Grid Security & Reliability
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Exelon data center pipeline jumps to 17 GW as load forecast turns positive
CEO Calvin Butler called for new approaches to ensuring the PJM Interconnection has adequate power supplies. “A variety of solutions across regulated and merchant participants is necessary,” he said.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 13, 2025 -
Deep Dive
Transformer supply bottleneck threatens power system stability as load grows
Electric transformers are critical to managing power system reliability. Solutions to the bottleneck are emerging, but long wait times remain.
By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2025 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
Andrei Ksenzhuk via Getty ImagesTrendlineReliability
Rising peak demand, extreme weather and other factors are raising power outage risks in the U.S., but FERC and other stakeholders are pursuing multiple actions to address reliability concerns.
By Utility Dive staff -
FERC approves PJM’s fast-track power plant interconnection plan
However, agency commissioners said they are concerned the PJM Interconnection’s proposal for shovel-ready projects may not adequately address potential capacity shortfalls.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 12, 2025 -
Uncertainty clouds northern US grids amid Canada tariff threat
If a 10% tariff on Canadian electricity imports takes effect next month, U.S. Energy Information Administration data suggests thermal reserves could provide a backstop against shortages.
By Brian Martucci • Feb. 11, 2025 -
Retrieved from UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the District of Maryland.
Neo-Nazi faces up to 20 years in prison for plot to attack Baltimore Gas & Electric substations
The plan to “completely destroy” Baltimore hinged on disabling five electrical substations. Experts say a lengthy outage could have occurred had the attack been successful.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2025 -
Puerto Rico utility LUMA plans to add 1 GW renewables, 700 MW storage
LUMA’s agreement with engineering and construction firm Linxon US calls for the development of nine “energy interconnection points” as part of Puerto Rico’s Tranche 1 renewable procurement plan.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2025 -
2025 US power sector outlook
The second Trump administration has ramped up energy transition uncertainty. Meanwhile, electricity demand from data centers and electrification continues to grow, and the resource mix is changing.
By Utility Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2025 -
Generator, advanced nuclear stocks reel as low-cost DeepSeek chills AI load growth outlook
Among the hardest hit were companies with large existing gas and nuclear fleets, along with advanced nuclear technology providers expected to benefit from rising demand for firm power.
By Brian Martucci • Jan. 28, 2025 -
Retrieved from House Energy and Commerce Committee.Column
FERC in Focus: Consumers, reliability and states are FERC’s top priorities, Chairman Christie says
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will tackle the “huge” issue of colocation, newly named Chairman Mark Christie said in an interview.
By Ethan Howland • Jan. 28, 2025 -
NextEra partners with GE Vernova to build ‘gigawatts’ of gas generation
Behind-the-meter gas generation remains a novel concept, but NextEra sees potential for “large load customers,” company executives say.
By Emma Penrod • Jan. 27, 2025 -
PG&E, other electric utilities call for Senate to pass forest management bill
The Fix Our Forests Act would make it easier for utilities to perform vegetation management on federal lands to reduce wildfire risks. The bill passed the House on Thursday.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2025 -
Sponsored by Kraken
Utilities can turn to software for proactive outage communication to avoid leaving customers in the dark
Discover how utilities can leverage software to keep customers informed during outages and build trust.
By Lily Stein • Jan. 27, 2025 -
Trump freezes IRA funding
The White House issued a memo to clarify the funding pause, specifying that it pertains only to aspects of the law mentioned in Section 2 of the executive order.
By Kate Magill • Updated Jan. 23, 2025 -
Deep Dive
The 2025 outlook for data center cooling
Rapidly increasing server rack densities and 24/7 uptime requirements will increase demand for liquid and hybrid cooling systems, including retrofits, these data center cooling experts say.
By Brian Martucci • Jan. 22, 2025 -
AI improvements, DERs and new generation needed to meet power demand: USEA panel
“Serving data center load is absolutely a national security challenge,” said NERC President and CEO Jim Robb.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2025 -
Moss Landing battery fire sparks calls to improve safety, ‘accountability’ for industry
The site’s fourth blaze in five years destroyed most of a 300-MW battery array owned by Vistra Energy and should serve as a “wake-up call” for the industry, local officials said.
By Brian Martucci • Updated Jan. 21, 2025 -
Liberty Energy, DC Grid partner on off-grid power for data centers and EV hubs
The alliance aims to “provide site-specific power solutions” with higher power conversion efficiency and lower emissions than current solutions, the companies said.
By Brian Martucci • Jan. 21, 2025 -
Texas PUCT approves Entergy’s $137M system resiliency plan
However, regulators declined to give conditional approval to $198 million in system hardening and fire mitigation projects Entergy wants to fund through the Texas Energy Fund.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2025 -
Retrieved from Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
DOE nominee Wright aims to boost power supplies to lower costs
“I'm 100% committed to growing our electricity grid and our energy production and removing those barriers that are standing in the way,” said Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Energy.
By Ethan Howland • Jan. 16, 2025 -
Deep Dive
2025 FERC, DOE Outlook: Surging demand growth to drive power-sector agenda
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the departments of Energy and Interior will play key roles in the Trump administration’s efforts to spur new power supplies and cut energy costs.
By Ethan Howland • Jan. 16, 2025 -
Biden orders Energy, Defense departments to lease sites for AI data centers, clean energy generation
The executive order calls for using “categorical exclusions” to rapidly site data centers and power generation.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2025 -
Sponsored by Torus
From vacant to vital: How commercial buildings could solve the power grid crisis
Turning empty offices into energy assets offers a win-win for real estate and the grid.
By Nate Walkingshaw • Jan. 13, 2025 -
Opinion
AI applications in the energy sector — are you missing out on sustainable impact?
Despite the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across the power and utility sector, its potential remains underutilized in many areas.
By Mike Duffy • Jan. 10, 2025 -
Retrieved from Marque1313.
PJM ‘shovel-ready’ interconnection plan draws mixed reviews at FERC
State utility regulators and power plant owners told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission they support PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative, but renewable developers and others oppose it.
By Ethan Howland • Jan. 9, 2025 -
Data centers drive growth, risk for PG&E, Constellation, NorthWestern: BofA
Electric utilities that can increase earnings related to data center energy demand should see their share prices rise in 2025, according to Bank of America Global Research.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 8, 2025