Power & Gas Index: Texas, California gas plants under pressure; Nor'easter spikes prices

Gas generation is in the spotlight for power market operators across the nation — but for very different reasons. 

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

Storage companies file FERC complaint against PJM regulation market rules

The Energy Storage Association argues PJM should have sought FERC approval for changes to the regulation market it says are unsuitable for short-duration batteries.  

By Peter Maloney • April 20, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Regulators, environmentalists clash in court over Southeast pipeline projects

The D.C. Circuit Court heard oral arguments this week in an attempt to block three gas pipelines known as the Southeast Market Pipelines Project.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

EPA to reconsider methane rule for new oil, gas facilities

Last year, the agency estimated the rule would reduce methane emissions by 510,000 short tons in 2025, the equivalent of reducing 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. 

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

Colorado lawmakers eye bond markets to help stranded coal assets

Proposed legislation would help to refinance retiring coal plants, lowering customer repayments and generating funds to assist communities.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

EPA to review MATS rule limiting mercury emissions from coal plants

The White House asked the D.C. Circuit Court to delay an oral argument on the rules scheduled for next month, mirroring previous moves to review Obama-era regulations.  

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

FERC chair outlines three paths for power market reforms ahead of technical conference

Without a negotiated solution to generation subsidy issues, acting Chair Cheryl LaFleur fears states may back themselves into an unplanned re-regulation of their power markets. 

By Gavin Bade • April 19, 2017

EIA: Natural gas will be top generation source this summer

A cooler forecast will also likely lead to lower power demand, as gas retakes its place as the top fuel.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

PJM delays planned closure of New Jersey coal plant again

Transmission constraints prompted the delay, and the plant will be closed once those are resolved, PJM Interconnection officials said. 

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

Is the EPA shutting down its Chicago office?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says no, but rumors still abound with some saying closing the regional office would hurt the monitoring Midwestern coal plants.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

MISO planning auction clears 135 GW of resources

All local resource zones in the MISO footprint cleared at $1.50/MW per day. The grid operator also said it continues to support state-directed resource adequacy planning.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

ISO-NE proposes two-part capacity auctions to handle subsidized generation

The ISO's proposal is meant to allow the entry of significant subsidized resources into the market while preserving price formation for unsubsidized plants. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

The great capacity market debate: Which model can best handle the energy transition?

Cheap natural gas and generation subsidies have exposed vulnerabilities in capacity and energy-only market constructs. Can grid operators preserve reliability and maintain fair prices for consumers and generators alike?

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

Is grid defection still a threat to the utility business model?

Three studies debate solar-plus-storage economics, but all agree the technology will disrupt the power sector.

By Peter Maloney • April 18, 2017

SoCal Edison, GE complete first hybrid gas-storage turbine

The 10 MW/4.3 MWh battery and gas turbine system will provide fast-start and ramping services, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions in Southern California Edison's service territory.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017

EPA to review toxic discharge rule for coal plants

The Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines sought to cut toxic heavy metals discharged into lakes and rivers.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017

Arizona Public Service's long-range plan still leans heavily on gas

After taking heat for its plans to increase natural gas generation, APS still expects to rely on the resource to meet demand over the next 15 years.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

Microsoft, PSE draft settlement allowing the tech giant to buy green energy on open markets

The deal includes a $23.6 million "transition fee" that would go back to Puget Sound Energy customers.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

Ohio power auctions for DP&L, Duke Energy clear above $50/MWh

Despite coal retirements and a shift toward gas generation, clearing prices in DP&L auctions have remained above levels seen in 2013. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

SoCal Edison in talks to resolve lawsuit challenging San Onofre fuel storage plan

A plan to expand interim dry cask storage at the San Onofre nuclear plant has been tied up in court for two years.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Siding with Trump, DC Circuit Court puts EPA ozone rule case on hold

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a request by the White House to delay the fight over Obama-era smog restrictions.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Coal giant Peabody searches for owner to save Navajo plant in Arizona

The Navajo plant is the sole customer of Peabody's Kayenta mine, which will close along with the generating station in 2019 if a new owner does not step in.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Westinghouse bankruptcy could grind US nuclear sector to a halt

The contractor's financial woes could sink the Vogtle and Summer plants and "doom" new nuclear construction in the U.S.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

As New York rejects gas pipeline, developer raises reliability concerns

National Fuel Gas CEO Ronald Tanski warned the state that utilities could run short of gas if regulators don't stop denying pipeline permits.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

Portland commits to 100% economywide renewable energy by 2050

Portland and Multnomah County want to meet all electricity needs with renewable power by 2035 and then shift all remaining sectors to renewables by 2050.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017