Mississippi Power raises cost estimate again for Kemper coal gasification plant

Originally estimated to cost $2.9 billion, the bill for the coal gasification project now stands at $6.8 billion.

By Peter Maloney • July 28, 2016

MidAmerican Energy reaches settlement to move 2 GW wind farm forward

MidAmerican Energy has reached a settlement with some of its large customers that would see it reduce the rate of return it would earn for building the project. 

By Peter Maloney • July 28, 2016

FERC extends Constitution Pipeline construction 2 more years

Developers of the 124-mile Constitution Pipeline have faced setbacks in New York, where regulators rejected a construction permit under the Clean Water Act.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2016

Wyoming governor signs pact with Japanese companies to work on clean coal

Wyoming took another step in its effort to increase coal exports with a research agreement with Japan.

By Peter Maloney • July 27, 2016

Heat wave, storm push power prices above $1,000/MWh in New York

The heat wave combined with a severe thunderstorm knocked 14,000 customers off Consolidated Edison's service earlier this week.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2016

US and Mexico map out agreement on nuclear power issues

The agreement is aimed at strengthening the existing legal framework and providing an enhanced basis for the transfer of nuclear technology, fuel, and components between the countries.

By Peter Maloney • July 26, 2016

Eyeing FERC end-run, Ohio utilities keep pressing state regulators to support old plants

Undeterred by steps federal regulators took to block the arrangements, three utilities are pressing state regulators for help supporting older coal and nuclear plants.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2016

241 MW of new hydroelectric capacity planned for Ohio River

American Municipal Power has begun operating new hydroelectric units in West Virginia and Kentucky this year.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2016

SPP notches new peak load records as heat wave strikes region

Southwest Power Pool saw demand spike to new records on two consecutive days last week, topping 1,006 GWh on July 21. 

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2016

Report: Dominion defends proposal to keep Surry nuclear facility online until 2053

As nuclear facilities struggle in markets around the country, Dominion bids its 1,750 MW into the PJM markets at $0/MWh.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2016

Minnesota first to adopt 'value of solar' approach for community solar

The value of solar methodology incorporates external factors, such as avoided transmission investments and the health and environmental effects of clean energy. 

By Peter Maloney • July 25, 2016

NextEra merger dead, Hawaii turns to realizing a 100% renewables future

NextEra never convinced regulators they could follow through on their clean energy goals. Can Hawaiian Electric?

By Herman K. Trabish • July 25, 2016

Report: Gas pipeline proposals could threaten US carbon pledge

There are 19 proposed natural gas pipelines in the Appalachian basin, and according to Oil Change International, they are all incompatible with the Paris climate target and the United States' carbon goals.

By Robert Walton • July 25, 2016

FirstEnergy will retire or sell 836 MW of fossil generation

The company will retire units 1-4 at the Sammis coal plant, which have been at the center of a regulatory controversy over income supports for the aging facility. 

By Gavin Bade • July 22, 2016

Maryland PSC rejects Baltimore microgrid proposal

Exelon's subsidiaries are having a hard time convincing policymakers to allow rate-based investments in microgrids. 

By Peter Maloney • July 22, 2016

Maine PUC approves plan to charge customers for gas pipeline expansion

The unanimous vote rejected a finding from staff of the Maine Public Utilities Commission last month, which concluded expanding pipeline capacity would not benefit consumers. 

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2016

Lyons Group to build 30 MW solar+storage project in Australia

Lyon Group plans a 30 MW solar + storage project as it expands into the Australian market.

By Peter Maloney • July 21, 2016

Montana wind developer says low PURPA rates could kill its project

The PSC recently set the tariff that would be paid to the Greycliff wind farm at $45.45/MWh.

By Peter Maloney • July 21, 2016

Atoms for green energy: What role should nuclear power play in decarbonization?

Heated rhetoric about who's to blame for recent nuclear closures masks serious questions about its role in the 21st century energy system.

By Gavin Bade • July 21, 2016

Concerns over proposed New England pipeline projects grow as FERC nears decision

The question in front of federal regulators, say the developers of one pipeline, is really about the region's broad energy future.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2016

Bucking market monitor, MISO chooses Brattle's forward capacity auction model

Brattle says the forward model would reduce price volatility by 35% to 37% compared to MISO’s existing capacity market.

By Peter Maloney • July 20, 2016

Opponents of Duke-Piedmont merger express concerns over gas reliance, customer risk

They say increased reliance on the fuel could cost customers if commodity prices rise.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2016

Arizona regulators question APS push to boost gas reliance in long-term plan

The utility's long-term plan calls for increasing gas-fired generation to more than a third of its portfolio, but regulators worry over potential customer risks.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2016

Texas clean coal project buys time to nail more financial support

 The Texas Clean Energy Project was about to lose federal support, but has found a way to buy more time to convince the Obama administration in continuing financial backing. 

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2016

Appeals court puts judicial stay on EPA regional haze rule

The agency acted "arbitrarily, capriciously, and in excess of its statutory authority" when it rejected plans from Texas and Oklahoma to deal with air pollution at national parks, the 5th Circuit Court decided.

By Gavin Bade • July 19, 2016