program should include support of competitive markets, extended benefits to all communities, protected driver choice, preserve customer choice, encourage innovation, promote EV awareness & outreach, benefit all drivers, and provide process transparency.

01 Nov 2015

Carbon-Tuning New York's Electricity System

Author: Nick Martin

Topics: DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: This report provides an analysis of the emission characteristics of New York’s electricity system by estimating marginal emission rates for carbon-dioxide and other pollutants. It shows that marginal emission rates should be incorporated into the design of distributed energy resource (DER) markets and programs to help guide DER deployment towards maximizing emission reductions efficiently and economically. This report was made possible with support from the Heising-Simons Foundation.

01 Jan 2015

Declaration of Karl R. Rabago in Support of the CPP

Author: Karl R. Rábago

Topics: Climate, DER, Markets,

States: National,

Resource Type: Misc

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: Declaration of Karl Rábago in State of West Virginia, et al. v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, et al. in support of the Clean Power Plan.

01 Jan 2015

Microgrid & District Energy: Pathways to Sustainable Urban Development-Case Studies

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Nick Martin, Laxmi Rao

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: These are the case studies for the that report introduces microgrid concepts, identifies the benefits and most common road blocks to implementation, and discusses proactive steps municipalities can take to advance economically viable and environmentally superior microgrids. It also offers advocacy suggestions for municipal leaders and officials to pursue at the state and regional level. The contents are targeted to municipal government staff but anyone looking for introductory material on microgrids should find it useful.

01 Jan 2015

Microgrid & District Energy: Pathways to Sustainable Urban Development

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Nick Martin, Laxmi Rao

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: This report provides an introduction to microgrid concepts, identifies the benefits and most common road blocks to implementation, and discusses proactive steps municipalities can take to advance economically viable and environmentally superior microgrids. It also offers advocacy suggestions for municipal leaders and officials to pursue at the state and regional level. The contents are targeted to municipal government staff but anyone looking for introductory material on microgrids should find it useful.

22 Sep 2014

REV Track 1 Straw Proposal Comments

Author: Pace Energy and Climate Center, Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, The Sierra Club, and The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: This document revisits and builds upon many of the points raised in a filing submitted on July 18, 2014, by a similar coalition of national and state-based environmental groups, clean energy companies, two academic centers, and one of New York’s leading consumer groups. The Clean Energy Advocates support many aspects of the Proposal. The Proposal describes an ambitious vision that can transform New York’s electricity infrastructure. It encourages the greater deployment of distributed energy resources. The Proposal provides much needed detail about the implementation of REV. It recommends the development of new planning tools and recommends launching several new stakeholder processes. The Clean Energy Advocates are pleased to see signifi...

18 Jul 2014

July 2014 Comments on REV and the Clean Energy Fund

Author: Alliance for Clean Energy New York, The Association for Energy Affordability, The Clean Coalition, Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Pace Energy and Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Public Interest Research Group, and The Sierra Club

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: TThe range and complexity of the issues that the Commission will have to address as we embark on the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) can seem daunting. The temptation to become "lost in trees" and to lose "sight of the forest" must be resisted. With that in mind, the Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV's objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources...

05 Jul 2014

Innovative Financing for Renewable Energy

Author: Richard Ottinger and John Bowie

Topics: DER, Renewables, Solar,

States: International,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: Renewable energy holds great promise for solving the world's energy needs with minimal climate change and pollution consequences. Financing most renewable resources is that they have relatively high initial costs for capital equipment and training, followed by very low costs for the remainder of their lifetime as a result of their utilization of free basic resource inputs. Advances in renewable energy technologies, novel financial instruments, and evolving mobile communication technologies, have spurred creative upfront financing for renewable energy infrastructure.

01 Jan 2014

Comments on the REV Proceeding and the Clean Energy Fund

Author: Alliance for Clean Energy New York, The Association for Energy Affordability, The Clean Coalition, Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Pace Energy and Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Public Interest Research Group, and The Sierra Club.

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: The Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV’s objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources provide to both the energy system and the public. 4. Any compensation to a Distributed System Platform Provider (DSPP) should be commensurate with its performance in addressing clear public policy objectives established by the Commission, including greenhouse gas...

01 Jan 2014

Power Through Storms

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: NoneCombined Heat and Power delivers business continuity, risk reduction, and critical infrastructure resiliency benefits during times of extreme weather events and wide spread grid outages.

01 Jul 2013

Commity Energy Brief: CHP in Hospitals

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Combined heat and power systems can provide power, hot water, and space heating and cooling more reliably, more efficiently, and at lower costs than traditional systems. For these reasons, in addition to the ability to provide power during grid outages, hospitals make ideal hosts for CHP systems.

01 Jan 2013

Community Microgrids: Smarter, Cleaner, Greener

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Jordan Gerow, Franz Litz, and Nick Martin

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Community Microgrids: Smarter, Cleaner, Greener is an introductory report on community microgrids and the many benefits they offer. It lays out a roadmap for communities considering microgrids from setting goals and identifying the vision for a project to choosing sites, completing analyses, acquiring financing, and getting approval to build. The report also considers the regulatory environment for microgrid development and offers recommendations for making the region friendlier to microgrids. This document should be read by municipal and community leaders, state and local government and regulatory officials, emergency managers, large business owners, and any other individuals interested in resilient, affordable, and clean energy.

30 Jun 2011

Valuing and Supporting the Expanded Deployment of Grid-connected Distributed Generation in New York State

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Todd Olinsky-Paul, William Pentland, and Sam Swanson

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: New York State's existing portfolio of policy and program initiatives provides a foundation for expanding the deployment of interconnected DG resources, but progress is slow. The overarching question remains: what are the essential ingredients of a comprehensive effort that could significantly increase the role DG plays in New York's electric service delivery system?

30 Jun 2011

Valuing and Supporting the Expanded Deployment of Grid-Connected Distribution Generation in New York State

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Todd Olinsky-Paul, William Pentland, Sam Swanson

Topics: DER,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: New York, like many other states, has committed to achieving significant renewable energy targets in the near future. Meeting these targets implies that the penetration level of smaller scale, interconnected distributed generation (DG) is inevitably going to increase markedly over the next decade or two.

01 Feb 2011

Deployment of Distributed Generation for Grid Support and Distribution System Infrastructure: A Summary Analysis of DG Benefits and Case Studies

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas Bianco, Michael B. Gerrard, and Gregory E. Wannier

Topics: CHP, DER, Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: Distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP), and more broadly Distributed Energy Resources (DER) that encompasses DG, CHP, and energy efficiency resources (EE) can provide numerous benefits both to the electric transmission and distribution (T&D) and to society overall. For some time, the potential benefits of DG CHP have been identified, speculated upon, and in some instances, analyzed and quantified. Studies have been conducted by industry participants, utilities, regulators and their national and regional organizations, the Department of Energy and the National Energy labs, and numerous energy experts and consultants. These numerous studies have identified numerous benefits including avoided costs of energy, generation...

01 Feb 2011

What's Ahead for Power Plants and Industry

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas Bianco, Michael B. Gerrard, and Gregory E. Wannier

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: In the absence of congressional action on climate change, all eyes are on the states and the EPA to see how they will regulate GHG from existing large power plants and industrial facilities. This working paper explores a promising pathway for the states and EPA to make these reductions using the standards in the Clean Air Act.

01 Jan 2011

CHP in Hospitals

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Fact Sheet

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: Overview of the benefits CHP offers to support the mission of hospitals

01 Jul 2010

Using Existing Federal Authorities and State Action

Author: Nicholas Bianco, Franz Litz, Madeline Gottlieb, Thomas Damassa

Topics: DER, Energy Efficiency, Renewables,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2010

Abstract: Greenhouse gas emissions reductions by federal and state governments suggests a range of potential outcomes is possible. On the federal level, whether reductions are achieved at the lower end of upper end of the range depends on the extent to which the Obama Administration and subsequent administrations use existing regulatory authority to go after reductions shown to be technically possible in the literature. On the state level, whether reductions are realized at the lower or upper end of the rand projected depend similarly on the continued resolve by governors and legislative leaders in the 25 states counted as having taken actions. The findings set out here represent an assessment of what is possible given available inputs for some key s...

08 Dec 2008

Reply Brief: Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of ConEd for Electric Services

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2008

Abstract: Offering testimony on the issue of actions that ConEd can take to encourage development of DER and CHP within its service territory.

01 Jan 2007

State Experiences with Financial Incentives to Promote Clean Distributed Energy: Greenhouse Gas Reductions with CHP

Author: Thomas Bourgeois and Chris Young

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2007

Abstract: Many states have promulgated energy incentive schemes to achieve a wide variety of policy goals. Considering the context of diverse incentives and policies that promote both renewable energy (RE) and combined heat and power (CHP), this paper examines direct capacity grant incentive programs in four states (CA, CT, NJ and NY) to determine broad differences regarding their cost effectiveness, both in achieving installed capacity, and in achieving reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using two methodologies and assumptions to estimate the GHG reductions attributable to different RE and CHP technology types, the paper determines dollars of incentive per ton of CO2 reduction. CHP incentives generally offer a better value per dollar of i...

01 Dec 2005

The Role of Distributed Generation in Power Quality and Reliability

Author: Thomas Bourgeios, Daniel Rosenblum, Ken Darrow, Bruce Hedman

Topics: DER,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2005

Abstract: The nature of business and power consumption has changed considerably over the last two decades. Facilities of all kinds now make widespread use of sensitive electronic components, computers and programmable logic controllers. There is also a growing need for reliable and continuous communications with customers, suppliers, and financial institutions. Many businesses suffer economic losses when electric power interruptions occur or even when there are voltage or current abnormalities present in the power delivery. While the performance of the U.S. and New York electric utility industries is extremely good, even this level of performance is not sufficient to protect customers with highly sensitive loads from economic losses. These customers...

01 May 2003

Clean Distributed Generation In New York State: State and Local Siting, Permitting and Code Issues

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Adam Hinge, Anish A. Joshi, and Bruce Headman

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2003

Abstract: A major hurdle in obtaining approvals for DG/CHP project is lack of clarity about what requirements exist, which agencies have jurisdiction, what agency processes must be followed, the timetable for approvals. This lack of clarity can consume time and money for both developers and agency staff, in the form of research, meeting, review, and correction of applications, re-design of projects, and construction modifications.

26 Apr 2002

Renewable Certificates for Photovoltaics: A Model To Build Upon

Author: Sam Swanson, Janis C. Pepper

Topics: DER, Renewables, Solar,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2002

Abstract: There is a growing demand by customers in the marketplace for solar photovoltaic (PV) generated electricity. Consumers want to support PV even though they may not be able to afford to have their own PV system on their roof. By trading PV "certificates" in the wholesale market, aggregators or utilities can offer a certificate-backed retail product to consumers, allowing them to support the use of PV without having to make a large investment. This can occur in the retail market where consumers either have the ability to choose a green energy option offered by a load-serving entity or through a green pricing program offered by a utility company.