Regulation & Policy

ConEd, Eversource blasted by New York, Connecticut officials after 'wholly inadequate' storm response

Hurricane Isaias brought Northeast utilities the largest number of power outage since 2012's Hurricane Sandy.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 07, 2020

Opinion

The West needs an RTO

By working toward a western version of an RTO, we can secure low cost energy for utilities and ratepayers and spur billions in new infrastructure investments, among other benefits, the authors write.

By Chris Hansen and Doug Howe • Aug. 07, 2020

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Trendline

Cybersecurity of the Grid

While cyber threats to the power sector are expanding, so are the tools to address them. But a key question remains — are companies doing what's needed to reduce the risk?

By Utility Dive staff

Senate grills FERC, DOE on power sector cybersecurity

Stakeholders have been very engaged with the Department of Energy since President Donald Trump's May 1 executive order, said a DOE senior advisor.

By Guy Burdick • Aug. 06, 2020

After ComEd bribery case, Illinois groups push for changes to clean energy bill

The groups want to undo recent rate increases from Ameren Illinois and ComEd, but the state Chamber of Commerce will not support the update if it still protects Exelon's nuclear plants.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 06, 2020

EPA extends utility coal ash compliance deadline 6 months

The rule gives utilities "reasonable deadlines," a NRECA spokesperson said, but environmental groups view it as the latest example of federal policy protecting industry interests.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 06, 2020

Offshore wind report forecasts $1.7B of revenue from new federal lease auctions by 2022

The offshore wind industry has asked the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to auction more areas for development ahead of the first large-scale project beginning operation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 05, 2020

Denver voters to decide on sales tax for GHG reduction projects

The 0.25% sales tax increase would bring in an estimated $36 million to support investments in solar power, job training in renewable energy and other initiatives.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 05, 2020

Accusations fly as California enviros say SoCalGas trying to undermine electrification efforts

Advocates have raised concerns about SoCalGas' role in administering a state incentive program that includes heat pump water heaters, saying the utility has repeatedly tried to undermine the technology.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 31, 2020

Deep Dive

A blow to small solar, a win for states and utilities? Regulators, analysts assess FERC's PURPA rule

Federal regulators issued a ruling on the law earlier this month that stakeholders say could disproportionately benefit vertically-integrated utilities in non-competitive markets in particular.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 30, 2020

Opinion

Southeastern utilities' energy market proposal appears to be less than it may SEEM

The proposal does not appear likely to significantly reduce customers’ bills or help to integrate renewables compared to other options that are available and which should be explored in more depth, the author writes.

By Steven Shparber • July 30, 2020

New Mexico approves 100% renewables + storage replacement for San Juan coal capacity

A full renewables portfolio, along with battery storage, was the only replacement option that fully satisfied the state's 100% carbon-free energy transition goals, according to regulators.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 30, 2020

Ohio political scandal nicks AEP stock price, FirstEnergy CEO clarifies defense as shares languish

AEP supported passage of Ohio HB 6 bailing out FirstEnergy’s nuclear plants but denies any direct involvement with the dark money group that is now the target of $61 million federal racketeering probe.

By John Funk • July 29, 2020

$442M EV charging plan for SCE, largest among California utilities, nears state approval

The proposal would allow Southern California Edison to bring on about one-third of the charging ports needed in its territory, according to advocates.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 29, 2020

Trump to nominate Democratic, Republican appointees to FERC

Democratic nominee Allison Clements was long-rumored to be a front runner for the position, and will be submitted for consideration alongside Virginia state regulator Mark Christie.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 27, 2020

Companies press for renewables support in COVID-19 recovery package, but near-term effects in doubt

Federal investments in clean energy infrastructure, as requested by Edison International, Unilever and 30 other businesses, may not address the rapid short-term growth needed for post-pandemic economic recovery, analysts said.

By Emma Penrod • July 27, 2020

Illinois regulators reject proposal to allow utilities cost recovery for cloud-based computing

After three years of hearings, meetings and input from state lawmakers, the Illinois Commerce Commission voted 3-2 to keep old regulations.

By John Funk • July 24, 2020

Senate Republicans urge McConnell to include clean energy in COVID-19 recovery package

The letter, led by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is likely "the largest number of Republican senators" to have signed onto an effort urging clean energy be included in a federal recovery package.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 24, 2020

Top Ohio lawmaker charged with accepting $61M bribe in scheme to pass nuclear bailout

FBI agents arrested Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four high-powered political consultants yesterday on bribery charges, following an investigation into how he allegedly engineered controversial legislation in 2019.

By John Funk • July 21, 2020

COVID-19 puts spotlight on equity considerations in utility clean energy, efficiency and relief efforts

Utilities are engaging in programs and actions, including cost shifting, that can bring benefits to low-income customers, according to participants of the NARUC summer policy summit.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 21, 2020

ComEd admits to bribery charge in Illinois, agrees to pay $200M fine

One advocacy group will formally ask PJM Interconnection to revoke parent company Exelon's voting privileges based on the deferred prosecution agreement.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 20, 2020

SMUD aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 in new climate emergency declaration

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District's new goal is aggressive among the 25 other utility commitments to carbon-free or net-zero emissions by 2050.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 20, 2020

DOE targets end to US reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, revived domestic capability

The energy department seeks to create a uranium reserve and develop high-energy fuel rods needed for new and smaller commercial reactors, Sec. Dan Brouillette said.

By John Funk • July 20, 2020

FERC shuts down petition to upend net metering, McNamee signals issue could return

Though all four commissioners voted against the petition, Commissioners James Danly and Bernard McNamee issued separate concurrence statements.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 17, 2020

Trump finalizes rule 'slashing' environmental permitting reviews for wind, pipeline projects

Wind, coal and gas groups largely support the administration's "top-to-bottom overhaul" of the National Environmental Policy Act.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 16, 2020

Minnesota approves Xcel request to operate 2 coal plants seasonally

The Allen S. King plant and unit 2 of the Sherco facility will now sit idle six months out of the year.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 16, 2020