Connecticut moves to keep Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant afloat

Connecticut joins states like Illinois and New York in developing mechanisms to keep existing nuclear plants online.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2018

24 of 26 Duke coal ash ponds in Carolinas not compliant with CCR rule

Nearly all the ash basins violated rules that requires the bottom of a disposal facility to be five feet above groundwater aquifers and stipulate there can be no connection between aquifer and disposal facility. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 19, 2018

Trump to nominate acting EPA head Wheeler for permanent top spot

Wheeler has directed multiple efforts to roll back environmental regulations, including vehicle efficiency standards and rules on coal plant mercury emissions, carbon pollution and ash disposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2018

S&P: Utility financials largely stable, growth outlook uncertain

The firm also anticipates "modest to flat growth" next year for independent generators, predicting that power prices could strengthen in the PJM market "because energy price reforms appear likely."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 19, 2018

FERC nominee McNamee distances himself from Trump coal bailout at hearing

Despite helping craft the White House's ill-fated coal and nuclear bailout last year, McNamee told senators he would view the issue differently if confirmed to a seat on FERC.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 15, 2018

Pennsylvania DEP solar plan aims for 10% solar generation by 2030

The majority of the state's generation comes from nuclear and natural gas, with solar providing 300 MW, less than 1%.

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 15, 2018

PJM, states clash over market jurisdiction at NARUC conference

PJM CEO Andy Ott said some states in his market had entered a "compact" to allow generation decisions to be determined by competitive markets, sparking spirited responses from state regulators.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 14, 2018

DOE to fund 'Coal FIRST' initiative, critics say it's political not practical

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to support the development of smaller coal-fired plants, 50 MW to 350 MW in size, with high-efficiency and near-zero emissions.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2018

APS spent millions defeating Prop 127. Is a clean energy compromise ahead?

The utility beat the push for 50% renewables, then started talk about an 80% clean energy standard.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 14, 2018

AEP to spend $2.7B on renewables, $24.9B on T&D in next 5 years

American Electric Power plans to use the majority of its five year budget on transmission and distribution operations to "enhance service for customers."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2018

Lazard: Renewables can challenge existing coal plants on price

The firm's latest findings underscore a number of recent utility moves to replace coal with wind, solar and gas.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 12, 2018

35% of US nuclear plants face early retirement: Union of Concerned Scientists

The analysis recommends the adoption of state and federal policies that would support the plants, including a national carbon price or low-carbon electricity standard.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2018

Storage will replace 3 California gas plants as PG&E nabs approval for world's largest batteries

Installation of more than 2,200 MWh of storage will be the first time a utility directly replaces multiple major fossil fuel generators with batteries.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 9, 2018

PJM aims for middle in defense of capacity market plan at FERC

Fossil fuel generators and consumer advocates assailed the grid operator's resource carve-out plan in comments while PJM tried to frame its proposal as a reasonable compromise. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 8, 2018

94% of utility execs expect 'severe' earnings pressure before 2025: Accenture

Of the same executives surveyed, 97% also believe that earnings will rise after 2025, once the utility sector has moved past the growing pains of modernization, according to the management consulting firm's study.

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 7, 2018

Ballot initiative flops mask strong election for clean energy

The failure of high-profile ballot initiatives in Arizona and Washington came amid wins for renewable energy supporters in key gubernatorial races.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 7, 2018

Should targeted EV programs be subsidized by all utility customers or have separate rates?

Electric vehicles are transitioning from a specialized market representing approximately 1% of U.S. car sales to an anticipated mainstream market of almost 25% of new car sales within seven years.

By Jim Heidell and Diana Lai • Nov. 7, 2018

States raise Exelon market power concerns over Mystic cost recovery proposal at FERC

Exelon's threat to shut down the Mystic Generating Station if it does not receive financial support is a "charade," Connecticut utility regulators argued.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 6, 2018

Texas generators, utilities square off at PUC over storage ownership

The Texas regulatory docket will determine which companies get to own battery storage and other non-traditional grid technologies in the state. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Nov. 6, 2018

PJM CEO: Powering a resilient grid through competitive markets

Federal action to protect specific power plants is not only unnecessary, PJM CEO Andy Ott writes, it would raise consumer costs and discourage investment in newer, more efficient technologies.

By Andrew L. Ott • Nov. 6, 2018

ISO New England unveils new initiatives to enhance winter reliability

New England has been looking for market-based solutions to winter difficulties, as its reliance on natural gas has at times put the grid operator in a tight spot.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 6, 2018

Chatterjee blasts Clean Power Plan, praises EPA replacement in filed comments

Criticism of the Obama administration's defunct carbon regulations was filed the same day that Chatterjee pledged to be a nonpolitical FERC chairman in comments to reporters.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 5, 2018

Emerging best practices for utility grid hardening

The impacts of extreme weather on utility infrastructure are forcing utilities and regulators to take a more proactive approach to storm preparation, risk mitigation and budgeting than they have been accustomed to.

By Jeremy Clark • Nov. 5, 2018

Electric utilities quietly praise EPA coal plant emissions rule

Many large utilities did not comment on the EPA's Affordable Clean Energy rule directly, but a lobbying organization they fund endorsed the looser pollution standards. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 2, 2018

PJM CEO pans coal bailout but says plant payments needed in mid-2020s

A new report on PJM fuel security shows risks to the system could arise in five to six years if more power plants retire than anticipated and multiple stressors hit the grid at once. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2018