Generation: Page 101


  • EPA to reconsider rationale for mercury emission rules

    Utilities have largely complied with the 2012 rule, but altering the EPA's calculus for which regulations are "appropriate and necessary" could put limits on future environmental rules.

    By Dec. 31, 2018
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    Alevo
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    Our 10 best stories of 2018

    Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

    By Dec. 21, 2018
  • FERC approves cost recovery for Exelon's Mystic gas plant

    The approval illustrates continued debate over how to value fuel secure resources in New England and elsewhere.

    By Dec. 21, 2018
  • How many billionaires does it take to get a geothermal storage facility underway?

    A clean energy fund led by Bill Gates has invested in the molten salt storage startup Malta, which raised $26 million in its first round of funding, spinning off from the private Alphabet X research lab.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 21, 2018
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    Engie
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    Deep Dive

    How policies can make or brake solar development in the Southeast

    Third party financing can enable solar growth, but faces hurdles in several states. Some utilities are not compensating for solar's value on the grid and leveling charges specific to solar owners. 

    By Dec. 20, 2018
  • In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

    ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

    By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018
  • New Mexico regulators approve PNM plan to phase out coal by 2031

    PNM plans to replace the lost capacity largely with solar and natural gas, though storage could play a role as prices continue to drop.

    By Dec. 20, 2018
  • As 67 coal plants in 22 states report coal ash violations, greens fear prolonged cleanup

    A number of environmental groups filed a petition for review against the Environmental Protection Agency and Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, fearing rollbacks on coal ash rules could extend the timeline for utility cleanup.

    By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 20, 2018
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    Senate ENR
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    Green groups press for McNamee recusal on FERC resilience docket

    McNamee's work on coal and nuclear bailout plans show he has "prejudged central matters of law and fact that remain at issue," four environmental groups wrote. 

    By Dec. 19, 2018
  • Energy groups pan NERC generation retirement report for 'extreme' assumptions

    NERC officials said some regions may need "new market constructs" and "out-of-market constructs" to slow the pace of plant shutdowns, but renewable energy and gas groups say the study is misguided.

    By Dec. 19, 2018
  • DC passes 'most ambitious' mandate for 100% renewables by 2032

    The bill would put Washington on track to hit 100% renewables nearly a decade before any state. 

    By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 19, 2018
  • New Jersey regulators hand third rejection to Atlantic City offshore wind pilot

    The proposed Nautilus project would have been in state waters within three miles of the shore, as opposed to the farther projects that will be considered for the state’s upcoming 1.1 GW offshore wind solicitation.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 19, 2018
  • Deep Dive

    Capacity pricing changes: How each power market plans to account for resource adequacy

    While PJM's capacity market reform plans dominate headlines, all grid operators are facing the need for greater flexibility as renewables increasingly enter their system.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018
  • Dominion seeks to recover $300M from Virginia ratepayers for coal ash efforts

    In an application to state regulators for the rate increase, the utility said its environmental efforts were essential to keep coal plants open.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018
  • New York Gov. Cuomo pledges 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040

    The announcement comes days after the state Public Service Commission approved the third phase of its clean energy standard as well as a 3 GW energy storage goal.

    By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2018
  • Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020

    Tax cuts are eating into utility cash flows, but are not deterring investments in capital spending.

    By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018
  • New Jersey regulators issue rules to rejoin RGGI carbon trading system

    Gov. Phil Murphy, D, issued an executive order in January to rejoin the CO2 trading system, but it took months for state regulators to work out the details.

    By Dec. 18, 2018
  • We Energies' proposed solar pilots highlight limited state finance rules, group says

    The utility's two proposals site rooftop solar projects at their commercial and industrial customers' facilities, but an array of groups in Wisconsin say customers won't be allowed to fully reap the benefits of the resource.

    By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 17, 2018
  • Record-breaking $405M US offshore wind leasing auction shows 'bullish' interest

    Three areas off the coast of Massachusetts each fetched bids of at least $135 million in the same area that failed to attract enough interest three years ago.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 17, 2018
  • Texas muni signs cheap solar contract 'below $25/MWh'

    The exact PPA price was not released, but GTM Research noted it rivals other inexpensive solar deals signed recently in Texas.

    By Dec. 17, 2018
  • House to introduce carbon capture bill amid questions of tech viability

    The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., received broad bipartisan support.

    By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 14, 2018
  • New York sets 3 GW storage target, doubles efficiency goals for utilities

    The Public Service Commission has set the most ambitious state energy storage target in the country, while also requiring investor-owned utilities to more than double their energy efficiency reductions by 2025.

    By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2018
  • NERC: Winter preparedness initiatives will help keep lights on in northern US

    A new analysis from the North American Electric Reliability Corp. finds most grid operators expect ample energy supplies this winter, but are also taking steps to ensure reliability.

    By Dec. 14, 2018
  • Glick blasts Chatterjee Clean Power Plan comments as not 'appropriate,' 'relevant'

    Glick called Chatterjee’s input "faulty" and "not relevant to any discussion on whether the Clean Power Plan should be removed" because it focused criticism on the initial proposed version of the rule, not its finalized form.

    By Dec. 13, 2018
  • Senate Democrats press McNamee recusal on generation issues at FERC

    A letter requesting McNamee recuse himself from issues "pitting one fuel source against another" was signed by every Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, except its incoming Ranking Member. 

    By Dec. 13, 2018