Vogtle nuclear plant owners agree to continue construction

The decision to keep building the sole nuclear project under construction in the U.S. is a win for lead owner Southern Co. and a boon for the fragile domestic nuclear sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Sept. 26, 2018

NuScale sees 'pivotal' step in selecting manufacturer for small modular reactor

Completing more of the construction work off-site — one of the benefits of so-called small modular reactors —​ was one recommendation from a recent report on the nuclear industry by the MIT Energy Initiative.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2018

TVA not violating Clean Water Act at Gallatin coal ash pond, 6th Circuit rules

Coal ash in unlined pits may be seeping into groundwater, but the court concluded the Clean Water Act is not the proper vehicle to address the issue.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2018

Vogtle nuke deadline extended again to 5 p.m.

The owners faced a Tuesday deadline to agree on cost-sharing terms for the plant, but extended their negotiation period three times.

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • Updated Sept. 25, 2018

How FERC can protect customers and respect state energy policy authority in its PJM capacity market proceeding

FERC's PJM capacity market order must be implemented in a way that preserves the authority of the 13 states and D.C. to pursue clean energy and protects customers from billions in higher utility bills.

By Ann McCabe and Miles Farmer • Sept. 25, 2018

Dominion to sell its stakes in 3 merchant plants for $1.3B

Despite the decision to sell two gas plants, Dominion retains a strong commitment to the resource for its future generating portfolio.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2018

AEP to retire Oklaunion coal plant due to renewables, gas competition

The retirement is another indication that President Trump's efforts to revive domestic coal generation are losing out to market forces.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 25, 2018

Oglethorpe, MEAG vote to move forward with Vogtle nuclear project

Oglethorpe Power cast a late vote in favor of Vogtle, but with conditions.

By Peter Maloney • Updated Sept. 24, 2018

DOE urges Vogtle nuke owners to complete project ahead of Monday vote

Canceling the plant expansion would have a "profound impact on the U.S. nuclear industry" and trigger the repayment of billions in federal loans, DOE warned.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 24, 2018

ISO-NE asks FERC to cancel capacity contract with Invenergy, putting plant at risk

The grid operator says the 900 MW Clear River Energy Center won't be built in time to deliver the power it committed. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 24, 2018

NiSource subsidiary announces plan to end coal use within 10 years

The company is still determining how to replace the plants, but said right now the most viable options "are renewable energy resources, with the combination of battery storage technology."

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2018

Duke shuts down gas plant after Florence flooding breaches coal ash pit

Environmental groups collected samples of what they believe to be coal ash from a nearby river, though the utility maintains there is no discernable harm downstream. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Sept. 24, 2018

Outage at Exelon's Mystic plant drove tight ISO-NE Labor Day conditions

The unplanned event, caused by a power line fault, highlights the issues at stake in debates over fuel security in New England and grid resilience at FERC. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Sept. 21, 2018

Navajo Generating Station buyer backs out, putting coal plant future in doubt

The largest coal plant west of the Mississippi could close next year unless a new buyer is found. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2018

Trouble in Texas causes shutdown of advanced GE turbine

One of the most advanced gas turbine engines on the market, GE's 7HA, is experiencing serious problems.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 21, 2018

RES Americas cancels 600 MW wind project in Indiana

In rural areas, turbine setback requirements and property rights can collide to the detriment of developers' plans.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 20, 2018

Clean energy groups outline principles for PJM capacity market reform

The document shows how groups that benefit from state energy policies would like to see capacity rules rewritten in the largest U.S. wholesale power market. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 19, 2018

Jacksonville asks FERC to intervene, wants out of Vogtle agreement

With Vogtle construction years behind schedule and billions over budget, the Florida muni says its power purchase agreement was neither just nor reasonable and is asking federal regulators to step in.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2018

EPA denies Delaware, Maryland petitions on cross-state coal plant pollution

The agency says the coal plants targeted by the two states have already reduced their emissions as much as they cost-effectively can.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 19, 2018

Former FERC staffer calls on Pugliese to step down over emails lauding far-right politicians

FERC Chief of Staff Anthony Pugliese attempted to meet right-wing UK politician Nigel Farage in London and called Italy's populist deputy prime minister "a boss," according to emails obtained by E&E News. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 18, 2018

New Jersey opens biggest offshore wind solicitation at 1.1 GW, expects 2.4 GW more

State regulators estimate that the process will give developers sufficient time to qualify for federal investment tax credits and save approximately 12% of the total project cost.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 18, 2018

Bad for the military, bad for the public: A retired Vice Admiral on Trump's power plant bailout plan

"I will leave detailed economic and political analysis to others. What worries me is the real damage this plan could do to our national security," writes former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Dennis McGinn.

By Dennis McGinn • Sept. 18, 2018

Duke's Brunswick nuclear plant declares low-level emergency as floodwaters block access

Federal rules require a utility to declare an "unusual event" when access to a plant is impeded, but NRC officials say public safety was never at risk.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 18, 2018

Hurricane Florence triggers coal ash spill, cuts power to millions

Hundreds of thousands of customers remain without power in the Carolinas and Virginia after the storm dropped record-breaking rain on the region this weekend. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 17, 2018

University of California system commits to 100% clean energy by 2025

As more universities are committing to clean energy goals, the UC seeks to promote its climate action leadership among campuses and within the state.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 17, 2018