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Category: Blog

  • Blog
  • 07 May 2025
  • CEBA Staff

CEBA CEO: Global Energy Market Reflects Generational Shift in How Energy is Produced and Consumed

Five Numbers You Need to Know About This Year’s State of the Market Report 

Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) CEO Rich Powell presented CEBA’s annual State of the Market report at the organization’s Spring Summit in Minneapolis, noting, “Corporate energy customers are not just buyers of clean energy; they are market-makers who drive 21st-century industries to expand the backbone of economic development in the United States and abroad… The future is bright for CEBA, its members, and all the stakeholders who can benefit from a low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity system.” 

Here are the highlights of the State of the Market presentation: 

100 Gigawatt (GW) Milestone 

100 GW is a new milestone and how much corporate energy buyers are shifting demand for clean energy: “In 2024, commercial and industrial customers brought total clean energy deal capacity up to 100 GW. This is not just a milestone, but a market shift. These energy customers are shifting the composition of the U.S. grid. Nearly three percent of clean energy generation on the U.S. grid comes from commercial and industrial customers completing deals. This growth is not just confined to the United States. In the Asia Pacific region, corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) tripled from 2020 to 2023, to 10 GW. Demand for more clean energy deals is growing, to achieve low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems.” 

35-50% growth expected 

Electricity demand is expected to grow 35-50 percent in the United States by 2040: “This significant growth is necessary to meet the demand from different sectors of the economy. Sectors like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail are making bold commitments, diversifying the corporate clean energy customer profile. In the United States, electricity demand is expected to grow 35-50 percent by 2040. Corporate energy customers are essential to financing clean energy projects to meet this demand.” 

70% solar 

That’s how much solar procurement is leading the pack within new clean energy capacity: “Corporate energy customers are creating a portfolio of myriad sources of clean energy. Solar energy leads the pack, accounting for 70 percent of new clean energy capacity procured by energy customers. However, geothermal and nuclear are growing rapidly. Nuclear accounted for 6.7% of announced capacity last year, but its high capacity factor means it is anticipated to generate over 22% of the energy output expected from the announced capacity — surpassing wind’s projected 13%.”  
 

Possible 8.4% price increase 

Electricity prices could increase 8.4% without U.S. federal production and investment tax credits: “The technology-neutral Clean Electricity Production (45Y) and Clean Electricity Investment (48E) federal tax credits are essential to keep electricity prices low. Repealing these pro-growth credits could increase prices by 8.4 percent nationally next year, adding $110 to the average household bill. States like Minnesota could see nearly a 10 percent increase. These tax credits are foundational in fostering economic growth and energy security, clearing the path for CEBA members to help enable more investment and innovation in the United States. Congress should retain the tech-neutral tax credits.” 

2050 transmission expansion

According to the latest U.S. National Transmission Planning Study, that’s when transmission capacity will need to be doubled to ensure grid reliability, something that can only be achieved with permitting reform: “A major obstacle in deploying investment in clean energy projects is the lack of adequate transmission infrastructure. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has emphasized the need for long-term transmission planning that integrates corporate commitments. Still, the United States needs to double transmission capacity by 2050 to ensure reliability. A key solution is permitting reform. Permitting modernization that accelerates approvals of clean energy projects and much-needed new transmission capacity is essential.” 

  • Blog
  • 06 May 2025

CEBA Joins Carbon Free Alliance to Advance Carbon-Free Energy Globally

Signing at Spring Summit Marks Beginning of Ongoing Collaboration

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and the Carbon Free Alliance (CFA) today held a signing ceremony at CEBA Connect: Spring Summit 2025 to commence their active cooperation to advance global carbon-free energy systems.

Rich Powell, CEBA’s CEO, and Eric Gibbs, CEBA’s senior vice president of global strategy, joined Dr. Hoesung Lee, CFA’s president, and Jinmi Kim, executive director of the Office of the CFA President, at the summit to sign a memorandum of understanding and note CEBA’s ongoing commitment to activate energy buyers and partners to advance low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. CEBA will work with the Carbon Free Alliance to advance its efforts.

The Carbon Free Alliance, based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, aims to expand access to carbon-free energy, establish global carbon-free energy standards, decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial sectors, and reduce the divide between developed and developing countries in climate vulnerability and responses. The objectives of the Carbon Free Alliance align with the Carbon-Free Energy Initiative proposed by the President of the Republic of Korea at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.

The Carbon Free Energy Initiative, coordinated by the Carbon Free Alliance, is co-led by the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan, with participation by the governments of the United Arab Emirates and the Czech Republic. The International Energy Agency is a partner in the endeavor.

The CFA is organizing an effort to design a certification system to promote carbon-free energy usage by businesses, from a technology-neutral perspective. The certification system effort involves collaboration with the Carbon Free Alliance’s member companies as well as the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

CEBA plans to participate in Carbon Free Alliance and Carbon Free Energy Initiative events during the World Climate Industry Expo this August in Busan, Republic of Korea, as well as future events where the CFEI and CFA are featured. The August expo aims to foster global consensus on the necessity of carbon-free energy. 

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 05 May 2025

Update to Members on CEBA’s Support for Clean Firm Energy Additions

By Rich Powell

This has been an eventful year for the Clean Energy Buyers Association, and together we are playing a crucial role in advancing low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. Market demand for clean energy remains strong: commercial and industrial customers, many of them CEBA members, in 2024 surpassed a landmark 100 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy procurement since 2014. Energy customers announced 21.7 GW in voluntary procurement deals last year alone, making 2024 the highest year to date, according to CEBA’s 2024 Deal Tracker. Yet it’s clear we will need even more carbon emissions-free electricity in the years ahead to meet rising demand and enable economic growth in the United States and around the globe.

A Wood Mackenzie report released this past January by CEBA found large companies are set to drive an unprecedented demand for at least 275 gigawatts (GW) of carbon emissions-free energy by 2035 from both new and existing electricity load. All of this means we’re at a moment of incredible opportunity. We need much more electricity to enable economic growth.

This demand growth is being driven by the industries and areas of economic expansion of the future: vehicle and building electrification, reshoring and onshoring of manufacturing, data centers, and clean energy manufacturing. With significant load growth forecasted to occur across the United States during the next five years, CEBA members are bringing innovative solutions to meet that electricity demand with clean and firm energy.

CEBA in March co-sponsored a U.S. National Power Demand Study, conducted by S&P Global Commodity Insights and commissioned by the American Clean Power Association, that found U.S. electricity demand is projected to surge 35-50% by 2040, driven by domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and mass electrification. The study noted that all-of-the-above solutions such as solar and wind energy, energy storage, natural gas, and nuclear generation will play critical roles in meeting that increased demand, strengthening our grid reliability, and fueling economic opportunity across the country.

Globally, nuclear power can play an important role in supplying continuous energy to support successful and cost-competitive operations for energy users. CEBA in March signed a World Nuclear Association pledge supporting the goal of at least tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050.

Grid Strategies in December 2023 published a report on load growth across the United States that found from 2022 to 2023, grid planners nearly doubled the five-year load growth forecast.  Princeton University’s Net-Zero America final report shows our generation needs to double or quadruple by 2050, and clean electricity is a linchpin for that growth. The report forecasts that low- or zero-carbon electricity would need to reach 70-85 percent by 2030 and hits 98-100 by 2050. The report notes that to ensure reliability, up to 1,000 GW of firm generating capacity through all years will be needed, with gas plants burning hydrogen blends, and when solar and wind expansion are constrained, natural gas plants with carbon capture and nuclear plants will need to expand to pick up the slack.

Regarding global scenarios, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has modeled that carbon emissions-free generation sources such as nuclear and fossil fuels with carbon capture — in concert with solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources — will constitute a significant portion of a carbon emissions-free energy system. A very broad suite of carbon emissions-free technologies will be needed to fully decarbonize a MUCH larger grid.

CEBA members are leading that transition. Of the 21.7 GW procured last year, solar energy comprised 73 percent of capacity, followed by wind at 11 percent, and battery storage increased to 7.7 percent of capacity contracted in the last year. Nuclear energy procurement accounted for 1.5 GW, constituting 6.7 percent of capacity announced, and a 115-megawatt geothermal transaction (0.5 percent of contracted capacity last year) also signaled energy customers’ increasing interest in clean, firm generation resources.

CEBA aims to create the largest collective of energy customers and partners to achieve our vision of customer-driven clean energy for all, and CEBA does not advise on inclusion or exclusion of technologies or strategies toward individual company solution sets. We continue to take a tech-neutral, tech-inclusive approach to our work, as we have always done, and our members have always had a very broad range of perspectives on which carbon emissions-free technologies make the most sense for their unique situations.

Permitting reform, as well as technologies to increase the efficiency of our existing transmission system, including reconductoring, will play crucial roles in meeting electricity demand growth. It’s also imperative to preserve the federal technology-neutral energy tax credits. As a February study for CEBA by NERA Economic Consulting noted, preserving the tax credits would put downward pressure on electricity price inflation, keeping electric bills lower for U.S. households and businesses. 

CEBA will continue advocate for policies that will help our members achieve their procurement goals, and we will continue to help our members understand the pros and cons of various solutions and learn from one another. We look forward to seeing you this week, May 6-8, at CEBA Connect: Spring Summit, where we will continue our conversations around emerging trends and key updates as we forge ahead on the path toward solving the energy market’s greatest challenges.

Ask the Expert: What you should know about CEBA Connect: Spring Summit

CEBA Connect: Spring Summit is just around the corner! This is your chance to convene with the clean energy community in Minneapolis, MN, May 6-8. There is still time to join the fun. To learn more about why you should sign up and what to expect I sat down with Nikki Hodgson, Senior Manager, Event Logistics at CEBA.

First off, what is this event? 

CEBA Connect: Spring Summit is the premier convening for energy and sustainability professionals dedicated to advancing a carbon emissions-free energy future. This CEBA member exclusive benefit brings together our energy customer, energy provider, service provider, and NGO members. 

Traditional conferences often focus exclusively on education; our event is designed to be different. CEBA Connect: Spring Summit was created for collaboration, relationship building, and community. 

Checkout this highlight reel from last year’s event!

Why Should Members Attend?

We are expecting more than 700 attendees, folks who are deep in energy work day in and day out. So, this is the place to connect with folks who are facing the same challenges you are and collaborate on solutions. If you are working in energy — whether you’re just starting out or you’re a veteran — this is the space to build relationships and community you need to advance your organization’s mission and to advance the clean energy transition.

Customize summit to meet your needs. With over 31 sessions across the main stage, conversations, and deep dives, we have dedicated programing for everyone from entry-level to experienced energy professionals. 

Is networking your priority? Plan to check out our brand-new networking lounge; you can book a table through the EventGo app. And don’t miss our receptions. Wednesday night, CEBA member and principal sponsor CTC Global will host all attendees at the beautiful Orchestra Hall. 

Who from my company should attend?

We often are asked what level of energy experience attendees should have. The answer is all levels. Our programing is designed to meet both experienced and beginner folks where they are. If you are new to your role or new to your organization, I would absolutely encourage you to attend the fundamental sessions. More experienced professionals will value our industry deep dives and connection opportunities.

Ticket allocation is determined by your membership tier. For more information on your company’s allocation check out our FAQ. That said, one of the comments that we have gotten in the past, which I love, is that we have too many great sessions and it’s too hard to pick which session to go to. So, I recommend having more than one person on your team attend. While not always feasible, multiple folks can take advantage of all the great content.

What are you excited about for this year’s event?

For me it is always the people. I get super excited to see everybody and to leverage the networking spaces and the receptions to chat with members. 

New this year, we will have a dedicated networking space, where you can sign up for tables for networking conversations. Simply book a table in the Duluth Room (level three) using EventsGo, the event app (Download it from the AppStore and GooglePlay). Just schedule a meeting, tap location, and pick your table!

I am also incredibly thrilled to be in Minneapolis! We always choose great cities, but this year’s partner and host organizations have been very enthusiastic. So, I am looking forward to being there and exploring their city. Plus, there are some great restaurants. 

I always advise folks to take a look at the agenda and consider what sessions they want to attend in advance. Pro tip: Use the EventsGo app to create a personalized schedule and to schedule meetings. The session reminders are great to make sure you don’t miss a thing.  create a personalized schedule and to schedule meetings. The session reminders are great to make sure you don’t miss a thing.  

The second thing I advise folks to do is take advantage of our attendee directory and our networking opportunities. The unique value of this event is the ability to connect with folks in this space. Once you register, you can access the attendee directory on the website and the app to set meetings up with other attendees. 

Lastly, any highlights from previous summits you can share? 

I love all our summits, but there was something special about Seattle. We were able to partner with local CEBA member organizations to create unique experiences. For example, working with Starbucks we had a coffee tasting experience while they explained their clean energy goals. Additionally, REI hosted a fun run and a climbing wall experience. It was a highlight for me. 

Big thanks to Nikki for sharing her expert advice! Make sure to say hi to her in Minneapolis! What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event? Drop us a note, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 16 April 2025

CEBA Statement on Executive Order Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) released the following statement from CEO Rich Powell in response to President Donald J. Trump’s executive order “Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century”:

“CEBA welcomes the Trump administration’s efforts to modernize the permitting process. To ensure that innovation-driven economic growth has a strong and stable energy supply delivered through a modern grid, reforming our permitting system is critical to allow the electricity customers we represent to expand the production of domestic clean energy. Permitting modernization that accelerates approvals of clean energy projects and much-needed new transmission capacity will help achieve the national energy dominance America needs to fuel our economy. CEBA looks forward to working with the National Energy Dominance Council, the Council on Environmental Quality, and other administration officials to shape permitting modernization our members need to achieve economic growth and innovation that benefits American workers and families.” 

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 11 March 2025

CEBA Travels to Japan to Discuss Updated Strategic Energy Plan

By Camorah King

CEBA’s global policy team traveled to Tokyo this winter to meet with government officials, member companies, and partners about the implications of Japan’s new strategic energy plan on corporate clean energy procurement. The strategic energy plan is Japan’s major energy policy guidance document and is revised every three years.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry released its updated draft strategic energy plan in December, targeting a 40-50% renewable energy and 20% nuclear energy mix by 2040. In the plan, the government makes a strategic shift to prioritizing and maximizing renewable energy resources for decarbonization. This is an encouraging development, because CEBA’s members view renewable energy resources as the most cost effective and scalable procurement option for Japan.

The plan also notes a clear dependency between economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and clean energy expansion. The plan references U.S. companies’ concern about the lack of clean energy supply to meet their growing needs in Japan and acknowledges that if sufficient clean electricity resources are not secured, opportunities for domestic investment and economic growth will be missed.

The Japanese government’s prioritization of industrial economic growth and decarbonization is highlighted in its draft green transformation (GX) 2040 Vision, a strategic framework integrated with Japan’s energy plan to drive toward carbon neutrality by 2050. The GX 2040 Vision seeks to drive public-private partnership in clean energy investment and supply-demand coordination.

The implementation of the GX initiative is directed through the GX Promotion Act, enacted in May 2023, which established economic transition bonds and a carbon pricing system anticipated to take full effect in March 2026. The draft strategic energy plan and GX 2040 Vision are set to be finalized by March 2025 and will guide the budget allocation process for FY2026 as well as proposed amendments to include further business decarbonization incentive measures of the GX Promotion Act.

Japan predicts that an increase in electricity production between 10-20% by 2040 will require grid buildout to integrate clean energy resources and curb curtailment at least cost. Electricity load growth from expanding data center and semiconductor industries offers an economic and clean energy opportunity for Japan. CEBA agrees with the ministry’s outlook that business cooperation with government and other related organizations to promote proactive clean energy grid planning and development is essential to meet this demand.

In a February workshop led by CEBA with clean energy stakeholders in Tokyo, it was clear Japan has an active and ambitious community seeking solutions to help Japan decarbonize its electricity grid. CEBA released an Issue Brief on Energy Customer Needs in Japan last November, offering ways Japan can lower costs and enable accelerated clean energy investment and procurement. To achieve Japan’s GX vision and the business communities’ accelerated clean energy targets, a clear and robust stakeholder process must be established to facilitate meaningful demand side participation in electricity grid policy and planning.

Creating a conducive market that provides certainty and support for clean energy deployment is challenging but necessary to enable companies to spur economic growth and a reliable clean energy transition in Japan. The further development and implementation of Japan’s GX policy will be key to this success.

Contact Camorah King for more information on CEBA’s engagement in Japan.

The Clean Energy Procurement Academy Launches Digital Trainings in China and Vietnam

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Digital Clean Energy Procurement Academy. Late in 2024, the Clean Energy Procurement Academy introduced digital courses designed to accelerate the transition to clean energy in Vietnam and China. These courses are tailored to equip local suppliers and stakeholders with the essential tools, knowledge, and resources needed to adopt clean energy solutions effectively.

The increasing scrutiny of manufacturing practices from global corporations and governments has emphasized the importance of clean energy solutions that are cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Corporate clean energy procurement sends a strong market demand signal for increased supply and more enabling environments, supporting businesses in their transition to clean energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. This shift helps reduce their carbon footprint, ensures compliance with international sustainability standards, and allows them to remain competitive in a globally conscious market.

CEBA and the Clean Energy Procurement Academy are leading the charge in driving the clean energy transition. Aware of the challenges many businesses face—such as limited resources, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory complexities, the Clean Energy Procurement Academy has developed digital courses to complement its in-person training workshops and help more companies overcome these barriers and make clean energy procurement more accessible.

Key features of the curriculum include:

  • Comprehensive Training: Modules cover essential topics, including climate change, GHG accounting, clean energy sources, power purchase agreements (PPAs), procurement options, and navigating government regulations.
  • Localized Content: Courses are tailored to address the unique energy landscapes, local regulations, and policy environments of China and Vietnam.
  • Interactive Learning: Participants engage with real-world case studies and interactive tools to deepen their understanding and practical application of clean energy strategies.

The launch of digital courses in China and Vietnam marks a significant milestone for the Clean Energy Procurement Academy and in the global effort to reduce electricity-related emissions. By bridging knowledge gaps and empowering local stakeholders, these courses support the clean energy transition in critical regions in collaboration with global members dedicated to advancing sustainability. As a leading platform for clean energy education, the Clean Energy Procurement Academy is setting a precedent for scalable, inclusive, and impactful climate action worldwide, equipping businesses with the expertise needed to drive meaningful change.

You too can have an impact. Interested in learning more? Please reach out to academy@cebuyers.org.

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 28 January 2025

CEBA CEO: Tax Credits in President Trump’s Toolbox Can Help Grow Our Economy and Keep Electricity Costs Down

By Rich Powell, CEBA CEO

President Donald Trump has made clear in his first days in office that a diverse set of energy sources is needed to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the United States. His recent executive orders acknowledge that the nation needs myriad energy sources and materials — including clean sources like hydropower, geothermal, nuclear, and critical minerals for storage — to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of electricity for consumers and the broader economy.

One objective of these orders is to provide national and economic security and mitigate high energy prices that are especially harmful to lower-income households. An important tool for accomplishing this already exists: 45Y and 48E technology-neutral tax credits for production and investment in new electricity generation.

Technology-neutral tax credits play a foundational role in fostering economic growth and energy security, clearing the path for the Clean Energy Buyers Association’s (CEBA) members to help enable more investment and innovation right here in the United States. The credits will also help keep electricity prices low so foundational and cutting-edge industries do not move abroad and additional electricity costs aren’t passed on to ratepayers.

Another important tool in the new administration’s toolbox is the 45X tax credit that supports a greater stake in the critical minerals supply chain for American companies. That supply chain is currently dominated by China, which processes 65% of lithium, 90% of rare earth minerals, about 75% of cobalt, and 100% of graphite.

  • – By paying for 10% of the production cost for extracting, acquiring, processing, purifying, refining, and converting critical minerals, the 45X credit will combat China’s stranglehold on these critical minerals and ensure that the United States has the resources needed to boost national security.
    • – In line with President Trump’s pledge to boost American competitiveness by bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States, the 45X tax credit has led to private sector investments in 171 new manufacturing projects across the country.

With recent announcements in major investments in technology infrastructure, including in data centers for artificial intelligence, these carbon-emissions free sources of energy are needed to meet the demand for these new, job-creating industries that will help facilitate new economic growth. Tax credits for new electricity generation and advanced manufacturing are a major piece of the puzzle and should be maintained.

CEBA and our more than 400 corporate and institutional energy customers and partners look forward to working with President Trump to implement a new supply of electricity generation in the United States for years to come. We also look forward to working with the 119th Congress to protect and enhance policies that will deliver the reliable, diverse, and affordable energy mix our economy requires. 

  • Blog
  • 17 December 2024

CEBA Highlights High-Impact Utility Green Tariff Report During Asia-Pacific Summit

By Camorah King

Utility green tariffs in regulated Asia-Pacific markets offer a potential solution for energy customers seeking to partner with their utility to meet electricity demand with clean energy. A new report from the Clean Energy Buyers Association and the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), Expanding Clean Energy Procurement Options in the Asia-Pacific Region: The Role of High-Impact Utility Green Tariffs, explores factors that have made utility green tariffs successful in the United States and discusses how utilities, regulators, and customers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region have an opportunity to adapt a proven model to their local needs in order to achieve decarbonized economic growth.

CEBA and ACEC highlighted the report during presentations at the Global Renewables Alliance Corporate Sourcing event at the Global Wind Energy Council’s APAC Wind Energy Summit, held November 26-28 in South Korea. CEBA and ACEC also featured the report at other events during the week, including a roundtable co-hosted by SEMI Energy Collaborative, Solutions For Our Climate, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on accelerating renewable energy procurement in South Korea’s semiconductor industry, as well as an event hosted by ACEC on advancing clean energy procurement options in the Asia-Pacific region.

Utility green tariffs are created through a regulator-approved utility program that allows customers to buy both the energy and associated energy attribute certificates (EACs) from clean energy projects through an independent tariff or as an adjustment on a customer’s electricity bill. The tariffs can be implemented in liberalized as well as vertically integrated markets, making them a feasible option for single-buyer and partially liberalized markets such as those in Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Notably, Thailand has led the region in developing its Utility Green Tariff with Specific Sources (UGT2) program, set to open for application in July 2025.

Attendees at the South Korea events in November learned about the role utility green tariffs can play in markets that already have procurement options such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) and how the tariffs differ from Korea Electric Power Company’s (KEPCO’s) existing Green Premium program as well as third-party PPAs signed with KEPCO. Programs like KEPCO’s Green Premium and Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff only allow customers to purchase unbundled EACs on top of their regular electricity bill, for energy that is either from existing or unspecified sources.

Through a utility green tariff program, the utility will either self-build or sign a PPA with a developer to build new clean energy dedicated to the tariff program.The utility also announces a set gigawatt amount and eligibility criteria for customer application for the program, providing a streamlined and transparent approach.

Energy customers need an improved and expanded menu of procurement options that provides them with a variety of cost-competitive options, including access to new and high-impact clean energy. Utility green tariff programs are one procurement option that should be offered among a suite of options, especially if PPAs are not accessible due to cost, credit, or regulatory barriers.

In vertically integrated markets, a utility green tariff program may be the most feasible interim option on the road to direct PPAs and liberalization. CEBA and its members are eager to see the successful implementation of these tariff programs across the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Blog
  • 10 December 2024
  • Julianne Basinger

Entergy Louisiana Green Tariff Programs Enable 3,000 Megawatts of New Solar Energy

By Celeste Wanner

Energy customers in Louisiana can now buy more solar energy thanks to new and updated green tariff programs recently approved for Entergy Louisiana by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The utility can now add 3,000 megawatts (MW) of solar resources through three green tariff programs, the largest expansion of renewable energy for both the utility and the state, tripling the existing operating and previously approved solar capacity.

Entergy Louisiana initially requested approval forcertification of up to 3,000 MW of solar resources, as well as a new renewable tariff called Geaux ZERO designed for large industrial customers and an alternative market-based mechanism to procure solar resources. CEBA was brought in as an expert witness by the Southern Renewable Energy Association (SREA), and CEBA’s Priya Barua gave expert testimony in fall 2023, providing recommendations to improve the proposed Geaux ZERO program by making it accessible to more customers in the state.

CEBA advocated for lowering the minimum subscription level for Geaux ZERO from 100 MW to 50 MW and allocating a portion of the 3,000 MW solar portfolio to Entergy Louisiana’s existing Geaux Green program, which is open to commercial and industrial customers of all sizes and had an outstanding waitlist. In addition, CEBA supported eligibility for specific industrial rate schedules that were initially excluded from participating in Geaux ZERO. The final settlement agreement included multiple changes to Entergy’s initial Geaux ZERO proposal, including a new tariff for corporate and industrial customers: Geaux Green Limited (or Rider GGL), and allocation of up to 1,000 MW of solar resources to be split between the utility’s existing Geaux Green program (Rider GGO) and Rider GGL. In line with CEBA’s recommendations around the value of expanding accessibility to more customers, the subscription cap on the existing Rider GGO was raised to allow more customers to better meet their clean energy needs. Customers who are currently subscribed to Rider GGO or on the waitlist for the previous maximum of 50 MW can now request additional capacity up to 100 MW.  


Highlights of the three green tariff programs:

At least 500 MW of solar will be added to the existing Geaux Green program, on top of 700 MW of solar previously approved for the program and another 100 MW pending approval. Rider GGO is open to all customers, including commercial, industrial, and residential customers. Subscriptions are filled on a first come, first served basis, and Entergy Louisiana has an ongoing waitlist for the program. Customers can subscribe to one year, auto-renewing terms. The existing Geaux Green waitlist as of June 2024 will be filled before solar resources are allocated to Geaux Green Limited.

Up to 500 MW of solar will be dedicated to the new Geaux Green Limited program. Rider GGL is open to nonresidential customers across commercial and industrial rate classes and will have a dedicated set of solar resources, and therefore a different subscription price, than Rider GGO. Rider GGL will use a pro-rata subscription allocation based on the number of customers who request a subscription and will have a one year auto-renewing term.

  • Geaux ZERO (Rider GZ)

Entergy’s new Geaux ZERO tariff will have up to 2,000 MW of solar available and is open to large industrial customers who subscribe to at least 100 MW of solar resources. Geaux ZERO requires a longer-term commitment than Riders GGO and GGL, with terms of 10, 15, or 20 years. Up to 1,000 MW was reserved for customers who signed contracts before the end of 2023. If Geaux ZERO is not fully subscribed after two years, the remaining solar capacity will be made available through Rider GGO.

Customers can currently sign up for the Geaux Green waitlist, while enrollment for Geaux Green Limited and Geaux ZERO will be available at a future date after Entergy Louisiana has procured resources to supply the tariffs. You can find additional information on Entergy Louisiana’s website or by contacting an Entergy account manager.