American Wind Energy Association forms advisory council with solar utilities, wind industry

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) formed last week a new RTO Advisory Council between the solar and wind industries, focused on advocating on their behalf.

Between its various Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and Independent System Operator (ISO) members, the council will represent more than 70 percent of utility-scale wind and solar development. Such operators coordinator, control and monitor multi-state electric grids through much of North America, and all are eying policy and design changes toward clean energy currently being considered throughout the country.

“AWEA is excited to be partnering with leading utility-scale solar businesses and believe this collaboration will provide renewable energy an even stronger voice at FERC and in the RTOs,” said Amy Farrell, senior vice president of government and public affairs for AWEA and project director for the RTO Advisory Council. “With our new partners in the solar industry, we will work to ensure the utility-scale renewable power sector’s capabilities and contributions to the grid are fairly valued and accessible to consumers.”

Farrell was recently appointed the first project director for the council. Joining her will be representatives of First Solar, Cypress Creek Renewables, Juwi Americas, Alchemy Renewable Energy, Coronal Energy, Southern Current, and Urban Grid Solar.