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 Robert Walton • 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 Gavin Bade • 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 Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2018

Nearly all Georgia coal plants report groundwater pollution near ash ponds

Data reviewed by The Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice on 12 coal plants showed ash ponds near 11 contain unsafe levels of one or more pollutant, with 10 belonging to Georgia Power.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 13, 2018

As PacifiCorp and other analyses point to more coal shutdowns, replacement questions rise

A recent PacifiCorp analysis points to a growing trend among utilities, and analysts are watching to see how modeling and reliability issues can best be addressed as retirements continue.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2018

'Voluntary demand' for renewables pushes utilities to new technology, business models: Deloitte

As renewable energy growth accelerates, utilities are taking a more active role in embracing the enabling technology.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2018

Utilities cheer as EPA moves to roll back Obama-era water rules

The newly proposed rule won praise from utilities, but just which waterways would be covered under a new definition of "Waters of the United States" remains unclear. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 12, 2018

US unprepared for 'catastrophic' power outage, presidential advisory report finds

Securing the nation's power system will require billions in investment, begging the eternal question: Who pays?

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2018

Washington clean energy proposal would phase out coal by 2025

Gov. Jay Inslee's proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2035 and transition the state to 100% clean energy by 2045.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 11, 2018

Georgia Power seeks 540 MW of renewables in final REDI solicitation

Through its Renewable Energy Development Initiative, the Southern Company subsidiary is targeting 1,200 MW of renewable energy resources.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 11, 2018

Glick predicts return to resilience debate as McNamee prepares to take FERC seat

With an emergency bailout reportedly on hold at the White House, "a lot of the focus is returning to FERC" on grid resilience issues, Glick told a Washington audience Monday.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 11, 2018

Federal government issues RFP for 'coal plants of the future'

The request for proposals supports the Coal FIRST initiative to develop more modern coal plants. Critics say the program is designed to score political points and development of new coal facilities is unlikely.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 10, 2018

In first, Virginia regulators reject Dominion Integrated Resource Plan

Regulators said Dominion's power demand forecasts are unrealistically high, which could raise questions about a number of infrastructure investments, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 10, 2018

As coal economics worsen, rural renewables development propels Midwest growth: NRDC

While the region still relies heavily on coal and natural gas, a continued rural focus may be the key to unlocking the region's clean energy potential, the Natural Resources Defense Council report said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 10, 2018

Colorado co-op seeks exit from coal-heavy Tri-State to pursue renewables

The Delta Montrose Electric Association asked regulators to set a fair price for it to exit the Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 7, 2018

Black Hills Energy proposes coal plant purchase amid ongoing closures

The utility filed an integrated resource plan with Wyoming regulators this week, proposing to purchase the Wygen I power plant, near Gillette to address a 60 MW shortfall.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2018

Avista could face limited options in wake of Hydro One merger rejection

Washington regulators' rejection of the proposed merger leaves little room for Avista to negotiate a win.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 2018

EPA moves to rescind Obama-era carbon limits on new coal plants

The rollback is unlikely to spur new investment in U.S. coal plants, but the EPA hopes it could lead to the development of coal technologies that can be exported overseas. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 6, 2018

Senate confirms McNamee to FERC as coal recusal calls mount

The 50-49 vote came despite Democrat concerns over the nominee's past work crafting a coal and nuclear bailout proposal at DOE and the recent release of a video showing McNamee criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 6, 2018

Report: EPA to rescind Obama-era carbon rules for new coal plants

Coal operators said that EPA's New Source Performance Standards made it too costly to invest in new plants, but rolling them back is not likely to change the economic outlook for the sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 5, 2018

Texas grid to face tighter electricity reserves this summer: 'Does that scare you?'

ERCOT says planning reserve margins for the 2019 summer could be the tightest ever, in part due to canceled generation projects and growing demand from oil and gas operations.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2018

EIA: U.S. coal consumption lowest in 39 years

Consumption of the resource is anticipated to drop 4% below 2017 levels by the end of this year and fall another 8% by the end of 2019. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 5, 2018

PacifiCorp shows 60% of its coal units are uneconomic

The Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary conducted the analysis as part of its 2019 integrated resource plan, finding that more considerations need further study "before future resource decisions are made."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 5, 2018

Xcel commits to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

The pledge makes the Minnesota-based firm the first multi-state utility to commit to a complete phaseout of the planet-warming gas, according to company officials. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Even in a carbon-constrained world, fossil fuels remain dominant: WoodMac

Wood Mackenzie's new analysis concludes that even with policies designed to accelerate development of clean energy resources, it will not be possible to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018