The top 10 trends transforming the electric power sector

From the decline of coal power to the rise of energy storage, big changes are quickly taking hold in the industry.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 17, 2015

ISO-NE: Reliability improved, but more gas capacity needed for upcoming winter

The grid operator's 2015 regional system plan focuses on the need for greater investment in the electric sector as well as building more natural gas pipeline capacity.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 17, 2015

Settlement reached in New York to keep Ginna nuclear plant running

Consumer advocates, staff of the New York Public Service Commission and large industrial consumers are expected to file the settlment in a week.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2015

GOP congress pessimistic on legislative challenges to Clean Power Plan

Conservative lawmakers increasingly see the courts as their last chance to stop the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2015

New Mexico unveils first broad energy plan since 1991

The new policy will embrace all energy sources, according to Gov. Susana Martinez.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2015

Big C&I energy consumers oppose Ohio proposals to guarantee plant income

Large energy users in Ohio say proposals to support coal and nuclear generation that would place the risk on consumers are not appropriate.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2015

Record wind generation pushes ERCOT prices into negative territory

Texas wind generation spiked over the weekend and bled into Monday, combinging with lower demand to force prices into negative territory.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 15, 2015

Sierra Club fights Buffett-owned Pacific Power bid to shorten PURPA contracts

Pacific Power has proposed reducing PURPA contrascts from 15 years to three, drawing fire from opponents who see it as an attack on renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2015

EIA: Gas generation jumps on low prices, filling gap for retiring coal

Despite coal-fired generation being retired, data shows the United States is continuing to grow its power generation on the back on inexpensive natural gas supplies.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2015

RGGI: CO2 allowances set record in auction, topping $6/ton

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has completed its 29th carbon dioxide allowance auction.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2015

Duke settles 15 year-old Clean Air Act litigation with EPA for $5.4 million

Duke has settled with the federal goverment and will pay a civil penalty of almost $1 million in addition to a series of environmental projects related to the company's North Carolina coal units.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2015

Southern's renewables push continues with 151 MW wind buy

Southern Power, the company's unregulated power developer, now has more than 20 renewables projects on the books. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 11, 2015

Electric competition could save Nebraska $250M a year, wind developer says

Rates are up more than 20% since 2008, and independent generators say opening Nebraska's power markets could save customers millions.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 11, 2015

SunEdison expands partnership with Dominion Resources on solar assets

SunEdison and Dominion are now partnered on two Utah solar arrays with a combined capacity of 685 MW.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 10, 2015

Jump in winter oil burn from generators pushes up New England carbon emissions

Reliability programs that called for keeping oil supplies on hand have led to greater carbon emissions in New England.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 10, 2015

PPL reaches rate settlement to fund $5B infrastructure plan

Customers will see their bills increase about $7.50/month, but the fixed fee portion will not rise.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 10, 2015

New market plans move forward as Northwest Power Pool appeals to FERC

The group has asked FERC for clarification on several issues, including that the 15-minute market would be all-voluntary.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 10, 2015

As EPA prepares to release 2nd rule governing coal ash, reach seen as limited

The new rule governing toxic wastewater releases won't affect plants that dispose of dry ash.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 9, 2015

Wyoming wind held back by transmission backlog, avian deaths

Builders in limbo on 5,100 MW-plus of potential while bickering over tax credits, regulations continues

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 9, 2015

Michigan hydro generators fear shutdown as utilities plan to cut payments

Small hydro producers say utilities want to pay them at the Midcontinent ISO rate of 4.5 cents/kWh, potentially forcing them to shut down.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 9, 2015

Fast-growing Canadian firm Emera to buy TECO in $10.4B deal

The deal would be Emera's 10th power sector acquisition in the last 5 years, according to the company.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 8, 2015

Colorado commits $1.2M for low income community shared solar projects

Grant comes as Xcel Energy RFP pushes private community solar developers out of residential market 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 8, 2015

As lawmakers balk at CPP, Oklahoma utilities closing in on compliance

Despite the state's opposition to the new greenhouse gas regulations, utilities in Oklahoma have been planning ahead and are on a path towards compliance.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 8, 2015

Price continues to rise for Mississippi Power's Kemper coal plant

Mississippi Power said the utility, not customers, will absord another $25 million in startup and commissioning costs.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 8, 2015

SC regulators approve $900 million cost increase for new nuclear units

Commissioners also boost guaranteed profit for SCE&G from 10.5% to 11%.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 4, 2015