Pace Energy and Climate Center

01 Jun 2021

Overcoming Legal and Regulatory Barriers to District Geothermal in New York State

Author: Craig Hart, Thomas Bourgeois, Emma Lagle, Joseph O’Brien-Applegate and Jessica Laird

Topics: Decarbonization, Economics, Energy Efficiency, Geothermal energy, Regulation,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2021

Abstract: This study examines the legal and regulatory issues confronting the development of district geothermal energy systems in the State of New York. Although geothermal technology is a reliable and economically feasible zero-emission source of building heat, resolving regulatory and property rights and permitting issues required to adopt district geothermal systems pose significant barriers. We evaluate geothermal projects along a continuum of complexity—from single owner systems—including a single owner of multiple buildings on a single parcel of land (such as a college campus)—to systems that involve multiple owners of buildings on numerous parcels of land (such as serving a downtown core). This study considers how property rights and pe...

15 Jul 2020

Zero Net Gas: A Framework for Managing Gas Demand Reduction as a Pathway to Decarbonizing the Buildings Sector

Author: Radina Valova, Craig Hart, Tom Bourgois, Joseph O'Brien-Applegate

Topics: Energy Efficiency, GHG, LMI, Low and Moderate Income, REV, Technology, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: UNKNOWN

Abstract: To meet Paris Agreement greenhouse gas reduction targets, gas distribution utilities and the buildings they serve—residential, small commercial, and large commercial and industrial buildings—must fully decarbonize. This paper proposes a Zero Net Gas demand reduction framework to achieve decarbonization of the buildings sector. The Zero Net Gas Framework is a policy and regulatory pathway to start reversing gas dependence in buildings, towards deep decarbonization. The ZNG strategy posits that gas consumption must be capped in the near-term—and incrementally reduced where possible—by pairing new gas demand with reductions in existing inefficient gas use through demand-side measures, such as energy efficiency, heat pumps and renewabl...

19 Feb 2019

Pace Energy and Climate Center 2018 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Annual Report, Energy Efficiency, Renewables, Solar, Utility,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2019

Abstract: The Pace Energy and Climate Center had a great 2018! We filed hundreds of pages of comments, testimony, and recommendations in utility regulatory proceedings, and spoke up and made a difference for clean energy and energy justice in rate cases and grid modernization/utility transformation cases in several states. The year ahead promises to be as exciting and important as the one just completed. Thanks to the continued support and confidence of our government and foundation funders and expert assistance clients, we will be working to secure clean energy.

18 Oct 2018

Supplemental comments about PURPA

Author: Karl Rabago, Radina Valova, SELC, ELPC

Topics: Energy Efficiency, Renewables, Solar, Utility,

States: National,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2018

Abstract: Many states and utilities fail to comply with existing PURPA regulations. Is PURPA still relevant and necessary today? Calls to reform PURPA ignore the remaining barriers to market entry that qualifying facilities face and overstate the need for reform.

01 Oct 2017

Recent Developmetns in Energy Efficiency Evaluation, Measurements, and Verification

Author: Seth Nowak, Maggie Molina, and Martin Kushler

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The Report identifies states that exhibit policy and institutional leadership, discuss three topics that have recently received significant attention in the industry: deemed savings and technical reference manuals, common practice baselines, and advanced metering-based M&V enabled by greater data availability and improved data analytics.

01 Apr 2017

2016 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: 2016 Annual Report

01 Sep 2016

UN Environment guide for Energy Efficiency and Reneable Energy law

Author: Richard Ottinger, John Bowie, Adrian J. Bradbrook, David Goldstein, Katherine Kennedy, Philip Musegaas, Ethan Rogers, Ibibia Worika, David R. Hodas, Teresa Malyshev, Alexandrea Warwyk, Cho Kunja, Tumai Murombo, Juan Opposa, Shakeel Kazmi, Victor Tafur, Nana Safo, and Eugene Opoku-Serebuoh

Topics: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy,

States: International,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: The guide is intended to advise government energy officials and project developers, implementers and funders, of the laws adapted throughout the world to facilitate initiation of sound and sustainable energy efficiency projects.

01 Apr 2016

Amicus Brief in Support of Clean Power Plan

Author: Patrick Parenteau

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: Federal,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: none

01 Jan 2015

Appendix B-Select EPS Program Synopses

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: This is the appendix to the 2015 report, Charting the Course for Energy Efficiency in New York, contains program statistics and short descriptions for eight energy efficiency programs designed and run as part of the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS). The purpose of this appendix is to provide readers with an idea of how programs under EEPS achieve energy savings. The eight programs profiled are selected because they represent either on of the largest programs under EEPS in terms of reported energy savings achieved or the lowest Cost per first-year kWh saved among all programs. All reported statistics are drawn directly from the New York Department of Public Service EEPS website and represent reported metrics up to the third quarte...

30 May 2014

Comments on the Draft State Energy Plan

Author: David Gahl

Topics: Climate, Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: We offer the following five recommendations. To improve the Final Plan, drafters should: 1) establish near-term, mid-term and long-term GHG reduction targets in straight tonnage terms, but also require GHG reporting in intensity terms; 2) establish aggressive statewide energy efficiency savings targets and renewable energy deployment targets as a way to meet the GHG reduction goals; 3) include more specific action items related to updating building codes, including setting training and outreach goals; 4) establish a statewide transportation emissions reduction goal, and eliminate barriers to electric vehicle deployment to help reduce GHG emissions; and 5) follow through on updating energy-related cost benefit analyses and begin development...

27 Apr 2014

Charting the Course for Energy Efficiency in New York

Author: David Gahl, John Bowie, Nick Martin, Sam Swanson

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: Charting a New Course for Energy Efficiency in New York: Lessons from Existing Programs, the report examines the performance of the existing suite of energy efficiency efforts run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the state’s investor owned utilities. The latest data shows that through 2014 EEPS program administrators had achieved 79 percent of their to date savings goals. The report focuses on the best ways to transition from the EEPS program model to the emerging REV model. Reviewing publicly available information, this analysis takes stock of what the EEPS has achieved and calls for a REV planning and delivery program that builds upon lessons learned from decades of past efforts to achieve self-sustain...

01 May 2013

Sizing up Progress Toward '15 by '15

Author: Jordan Stutt, Jackson Morris

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: The 2012 EEPS update

07 Dec 2012

Pace Supports Increased Efficiency Budgets in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy

Author: Jackson Morris, Jordan Stutt, Donna deCostanzo, Josh Berman, Lisa Dix, Mark Kresowik, Sarah Eckel, Carol E. Murphy, Ross Gould

Topics: Climate, Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Comments filed to the New York PSC by Pace and supporters (NRDC, Sierra Club, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Alliance for Clean Energy New York and Environmental Advocates of New York) following Hurricane Sandy, advocating for increased efficiency budgets in the wake of Sandy and future storms.

01 Jan 2012

Energy Efficiency in New York: Midcourse Status Report of '15 by '15

Author: Jackson Morris, Jordan Stutt

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: This report reviews progress to date makes recommendations for improving these programs and making New York "Number one" for energy efficiency.

29 Mar 2011

Energy Performance MLS Opportunity Assessment

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

Topics: Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: The overarching goal of this project is to use the "multiple listing service" (MLS), a standard marketing tool of the real estate industry, to encourage homeowners in NYS to make beneficial investments in improving the energy performance, that is the "energy efficiency", of their homes. The industry's green MLS programs offer a foundation of valuable experience that may be tapped to develop an energy efficiency focused MLS program in New York

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 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...