How climate change threatens the Western grid, and what to do about it

Current estimates of reserve margins could be as much as 25% off, according to new research.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 29, 2015

Lawsuit alleges TX regulators illegally allowed coal plants to pollute above EPA limits

Environmental groups say email records show Texas regulators plotting with utilities to give them a break from EPA particulate regulations.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

Weak winds in Q1 hit utilities, developers in their pocketbooks

But, analysts say increased accuracy of long-term forecasts for bigger wind projects eases the short term concerns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 28, 2015

Illinois lawmakers ignore Exelon's warnings, delay nuclear subsidy bill

Though Exelon has threatened to shutter three facilities absent legislative action, it appears Illinois lawmakers will not consider subsidies in this session.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Federal appeals court rejects Kansas, utility challenge to cross-state pollution rule

The D.C. Circuit unanimously rejected Kansas' challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Coal retirements could lead Kentucky to 'accidental' compliance with the Clean Power Plan

While the state debates with the idea of not submitting a plan to meet Clean Power Plan emissions targets, coal plant retirements could lead to compliance anyway.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Buffett's BHE Renewables buys 655 MW of wind, 7 solar projects

Warren Buffett's unregulated renewables subsidiary acquires Nebraska, Minnesota, and Illinois holdings from Geronimo Energy.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 27, 2015

EPA tightens pollution controls on plants during startup, shutdown

The EPA has directed 36 states to tighten rules governing pollution emitted from facilities during startup, shutdown and malfunction.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

EPA signals final Clean Power Plan rule due in August

The Obama administration intends to issue several rules governing energy and the environment this summer, including a final version of the Clean Power Plan and new rules for the oil, gas and coal sectors.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

Nevada utility-solar compromise could raise state's net metering cap

The amended bill allows for 235 MW of more net metered solar and asks regulators for a long-term fix.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 27, 2015

UC Berkeley researchers say they have found a cheaper carbon capture solution

 A metal-organic framework developed at the University of California at Berkeley could slash the energy needed to perform carbon capture at coal facilities.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

EIA: 90 GW of coal retirements expected under EPA's Clean Power Plan

New analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration finds power prices would rise almost 5% by 2020.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2015

CPUC approves contentious new 500 MW gas plant for SDG&E

Critics say the utility can get the same generation from renewables and energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

How new transmission is unlocking wind power's potential in Michigan's Thumb

Michigan’s comprehensive transmission planning previews what is possible for the Clean Power Plan.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

PJM, New York electricity markets experience price spikes

The New York Independent System Operator's western zone saw prices jump past $1,000/MWh last week.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2015

South Mississippi drops bid for portion of Kemper coal gasification plant

Citing rising costs and changing energy needs, South Mississippi Electric has dropped its bid to purchase a portion of Southern Company's gasification plant.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

Did the EPA drop carbon capture tech from its new power plant rules?

A report suggests the agency may have dropped a controversial requirement that new coal plants be built with CCS technology.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

2 new reports examine Clean Power Plan compliance methods, legitimacy

As states ready themselves for the final rule to be unveiled, stakeholders are considering compliance options and legal battles. 

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

Southern purchases 103 MW Georgia solar plant

Southern Power now has more than 1,100 MW of renewables in its portfolio.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

Minnesota co-op Stearns Electric adds community shared solar option

Each $1,300 module will give an expected $5 per month bill credit to member subscribers.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 21, 2015

PJM coal burn drops 14% in Q1, driven by low gas prices

The system performed better during the cold 2015 winter than it had the year before, but forced outage rates remain a problem for the grid operator.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

Arizona Public Service will join California Energy Imbalance Market

The Phoenix-based utility expects to begin participating in California's new Energy Imbalance Market beginning in the fall of 2016.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

Duke will shutter Asheville coal plant, replace it with 650 MW of natural gas

The $1.1B build-out will include new transmission infrastructure and a solar array.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2015

SNL: Wind rush continues with 2,166 MW of new capacity announced in Q1 2015

10 new projects were announced in the first quarter, including two 408 MW offshore wind projects for Hawaii.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2015

AEP tweaks coal subsidy proposal, asks Ohio regulators to reconsider

The utility says 3,000 MW of coal-fired power necessary for reliability would be unprofitable without taxpayer support.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015