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NERC struggles to involve utility vendors in its biennial cyberattack simulation, and that's a big problem, analysts say
Failure to fully engage the sector's supply chain is worrisome because vendors will likely be targeted by hackers and must be involved in the response to an actual cyberattack, experts say.
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California utilities fear market manipulation from proposed changes to RPS confidentiality rules
A staff proposal from the California Public Utilities Commission would disclose the cost of renewables contracts sooner than usual after negotiations are concluded.
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California proposes PG&E, SCE as central procurement agencies, but CCAs have doubts
The system would help create an effective portfolio of local resources, reduce the need for backstop procurement and allocate costs equitably, the CPUC said.
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Opinion
Will PG&E be forced to turn to PPAs to get a bankruptcy exit plan confirmed?
The company could achieve $2.5 billion in potential savings from renegotiating existing power purchase agreements, the authors write.
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New Jersey looks to exit PJM capacity market, worried MOPR will impede 100% carbon-free goals
New Jersey officials fear the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's expanded application of its Minimum Offer Price Rule will impede the state's ability to utilize more clean energy.
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Wisconsin regulators launch investigation into COVID-19 related costs for utilities
One of the big questions being investigated is whether utilities will be able to recover expenses incurred as a result of the state suspending disconnections and late fees.
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Nuclear regulators ease some power reactor regs in response to COVID-19
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued guidance for plant operators on how to safely operate with workforces reduced by the coronavirus.
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When will the US get 1 GW of offshore wind on the grid?
Two analyses foresee the U.S. reaching the offshore wind milestone by 2024, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and continued federal inaction on permitting could create delays.
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Deep Dive
Distributed storage could see growth in demand amid COVID-19 pandemic, analysts say
The circumstances of the outbreak and the raft of restrictions that states have implemented to prevent its spread could spur interest in resources that provide resilience and self-reliance, analysts say.
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EPA gives power plants, regulated entities pollution compliance flexibility, citing COVID-19 concerns
Environmentalists worry the new policy will give power facilities "an open license to pollute."
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Photo illustration by Brian Tucker/Utility Dive; photograph by kunchainub via Getty Images
Tracking the impacts of coronavirus on the US power sector
EPA eases pollution compliance requirements for power plants and other regulated entities; FERC and NERC say the electric sector is taking aggressive steps on coronavirus, but a deeper assessment is coming in April.
UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 9:57 a.m. -
EV groups brace for phase 2 of Trump fuel standards expected to decrease efficiency mandates
The two phases of the fuel efficiency rollbacks could cut the number of zero emission vehicles on U.S. roads by 14 million over the next 15 years, advocates warn.
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Amid charging pilot developments, Virginia regulators to investigate EV grid impacts
The Virginia State Corporation Commission has opened a proceeding to consider ownership models for public chargers and issues surrounding EV charging rates and energy storage capabilities.
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Microscope image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49535193876/in/album-72157713108522106/.
National Grid suspends pending rate increases in response to COVID-19
National Grid had electric and gas rate increases slated to go into effect April 1, but New York regulators have set those on hold as the economic impacts of the novel coronavirus continue to spread.
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Deep Dive
Coronavirus could disrupt normal refueling practices for nuclear facilities as staffing concerns grow
Across the U.S., nuclear sites need to accommodate an influx of workers during the spring for cyclical refueling procedures, which will be difficult based on public health restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565892277/in/album-72157713108522106/.
Deep DiveHow COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts
At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.
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Virginia rejects Dominion's $752M smart meter plan, other grid mod proposals
Regulators penalized the company for failing to justify costs to deploy advanced metering infrastructure, after Dominion failed to submit a broad time-of-use rate plan.
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California sets electric sector GHG emissions target 56% below 1990 levels, but leaves room for more
The state's public utility commission set a 46 MMT target for load serving entities by 2030, but is also requiring them to submit resource portfolios by Sept. 1 for a 38 MMT target.
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Colorado expedites Tri-State member exit charge case, as power supplier gets 'split decision' on FERC jurisdiction
The decision allows the Colorado PUC to determine fees required for La Plata Electric Association and United Energy to exit Tri-State Generation and Transmission's service.
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Fotolia
OpinionUtilities, don't compete with Amazon — online marketplaces must go beyond e-commerce platforms
Instead of having a sole focus on moving products, utility marketplaces should become education centers that equip customers with the tools they need to streamline home and office environmental comfort, the author writes.
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Getty Images
Nearly $2T stimulus package omits direct renewable sector aid after Trump, McConnell opposition
President Donald Trump signed the latest stimulus package into law Friday. Power sector leaders see broad benefits stemming from the bill, including small business and unemployment loans.
UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 8:38 a.m. -
Deep Dive
Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules
With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.
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PG&E fire victims concerned that COVID-19 market turmoil could affect payouts
Fire victims, along with PG&E's other creditors, will need to vote on the company's proposed reorganization plan by May 15.
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Massachusetts is 3 months from implementing nation's 1st clean peak standard
While the new standard is expected to reduce ratepayer costs from avoided or deferred infrastructure upgrades, utilities remain concerned about the cost of the program.
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Opinion
The politicization of public utility regulation
Public utility regulation has extended far beyond its longstanding mandate, the author writes.
