Regulation & Policy

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

Advocates have raised concerns about SoCalGas' role 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

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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

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

Biden outlines $2T plan to invest in renewables, electrification

While Joe Biden explains his vision of climate change as an opportunity for economic growth, a renewable industry report shows positive signs of recovery in the face of COVID-19.

By Emma Penrod • July 15, 2020

'Almost impossible' for FERC to address rehearing orders in 30 days, Glick says

Commissioner Richard Glick told a virtual conference that the most reasonable avenue for Congress to take would be extending the commission's timeline to respond to requests for rehearing to 90 days.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 15, 2020

Duke, Southern plan path for Southeast Energy Imbalance Market

For utilities in the region, such a market could "improve how we can jointly operate growing solar resources on our systems," a Duke spokesperson said.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 14, 2020

Wyoming scrutinizes Pacificorp coal retirement plans in 'unheard of' IRP investigation

State regulators on Monday launched a week-long administrative trial for the utility's latest integrated resource plan, instead of a typical proceeding with written comments in response to the proposal.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 14, 2020

DC Circuit upholds landmark FERC storage order, rejecting claims it violates state authority

"I think 841 … [may be] one of the single most significant ... actions taken by a government agency to address carbon mitigation and the transition to a clean energy future," FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee told reporters.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 13, 2020

Deep Dive

Audit of Hawaiian Electric sends a postcard about the future of regulation

The utility's restructuring has supported and streamlined Hawaii's ongoing "transition to a 100% renewable future," the audit reported. But "costs and staffing levels have also increased," often without "a clear role or purpose."

By Herman K. Trabish • July 13, 2020

Duke, AEP, FirstEnergy tell FERC future COVID-19 uncertainty presents 'significant risk'

Although utilities have not yet seen substantive threats to their capital, they insist to federal regulators that potential future hurdles will require "adequate and timely" cost recovery from states.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 10, 2020