Fallout from shutdown could impact energy sector construction

Halting federal projects will likely have downstream effects on private-sector confidence and costs of materials and labor. “The construction supply chain is tightly interconnected,” one contractor said. 

DOE’s reactor pilot: A turning point for US nuclear energy?

The Department of Energy’s nuclear program could be transformational for the energy sector if even one reactor demonstrates commercial operation safely, writes Foley & Lardner partner Jocelyn Lavallo.

For data center contracts, it’s all about the fine print

Regulation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain issues and “sophisticated power and utility needs” are complicating data center development, say contract attorneys.

DOE announces $625M for ‘beautiful, clean coal’ and gas

The U.S. Department of Energy did not immediately respond to questions about the structure of the funding, including whether it would be made available as loans or grants. 

Democratic House bill would reverse Trump energy policies, bolster RTO oversight

The Trump administration is driving up the cost of electricity by creating barriers to clean energy investment to support higher-cost fossil fuel sectors, Rep. Sean Casten said.

EPA mulls postponing coal plant wastewater compliance, changes to Regional Haze Rule

Extending compliance timelines for EPA’s effluent limitations rules would save between $30 million and $200 million annually, the agency said. Coal waste contains contaminants including mercury, cadmium and arsenic. 

North American energy professionals report slower hiring: AEE survey

North Americans also displayed more skepticism toward their infrastructure, with 83% saying their local grid could not handle rapid electrification within the next 10 years. 

Regulatory uncertainty slowing US electric vehicle adoption: report

While domestic EV purchases will grow, the elimination of incentives could deter buyers, per EY Mobility Lens Forecaster.

Why utility-scale solar requires a smarter approach to predictive modeling

By augmenting manual energy forecasting processes with state-of-the-art digital tools, utilities can make better decisions faster, writes Tigo Energy Vice President of Software Archie Roboostoff.

Lawmakers urge PJM to take steps so clean energy projects can meet tax credit deadlines

“Either we have a resource adequacy issue or we don't — and I believe we do — so we need to be getting all of this energy online as quickly as possible,” Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian said.

Updated Sept. 30, 2025

Vistra announces Comanche deal, plan to add 860 MW of natural gas

Vistra has inked a 20-year power purchase agreement for Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant and will expand Permian Basin Power Plant’s capacity from 325 MW to 1,185 MW.

Texas backs NRG’s 721-MW Cedar Bayou gas plant with low-interest loan

It is the third loan finalized under the Texas Energy Fund’s In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program and the second to support an NRG Energy project.

Utilities on ‘preliminary’ list of entities subject to California climate disclosure rules

So far, California’s climate reporting laws have survived court challenges. But the Trump administration’s retreat from climate data collection and monitoring could complicate enforcement. 

Á la carte energy market will give Western states choice, flexibility and reliability

The new Regional Organization for Western Energy will offer affordable, reliable energy services, and states can take what they need, writes Advanced Energy United’s Brian Turner.

It’s all one system: Integrate transmission and interconnection planning to support load growth

Maintaining disparate planning processes for the wires needed to deliver power increases costs and delays, writes FERC Commissioner Judy Chang.

This week in 5 numbers: Rising demand, rising rates

A wildfire settlement and lengthy transmission timelines are also among the notable numbers in the electric utility sector this week.

ERCOT launches grid transformation research initiative

“We are seeing greater interest from industry and academia to collaborate on new tools and innovative technologies,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas.

Pending NRC guidance to streamline advanced reactor maintenance: experts

The fresh approach to “in-service testing” of pumps, valves and dynamic restraints could slash field testing workloads by 75%, a TerraPower engineer said.

Is nuclear fusion for real this time? These utilities think so.

Three years after a vital scientific breakthrough, Dominion Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority have struck deals with nuclear fusion startups. Some experts remain skeptical.

Updated Sept. 26, 2025

Georgia Power seeks 500 MW storage, possibly with renewable component

The resources should be online in 2028 at the earliest and no later than the end of 2031, the utility said in a draft request for proposals.

2.1-GW SOO Green transmission project advances with Iowa agreement

The project developers aim to bring low-cost clean energy from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator into the PJM Interconnection while bolstering grid reliability.

Heat pump, solar and storage deployment could offset AI load through 2029: report

Subsidies of 50% for heat pumps and 30% for solar and storage would free up well over 100 GW of grid capacity at a cost comparable to new gas generation, Rewiring America said last week.

PJM CEO Asthana responds to criticism, says states must address supply challenges

“If our [power] plants run into a hostile siting and permitting regime, they will not get built,” PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana said.

Heat pumps could be affordable for most — if rates were fair

Massachusetts is making a good start by offering seasonal discounts for heat pumps. But it could do more, write authors from Green Energy Consumers Alliance and the Acadia Center.

Cities and states split on EPA proposal to repeal endangerment finding

Mayors and attorneys general submitted opposing letters on the rule underpinning regulations that aim to cut emissions from the power, auto and fossil fuel sectors.