The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) submitted two sets of comments to the federal government today as the United States works to address rapidly increasing electricity demand. One filing was made to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as part of its rulemaking on connecting large power users, such as data centers, to the grid. SEIA also responded to the Department of Energy’s Request for Information under its Speed to Power initiative, which is focused on identifying ways to bring new power resources online more quickly.
SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper explained the industry’s position in a statement. She noted that the solar and storage sector supports the Department of Energy and the Trump administration’s efforts to speed up the addition of new power at a time when the nation is experiencing sharp growth in energy demand. She added that energy prices continue to rise across many parts of the country, and the most effective long-term solution is to add more affordable electricity to the system.
According to SEIA, solar and energy storage technologies are already playing a major role in meeting this challenge, accounting for 82 percent of all new electricity capacity added to the U.S. grid this year. With the rapid expansion of data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities, electricity use is increasing at an unprecedented pace. This situation requires updated, efficient policy solutions that help all energy technologies, especially solar and storage, to be deployed quickly and cost-effectively.
In its response to the DOE, SEIA emphasized that speeding up the construction of new power infrastructure is only part of what is needed. The organization stressed the importance of having a standardized and predictable process for connecting large loads to the transmission system. This is why SEIA has also submitted comments in FERC’s proceeding on large-load interconnection.
SEIA stated that the DOE’s Speed to Power initiative and FERC’s large-load interconnection rule are both essential parts of a broader national effort to ensure that affordable, reliable electricity reaches the areas where it is most needed. The association believes that smart and coordinated federal policies will help the country expand solar and storage deployment, improve grid reliability, reduce energy costs for consumers, and strengthen the United States’ position in the global economy.
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