Utilities and Energy

Grid Security

Protecting the bulk electric system (or “power grid”) from both physical and cyberattacks is known as “grid security.” Risks and Threats In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported at least 175 instances of physical attacks or threats against critical grid infrastructure, including incidences of theft and vandalism. In 2024, Check Point Research documentedContinue reading “Grid Security”

Overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed into law on November 15, 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the BIL authorized an investment of $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending across the United States, with $550.0 billion of that amount dedicatedContinue reading “Overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act”

Overview of Inflation Reduction Act Fund Distributions

The federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), the IRA includes new spending and tax breaks totaling $499.0 billion from 2022 to 2031. At the same time, the IRA is estimated to increase savings and revenues by $738.0 billion.OfContinue reading “Overview of Inflation Reduction Act Fund Distributions”

State Energy Plans and Funding in Kansas and Surrounding States

State Energy Plans According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an energy plan is a long-term roadmap to focus and guide efforts and actions toward a defined vision. Energy plans catalog existing energy consumption, sources, and users; define goals and develop strategies and actions to meet those goals; and identify the needed resources to ensureContinue reading “State Energy Plans and Funding in Kansas and Surrounding States”

State Regulations of Homeowners Associations’ Abilities to Restrict Solar Panels

Twenty-nine states have adopted law that restricts the ability of a homeowners association (HOA) to restrict or prohibit the installation of devices onto an HOA member’s home that capture and transform sunlight into electricity. Such devices are commonly referred to as solar panels, solar energy systems, solar collectors, and other similar terms, though the exactContinue reading “State Regulations of Homeowners Associations’ Abilities to Restrict Solar Panels”