Regulation & Policy: Page 2
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Arizona extends gas plant moratorium, punts on PURPA reforms
Regulators last week extended a partial moratorium on utility construction of new large gas-fired generators in the state until Aug. 1, 2019, as they consider a broad, 80% clean energy proposal.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 11, 2019
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OpinionOklahoma's energy efficiency incentives give utilities a business reason to save customers money
The traditional cost-of-service revenue model disincentivizes utilities from delivering robust energy efficiency programs. But Oklahoma demonstrates two ways to help utilities embrace such efforts, AEE writes.
By Coley Girouard
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With 288 storage and generation projects lined up, California eases interconnection process
The California ISO Board of Governors approved network upgrade definitions, minimum acceptance criteria and validation procedures for interconnection requests, as a result of a year-long stakeholder process.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 08, 2019
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Deep DiveNew governors accelerate clean energy action, propelled by Democratic midterm wave
States like New Mexico, which have seen eight years or more of policy inaction and rollbacks, are rapidly breaking into the clean energy space under new leadership.
By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 08, 2019
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ISO-NE capacity prices fall amid controversy over Vineyard Wind participation
Prices fell in the grid operator's annual capacity market this week, but owners of the Vineyard Wind facility said they would have been lower if the 800 MW offshore wind farm had participated fully.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 08, 2019
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Nukes can have small role in Green New Deal, backers say
Supporters of the broad environmental movement say they are open to all resources in an energy transition, but don't expect nuclear to play a large role in long term decarbonization.
By Gavin Bade • UPDATED: Feb. 8, 2019 at 8:12 a.m.
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DOE move to weaken light bulb efficiency standards could cost consumers $12B
The department's proposal to prevent billions of bulbs from being subject to stricter efficiency standards starting in 2020 is unnecessary and possibly illegal, environmental and energy efficiency advocates said.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 07, 2019
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Green New Deal resolution calls for 100% zero-carbon power within 10 years
The plan would reportedly also call for a phase out of nuclear energy, which provides more than half of the zero-carbon electricity in the U.S. today.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 07, 2019
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Want better grid mod proceedings? Exelon official says involve stakeholders earlier
To reduce tension between power companies and other stakeholders, the grid mod process could include more opportunities for public input, the company's director of utility initiatives told a crowd of state energy regulators.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 07, 2019
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Propelling clean energy innovation forward: What does the industry need from regulators?
As utilities, corporations and states accelerate their goals, new technology will be necessary to support the clean energy transition, and the government's role in R&D and market incentives will be vital, a new report says.
By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 07, 2019
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Ohio governor taps wind critic Randazzo as utility commission chair
The former lobbyist for industrial energy consumers has worked against wind development in Ohio for years and helped craft a 2014 state law that froze renewable energy and efficiency standards.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 06, 2019
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EEI presses FERC for faster, streamlined PURPA review
Reforming the 1978 law is a top priority for utility trade group Edison Electric Institute, according to their head of regulatory affairs.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 06, 2019
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Puerto Rico proposes largest solar, storage buildout in US with 20-year draft resource plan
Adding over 2,220 MW of solar and 1,080 MW of battery storage over the next two decades, PREPA would also phase out its use of coal and bunker oil, expensive energy fuels the island imports.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 06, 2019
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Deep DiveAs corporate renewable buying surges, innovative PPAs pressure utilities to improve green tariffs
Financial intermediaries are de-risking all-time low-cost renewables purchases, driving record private sector buying and pressuring utilities to match the offerings.
By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 06, 2019
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OpinionThe 10 most valuable insights from Accenture's SMB New Energy Consumer Report
The report shows how utilities can become trusted advisors to small and medium-size business, with the next steps including a focus on digital engagement and personalized energy management insights.
By Indran Ratnathicam
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Senate environment committee advances EPA nominee Wheeler
His confirmation hearing in January revealed new information about how the EPA planned to weaken vehicle fuel standards finalized by the Obama administration.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 05, 2019
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FERC passes on Vineyard Wind emergency request for ISO-NE auction delay
Owners of the planned offshore wind facility pressed FERC to delay the grid operator's capacity auction on Monday, arguing rules do not allow it to participate fully.
By Gavin Bade • UPDATED: Feb. 6, 2019 at 9:02 a.m.
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Michigan Gov cites extreme weather, Consumers gas shortage in signing clean energy order
Gretchen Whitmer, D, committed the state to the U.S. emissions reduction target under the Paris Climate Agreement, noting the urgency of her actions in the context of extreme weather events last week.
By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 05, 2019
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Massachusetts opens revenue stream to advance solar-plus-storage
Regulators issued orders to clarify net metering and capacity ownership rights for such projects, which are expected to unlock the potential of a commercial storage market in the state.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 05, 2019
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EPS Ep. 6: The toxic legacy of coal ash in Tennessee
A decade after the worst coal ash spill in U.S. history, Nashville Public Radio reporter Shalina Chatlani talks about its continuing impacts on residents and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 04, 2019
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OpinionMoving beyond business as usual to a resilient power system for California
PG&E's bankruptcy provides an opportunity for new legislation that would shift our energy system to one that doesn't rely on remote power generation requiring thousands of miles of expensive, inefficient and dangerous transmission lines.
By John Sarter
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Cold weather forces Salem nuclear unit offline as owner PSE&G presses for subsidies
Ice formed on the plant's water intake early Thursday morning, the plant operator said, but grid operator PJM had ample generation reserves to ride through the cold weather.
By Gavin Bade • Feb. 01, 2019
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Proposed fossil fuel moratorium derails 100% Virginia clean energy bill
The legislation failed 86-12 on Jan. 31 after an amendment to drop the portion halting all state level advancement of any fossil fuel facility, pipeline, terminal or refinery failed.
By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 01, 2019
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FERC's LaFleur to step down after push from Senate Democrats
The Democrat FERC veteran had clashed in recent years with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over electricity policy.
By Gavin Bade • UPDATED: Feb. 1, 2019 at 11:10 a.m.
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Consumers urges Michiganders to reduce gas usage after compressor station fire
The gas service disruption came as the Polar Vortex battered the Midwest and White House officials consider emergency action on gas infrastructure.
By Gavin Bade • Jan. 31, 2019