Sky's the limit? Reducing wind energy costs through increased turbine size

A new Berkeley Lab study shows significant potential for further turbine scaling, write LBNL researchers. 

By Ryan Wiser, Joachim Seel, Bentham Paulos, Maureen Hand • Dec. 19, 2016

Proposed Massachusetts air regulations target 80% decarbonization by 2050

The new rules would require utilities to source 80% of their power from non-emitting resources by midcentury and limit GHGs from transport and fossil fuel extraction.

By Robert Walton, Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2016

Trump election throws wrench in California ISO plan for western power market

State leaders across the region want to see Trump's energy priorities before forging on toward a full ISO.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

Strange rumblings at PowerGen: Coal use could persist

New technologies and looser regulations could help coal, attendees at PowerGen said last week, but many utilities have already made other generation plans.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

Two dozen states ask Trump to scrap Clean Power Plan on Day 1

It was a campaign promise of President-elect Donald Trump. Now 24 states want him to act on his first day in office.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

FERC proposes changes to large generator interconnection process

The Commission's notice focuses on large plants but also asks whether it could be expanded to distributed energy. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2016

Did coal ash disputes lay the foundation for North Carolina power grab?

A new law that strips some powers from an incoming Democratic governor could have its origins in coal ash power tussles, according to a local report. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

Down to the wire, Michigan passes sweeping renewable energy, retail choice reforms

After a scramble to reach a compromise, lawmakers came together to overhaul Michigan's energy marketplace on the last day of the legislative session.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2016

MIT report calls for regulatory, market reforms to accommodate DERs

The lengthy paper argues regulators must be as innovative as the companies they oversee to unlock the potential of distributed resources. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 16, 2016

Texas grid operator continues debate over pricey reliability agreement

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is still seeking alternatives to a reliability must-run agreement it inked this summer with NRG Texas Power.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2016

DOE earmarks $70M for new carbon storage, transportation programs

ARPA-E will spend $35 million to help farmers develop crops that increase the capture of carbon and the soil depth at which it is stored.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2016

Wind industry to Trump: Transmission vital to sustain record growth

Wind builders want the Trump White House to see transmission as vital infrastructure, and having Rick Perry at DOE could help. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 15, 2016

Michigan lawmakers scramble for energy bill compromise after late-night session

Legislators and Gov. Snyder worked until 5 a.m. and are still trying to finalize changes to the state's retail market and renewables goals. 

By Robert Walton, Gavin Bade • Dec. 15, 2016

California regulators force SCE, stakeholders to renegotiate San Onofre nuclear settlement

The CPUC said ethics and ex parte violations mean parties could renegotiate rates related to the closure of the San Onofre nuclear plant.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2016

Exelon, New York PSC file in federal court to defend nuclear subsidy program

The parties want the court to dismiss a challenge against New York's ZEC program aimed at shoring up ailing nuclear power plants.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2016

Federal appeals court lifts injunction on New England renewables RFP in Allco case

The injunction had halted the awarding of more than 450 MW of projects as the court considers if state renewable power mandates are constitutional. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2016

North Carolina committee votes for review of energy policy, including PURPA

North Carolina Energy Policy Council voted unanimously to request a re-evaluation of energy policies spurred by Duke's concerns about solar. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 13, 2016

Retooling regulation: Is integrating energy and environmental regulation legal?

Broad state authority under the Clean Air Act means regulatory reforms would likely be permitted by the courts, RAP analysts write.

By Chris James, Ken Colburn • Dec. 13, 2016

Michigan regulators approve new utility to address UP reliability issues

Starting in the new year, the new utility will serve 40,000 customers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as part of a plan to secure reliable capacity for the region. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2016

Why Exelon's mammoth Illinois energy bill could set a precedent for other states

The grand bargain in Springfield may be a model to save nuclear plants in other jurisdictions, though not everyone is comfortable with the final deal. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2016

Duke outlines compensation plan for neighbors of coal ash facilities

The amount will be calculated in part on the loss of water wells and the cost to connect to the municipal supply.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2016

Lawmakers, DOE probe Western Area Power Administration spending

Federal officials are concerned that the utility has been overcharging customers, according to local news reports. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2016

Canada poised to implement carbon price by 2018

Canada's federal government and 10 provinces will soon agree on a national carbon price, marking a split with expected U.S. climate policies. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 9, 2016

PNM files rate hike to support shutdown of coal-fired San Juan station

The utility has asked the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to approve new revenues of almost $100 million, potentially adding 13% to residential bills. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2016

FirstEnergy looks to sell merchant gas, hydro generation in $900M deal

The company's move follows its announcement last month to sell some of its struggling power fleet. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2016