SNL: Lower operating costs drive new gas-fired power development

Gas, wind and solar plants have the lowest operating costs and as a result will make up the overwhelming majority of new capacity additions through 2020.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2016

Updated: Local mayors, nuclear backers urge CPUC to deny PG&E's Diablo Canyon closure plan

Critics of the plan to replace the massive nuclear plant with renewables and efficiency say PG&E isn't properly measuring its potential impacts.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 20, 2016

Enphase survey: Batteries don't fit the bill for most residential backup power needs

Customers are interested in backup power, a new residential survey found, but their demands are more suited to generators than solely batteries.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 20, 2016

With AEP deal, private equity continues gobbling up utility plants

Private equity was the winner, once again, in an auction of four AEP plants totaling 5,200 MW.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 20, 2016

Los Angeles to study 100% clean energy goals

The Los Angeles City Council directed the city's Department of Water and Power to study how it can transition away from fossil fuels.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 20, 2016

California appeals court to review approval of 500 MW Carlsbad gas plant

Opponents of the $2.2 billion Carlsbad gas plant proposed in southern California want more renewable energy and storage in place of fossil fuel generation. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2016

FRCC: Florida reserve margin to remain over 20% as state leans on gas generation

Despite a rising population and increased reliance on gas, Florida reliability coordinators expect sufficient generation supply for the next decade.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 19, 2016

Minnesota PUC approves industrial rate cut

The decision means eleven of Minnesota Power's largest customers will see a 5% rate reduction, but the residential ratepayers will see a hike in their bills.  

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2016

Washington adopts rule to cap emissions from large polluters

But the measure stops short of financially charging large sources of carbon emissions, an approach Gov. Jay Inslee had previously supported.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2016

As utilities ramp up gas, Enbridge play for Spectra highlights increasing value of pipelines

Utilities are using more gas and pipelines are getting harder to build, meaning existing gas transportation is getting more lucrative.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2016

SCE taps Tesla for 80 MWh storage project to deal with Aliso Canyon gas shortage

For a time, the Tesla project is expected to be the largest lithium ion battery storage project in operation.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 16, 2016

Record summer heat fails to boost peak demand in PJM

This has been one of the hottest summers in recent years for the grid operator, but peak demand remained low across the Mid-Atlantic service territory.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2016

Senate passes new coal ash regulations in Congressional water bill

Pending approval from the House, the legislation could limit the lawsuits generators and utilities face.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2016

SCE, Nest partner on virtual power plant to mitigate Aliso Canyon gas shortage

Facing potential blackouts due to the gas leak, the utility will use Nest's programmable thermostats to leverage 50 MW of load reduction.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2016

Critics say North Carolina's draft coal ash plan is 'bare minimum'

The state has issued a draft proposal detailing how it will comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2014 coal ash rule.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2016

SoCalGas reaches $4.3M settlement for Aliso Canyon methane leak

SoCalGas will plead no contest to a misdemeanor violation for failing to timely report the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak immediately.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2016

New study says Atlantic Coast, Mountain Valley pipeline projects unnecessary

A new report from the Southern Environmental Law Center takes aim at two major pipeline projects, saying Virginia and North Carolina have sufficient natural gas supply capacity through 2030.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2016

Nevada energy company submits $38M bid for TVA's unfinished Bellefonte nuke

Phoenix Energy of Nevada wants to use the site to develop its magnetic induction generation technology, which it claims has zero emissions. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 14, 2016

IEEFA: 40% of Texas coal generation at risk for retirement

Seven plants are losing a combined $160 million each year, according to a new analysis from IEEFA and Public Citizen. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2016

Updated: AEP to sell 5.2 GW of fossil capacity in Ohio, Indiana for $2.1B

AEP will sell three gas- and one coal-fired power plant to a joint venture of the Blackstone Group LP and ArcLight Capital Partners LLC for $2.1 billion. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2016

NRG wins SunEdison's renewables portfolio with $144M bid

After an auction for SunEdison's renewable energy project portfolio, NRG Energy is walking away with 2,100 MW of development-stage wind and solar capacity. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 13, 2016

Bloomberg NEF: Aging coal fleet a factor in record plant retirements

By 2020, 65 GW of power plants will be 50 years or older, adding to existing retirement pressures from natural gas and environmental regulations. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 13, 2016

New York PSC head Audrey Zibelman defends nuclear support

After five lawmakers challenged a plan to keep upstate nuclear units in operation, the head of the New York Public Service Commission has responded in blunt fashion.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2016

DOE, DOI: New US offshore wind strategy could create 86 GW market by 2050

The Departments of Energy and the Interior chose the completion of the first U.S. offshore wind facility to release a new governmental strategy document for the industry.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 13, 2016

AEP: Restructuring Ohio markets will require IOU collaboration

 AEP Ohio is largely leading the charge, but will ultimately need help from other investor-owned utilities.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2016