States mull next steps after Clean Power Plan freeze

For the most part, even states opposed to the Clean Power Plan were working on compliance strategies. But with the Supreme Court delaying the law's implementation, tough decisions must now be made.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2016

Feds approve 2 new nuclear reactors in Texas

NRG Energy is the dominant partner in the expansion, but the generator said several years ago that it was not pursuing development of the project. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2016

Report: Dominion dumped 33.7 million gallons of untreated coal ash water in Quantico Creek

The utility is working on a plan to manage 200 million gallons of coal ash, but critics question whether drainage into Quantico Creek fell within water permits the utility obtained.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2016

Supreme Court puts Clean Power Plan on hold

In a surprise move, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to stay the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan until the D.C. Circuit Court reviews it and appeals to the high court are exhausted. 

By Davide Savenije , Krysti Shallenberger • Feb. 9, 2016

How Austin Energy is looking to manage solar-plus-storage on its grid

Austin Energy has been awarded a $4.3 million grant to implement a DERMS system aimed at integrating solar power into its grid.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 9, 2016

Report: Eastern Interconnect working group's research showed deeper decarbonization possible before CPP

In 2010, 39 states and 26 major utilities said they could cut carbon emissions 42% by 2030, according to a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

NY governor orders investigation of Entergy's Indian Point nuclear plant

The nuclear plant is leaking contaminated water, with monitoring wells showing "alarming levels" of radiation.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

Why natural gas investments could spell trouble for electric utilities

Natural gas is cheap right now, and utilities are rushing in. But if prices rise, consumers could wind up footing the bill — and if utilities overbuild, carbon compliance may be at risk. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

Sacramento muni cancels 400MW pumped storage project

Costs and environmental delays helped to scuttle SMUD's plans for a 400-MW pumped storage project in northern California.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 8, 2016

NextEra gives cost estimates for HEI's new energy plan

NextEra was the primary data provider for eight of the 14 project proposals Hawaiian Electric's revised "2016 Power Supply Improvement Plan," which was previously rejected by Hawaiian utility regulators in November 2015. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

CA lawmakers: PacifiCorp-CAISO regional market could hurt clean energy targets

Integrating PacifiCorp into the California Independent System Operator's grid could save billions of dollars, but lawmakers are wary of any plan that would "cede authority of our state’s cutting edge clean energy and climate policies."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

Coal companies, enviros back tax incentive extension for carbon capture projects

Coal companies and environmental advocates both agree that permanently extending a carbon capture and sequestration tax incentive is the right thing to do.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

FERC approves plans for NextEra natural gas pipeline in Florida

The vast majority of new generation in Florida is gas-fired, but the two major pipelines supplying the state are nearing full capacity.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 5, 2016

ISO-NE Chief: New England 2 years away from potential supply shortage

New England's heavy gas reliance already puts the region in a precarious spot, but ISO-New England President and CEO Gordon van Welie said the 2017-2018 winter is what most worries him right now.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

EIA: Renewables to be 14% of U.S. electricity generation in 2016

Wind should supply 5.2% of U.S. power next year and solar is projected to top 1%. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 4, 2016

FERC Order 745 ruling a 'good omen' for Clean Power Plan, say legal experts

How much the justices decide to defer to agency interpretation of the law could be a key factor in a future CPP case.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

PJM pushes for consumer protections in AEP plant subsidy case

PJM Interconnection wants assurances that the utility will not intentionally underbid its generation aimed to supress prices if Ohio regulators approve American Electric Power's proposed power purchase agreements to guarantee income for its aging generation. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016

California regulators warn of electric reliability issues due to Aliso Canyon methane leak

In a letter to California Gov. Jerry Brown (D), three key state energy agencies raised concerns that a persistent natural gas leak could disrupt supply to gas generators, especially those serving the LA Basin.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 3, 2016

Arizona regulators to decide if SunZia power line must guarantee space for renewables

Opponents fear that without restrictions, a line planned to transmit renewable energy will end up carrying gas-generated power.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 3, 2016

Settlement not the end of debate over Duke's Edwardsport coal gasification plant

Environmental groups signed on to a settlement last month limiting operating costs at Duke Energy's Edwardsport coal gasification power plant, but they say nothing precludes them from keeping a close eye on the plant's operations in the future.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016

Dynegy, NRG Energy ask FERC to step in Ohio plant subsidy cases

Dynegy and NRG Energy have asked federal regulators to rescind a waiver for affiliate power transactions FERC granted to First Energy and American Electric Power.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016

Should utilities be afraid of Sonnen's new community storage offering?

Community energy storage in the U.S. could ramp up with German storage developer Sonnen's entry into the market.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 2, 2016

Low natural gas prices squeeze New England oil generation

A winter storm spiked demand earlier this month, but year-over-year, the New England ISO reports its oil-fired power generation has taken a tumble.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2016

Oregon utilities back bill for 50% renewables, coal phase-out

Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp are jointly lobbying for a proposal they say will save consumers money while extending the life of some coal generation.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2016

Georgia Power adds 525 MW of renewables in latest IRP

The utility has asked regulators to sign off on more than 500 MW of clean power in their 2016 integrated resource plan (IRP), and said efficiency will help reduce peak demand by almost 2,000 MW.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2016