Report: Coal generation decline continues in Montana

Coal-fired generating capacity only makes up 37% of the state's nameplate capacity — down from 55% in 2015. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Renewable plus storage bids in Xcel Colorado solicitation could set low-price benchmark

Preliminary results from the company's all-source RFP have been hailed as "really impressive." But a lack of details makes cost comparisons with current benchmarks challenging.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 16, 2018

Shuttered coal plant fixer-uppers for sale all over the U.S.

More than half of all coal plants are, or will soon be, shuttered. Collaboration and compromise by some are beginning to reveal ways to reclaim the sites for new purposes.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 16, 2018

Lower corporate tax rates no boon for renewables, analysts find

According to J.P. Morgan, $11 billion of tax equity financing was raised for renewable energy projects in 2016. Some of that may now be in jeopardy.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Tampa Electric wants to convert 1,700 MW coal plant to gas

The conversion would cost about $1 billion and could take a decade to complete, say company officials.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

FERC rejects FirstEnergy attempt to move coal plant into cost recovery

The company sought to sell the Pleasants Power Station, struggling in the PJM electricity market, to two of its regulated utility subsidiaries in West Virginia. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 16, 2018

Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces another setback in North Carolina

The Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources has rejected the pipeline's erosion and sediment control plan for the northern portion of the pipeline route across the state. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Pennsylvania settlement would lower toxic discharges from 10 coal plants

The agreement would end a lawsuit led by the Sierra Club and yield updated water permits for the 10 plants.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

Puerto Rico governor calls for DOJ probe after power equipment stockpile found

Federal officials reportedly raided a warehouse last weekend, finding nearly 3,000 pieces of electric equipment that could be used to restore power on the island. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 2018

EPA provides details on new listening sessions for Clean Power Plan repeal

Kansas City and San Francisco will have public meetings in February, along with Gillette, Wyo., in March. Meanwhile, some states are hosting their own meetings to hear comment over the proposed repeal of the Obama era regulation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

CPUC approves Diablo Canyon retirement, 15 EV pilots, storage RFO to replace gas

Regulators allowed Pacific Gas & Electric to recover $241 million to retire California's last nuclear plant and directed it to consider how batteries could replace three natural gas generators. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

Moniz on DOE NOPR: 'No identification of a public good'

The former Secretary of Energy was "not surprised" by FERC's rejection of a coal and nuclear subsidy proposal, saying DOE failed to prove it would improve system resilience. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 2018

FERC will not overrule New York's denial for Constitution Pipeline permit

The agency previously overruled a New York Department of Environmental Conservation decision to deny a water quality certification to Millennium Pipeline lateral, but they say the situation with Constitution Pipeline is different.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

EIA: Low gas prices set to drive decline in coal generation

Continued plant retirements will likely drive even more attention to pricing reform discussions at regional grid operators and FERC.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

Dominion-SCANA proposal shows shareholder gains, few ratepayer benefits, analysts say

Dominion’s $14.6 billion purchase offer may be the only one on the table for the beleaguered South Carolina utility, but is it good enough to get across the finish line?

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

With proposal to join RGGI, Virginia would be first Southern state to cap carbon

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Governor-elect Ralph Northam unveiled legislation on Tuesday for the state to formally join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

PG&E moves closer to retiring Diablo Canyon nuke with proposed decision from CPUC

The ruling from an administrative law judge could set up a regulatory vote on retiring the nuclear plant as soon as Thursday.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Puerto Rico Gov. Rosselló proposes overhaul of energy regulator

The new plan came only days after the Puerto Rico Energy Commission proposed new rules for microgrid development on the island.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Small nukes pass key step as regulators approve NuScale safety system

Current U.S. nuclear plants must have a Class 1E power supply for ancillary and safety-related systems. NuScale's modular reactors would use a passive safety system that doesn't rely on electrical power.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

'It's time to step up': Washington Gov. Inslee revives push for carbon tax in new plan

The governer is undeterred from his goal of establishing a carbon tax despite a rejection of his plan during the 2016 election. But this time, utilities could be on board. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

Murray Action Plan release shows Trump followed many of its directives

One version of the memo, released by The New York Times, targeted carbon, ozone, mining and other regulations for elimination, including the endangerment finding.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

DOE pivots on NOPR, will 'respect' and 'honor' FERC order

The Department of Energy is "actually encouraged" by FERC's rejection, Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette said, distancing himself from key arguments used to support the proposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2018

'FERC did its job:' Former regulators, lawyers laud DOE NOPR rejection

Regulators didn't just kill a coal and nuclear bailout — they preserved FERC's critical policymaking independence.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2018

MIT: Cheap gas, not renewables, caused nuclear woes

The new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology underscores conclusions from an earlier analysis from two national labs. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2018

Texas PUC to hear Lubbock bid to join ERCOT; large manufacturers wary

Lubbock Power & Light says leaving the Southwest Power Pool for the Texas grid could save hundreds of millions needed to build new generation. But some customers are concerned about exit fees and other costs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2018