Governors and utilities in Democratic-led states are expediting bids and permitting for clean energy projects, hoping to beat tight deadlines set by Congress and the Trump administration to remain eligible for federal tax credits.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state agencies to identify and prioritize carbon-free energy projects eligible for federal tax credits. In Colorado, which has net-zero carbon targets, the state’s largest utility is looking to accelerate the expansion of its clean energy portfolio.
Xcel Energy in Colorado is planning to acquire 4,000 megawatts of wind, solar and battery storage, as state regulators consider the utility’s pending request for a speedier schedule for taking bids for the new power generation.
Minnesota regulators ordered utilities to spell out how they plan to accelerate the construction and in-service dates for projects “to maximize federal tax credits.” In Oregon, regulators also urged utilities to speed up construction, and Portland General Electric made an open call for power purchase agreements that would meet federal deadlines.
