Regulation & Policy


  • Transformers and power transmission lines at a power distribution yard August 18, 2003 in Des Plaines, Illinois.
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    Deep Dive

    Transformer supply bottleneck threatens power system stability as load grows

    Solutions are emerging for the bottleneck in making electric transformers critical to managing power system reliability, but long wait times remain.

    By Feb. 12, 2025
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    Ron and Patty Thomas via Getty Images
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    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 Feb. 12, 2025
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    Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Sustainability

    Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

    By Utility Dive staff
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    MRaust via Getty Images
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    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
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    Gerville via Getty Images
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    Existing US grid can handle ‘significant’ new flexible load: report

    “Flexible load strategies can help tap existing headroom to more quickly integrate new loads [and] reduce the cost of capacity expansion,” Duke University researchers said.

    By Feb. 11, 2025
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    Courtesy of GE Vernova
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    RTOs could fast-track dispatchable generation under House, Senate bills

    The legislation would let dispatchable generation jump ahead in interconnection queues after a review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

    By Feb. 7, 2025
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    The image by Analogue Kid is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    DOE to focus on expanding baseload generation: Secretary Wright

    “Net-zero policies raise energy costs for American families and businesses, threaten the reliability of our energy system, and undermine our energy and national security,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

    By Feb. 6, 2025
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    Permission granted by ISO New England
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    FERC delay on ISO-NE interconnection plan could lock out 3 GW from capacity auction: Flatiron

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s failure to act on ISO New England's interconnection reform proposal is creating market uncertainty, according to New England states.

    By Feb. 6, 2025
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    Zview via Getty Images
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    Utilities await clarity on DOE loans as decisive court battle looms

    The Trump administration will likely scrutinize funding for renewables and climate change mitigation, potentially affecting outlays for critical grid investments, experts say.

    By Brian Martucci • Feb. 5, 2025
  • Symbolic of Sino-American relations, the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the Republic of China fly together on flag poles next to each other on a sunny, windy day.
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    Stock via Getty Images
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    China responds to Trump with added tariffs, including on coal, LNG

    The new duties are set to take effect Feb. 10 and cover some car, equipment and energy imports.

    By Max Garland • Feb. 4, 2025
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    AscentXmedia via Getty Images
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    California PUC streamlines transmission permitting process

    The California Independent System Operator estimates the state will need up to $63 billion in new transmission over the next 20 years to meet its energy goals.

    By Feb. 4, 2025
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Senate confirms Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as DOE secretary

    Wright aims to expand U.S. power supplies — including renewable energy — to help lower electricity prices, he said during his Senate confirmation hearing.

    By Feb. 4, 2025
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    NanoStockk via Getty Images
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    FERC approves MISO interconnection queue cap proposal

    Rejecting arguments from clean energy trade groups, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s plan wouldn’t hurt competition or reduce grid access.

    By Feb. 3, 2025
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Texas eyes 765-kV transmission lines in regional ‘transmission race’

    Utility regulators are concerned about the potential for costs to spiral and supply chain constraints to slow development. 

    By Feb. 3, 2025
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Trump issues tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China

    The president ordered an additional 10% duty on goods from China and 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, though Canadian energy resources will face a lower rate.

    By Philip Neuffer • Feb. 1, 2025
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    TexPhoto via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Transmission is the key to American energy dominance

    To remain competitive and win the AI race with China, we will need all the energy we can generate while expanding our ability to transmit those electrons wherever they need to go.

    By Christina Hayes • Jan. 31, 2025
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    Andrei Ksenzhuk via Getty Images
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    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
  • Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum speaks during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on January 16, 2025.
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    Senate confirms Doug Burgum as Interior secretary

    The former governor of North Dakota says he supports an “all of the above” approach to generation, but he joins an administration focused on oil and gas production.

    By Jan. 31, 2025
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    luza studios via Getty Images
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    Bitcoin miner Stronghold to pay $1.4M to settle charges it violated PJM market rules

    Stronghold failed to meet its must-offer capacity obligation by using power it produced to run bitcoin mining rigs, according to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-approved settlement agreement.

    By Jan. 31, 2025
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    Permission granted by Bob Brewer/Unsplash
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    Trump’s executive orders cause hesitation, confusion for clean energy developers

    “There are daily developments, and I think people are just doing the best they can with the limited information we have at the moment,” said Felisa Sanchez, a partner with law firm K&L Gates.

    By Jan. 30, 2025
  • California PUC proposes energy storage safety, emergency response requirements

    Published 10 days after a fire at Vistra’s 300-MW battery installation near Santa Cruz, the California Public Utilities Commission’s proposal would set new standards for energy storage facilities.

    By Brian Martucci • Jan. 29, 2025
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    Permission granted by Midcontinent Independent System Operator
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    New MISO demand response rules could bar resources from capacity auction: Voltus complaint

    "Beyond the eleventh hour" requirements by the midcontinent grid operator could keep Voltus from taking part in an upcoming capacity auction, the demand response company told FERC.

    By Jan. 29, 2025
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    Jim Glab via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Why utility leadership is necessary to scale up VPPs in the residential sector

    The most effective virtual power plants are embedded within utility operations, providing utilities with direct insight into and control of the distributed energy resources in their network.

    By Neil Veilleux and Nick Papanastassiou • Jan. 29, 2025
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    halbergman via Getty Images
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    PJM agrees to lower price cap for upcoming capacity auctions

    If approved, the agreement would settle a complaint by Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro over the PJM Interconnection’s capacity auction price cap.

    By Jan. 29, 2025
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    Trump funding freeze leaves IIJA, IRA projects in limbo

    New executive orders could halt promised funding and stop infrastructure and environmental projects that are already underway, legal experts say.

    By Julie Strupp • Updated Jan. 29, 2025
  • 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 Jan. 28, 2025