MISO market monitor: Capacity market reforms needed to reflect cost of reliable generation

Energy markets in the Midcontinent are efficient, but capacity markets do not reflect the value of reliable generation, said the MISO market monitor.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2016

After Diablo Canyon: PG&E CEO Tony Earley on renewables, DERs and California's energy future

The same resources pushing the giant nuclear plant offline will be key to the utility's future in a low carbon economy. 

By Gavin Bade • June 30, 2016

'Something's got to give': Why Wall St is uneasy with the renewable energy boom

Tax credit extensions are fueling huge renewables growth, but financiers are uneasy with how the buildout is manifesting itself.

By Peter Maloney • June 29, 2016

Seeking more renewables, Kit Carson Co-op exits relationship with Tri-State G&T

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative has exited its relationship with Tri-State Generation & Transmission and will buy renewable power from a private company instead.

By Peter Maloney • June 29, 2016

District of Columbia Council unanimously approves bill for 50% renewable energy mandate

The bill would also provide for 1,500 MW of new local wind and solar power, advocates said. 

By Peter Maloney • June 29, 2016

Generators ask FERC to block New England pipelines over energy price suppression fears

NextEra Energy and Public Service Enterprise Group say utility plans to sign for capacity on the Access Northeast pipeline would artificially depress energy prices in the region.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2016

US, Mexico, Canada pledge 50% renewables and nuclear by 2025 in new climate pact

The agreement, set to be be announced at a summit Wednesday, would set a 50% goal for power from wind, solar, nuclear and hydro facilities. 

By Gavin Bade • June 28, 2016

FPL customers could get reprieve from Turkey Point nuclear charges

Florida Power & Light told regulators it will stop charging customers for one year for development of two new reactors at the Turkey Point nuclear plant ahead of a request for significant rate hikes. 

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2016

UBS: Nuclear plants under long-term contracts at risk for closure

 Xcel Energy Inc.'s Prairie Island plant and Entergy Corp.'s Palisades facility could both be at risk, according to UBS Securities.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2016

BMW to deploy used EV batteries in residential storage market

BMW announced plans to work toward deploying used EV batteries in the residential storage market.

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2016

FERC upholds right of cooperatives to buy from independent generators

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has upheld the right of cooperatives to buy power under PURPA.

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2016

California PUC issues revised self-generation rules favoring storage

The California Public Utilities Commission has revised the rules for its SGIP program.

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2016

CAISO to study gas generation units susceptible to early retirement

The state's 50% renewables goal has put marginal gas plants at risk, especially in local areas where the generation is not needed for reliability, according to the grid operator. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2016

FirstEnergy's revised Ohio plant subsidy proposal 'shadow' of original, critics say

After federal regulators blocked the generator's effort to guarantee income at coal and nuclear plants, the utility filed a revised proposal. But opponents say it's an attempt to skirt federal review. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2016

Alaskan rural energy projects reviewed for $16M in USDA funds

The projects aim to reduce high energy costs in rural areas of Alaska, but developers must pass a final hurdle before their proposals are funded.

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2016

3 transmission projects that illustrate the importance in modernizing the grid

Big power line expansions in ERCOT, SPP and MISO are helping shape a cleaner energy system, but building them was a slog.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 24, 2016

As coal and nuclear plant retirements increase, New England looks to alternatives to fill void

A slew of coal and nuclear retirements are paving the way for more natural gas, solar and wind power.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2016

Exelon plans to build 200 MW wind farm in Ohio

Exelon's bid to build a wind farm comes after the utility backed measures to support phasing out wind credits a few years ago, which led AWEA to oust Exelon from the organization. 

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2016

EIA: Clean Power Plan emissions cuts depend on state compliance decisions

Mass-based compliance will result in slightly larger reductions in carbon emissions, a new EIA assessment of Clean Power Plan compliance decisions estimates. 

By Gavin Bade • June 23, 2016

Utah energy co-op pushes small nuclear reactor development

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems is partnering with NuScale Power on the project, which could be operational by 2024.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2016

RGGI officials mull tighter carbon caps for Clean Power Plan compliance

A review of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative considers tightening emissions caps, potentially raising the price of allowances over the next 15 years.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2016

Maine PUC issues RFP for above-market biomass contracts

The Maine Legislature directed regulators to solicit 80 MW of biomass energy and earmarked more than $13 million in taxpayer funds for the deals.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2016

Florida Power & Light proposes buying and shuttering 330 MW coal plant

If regulators approve the plan, it would be the second time in two years that FPL purchased a coal plant to phase it out and save customers money.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2016

Florida regulators order FPL to fix Turkey Point plant water quality

Florida Power & Light President and CEO Eric Silagy entreated on parties not to challenge the plan, which he said is based on "fact-based solutions."

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2016

PG&E to close Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, replace it with renewables, efficiency, storage

PG&E will not seek to renew operation licenses for the last nuclear plant in the state, allowing it to fully close in 2025.

By Gavin Bade • June 21, 2016