Wake up, America: 8 actions to boost advanced nuclear and enhance US energy security

Advanced nuclear reactors are no longer our grandparents’ nuclear technology, but the American nuclear permitting apparatus hasn’t caught up, Rep. Byron Donalds writes.

By Byron Donalds • Nov. 21, 2023

DOE grants aim to expand clean energy workforce, enhance building efficiency

The $40 million-plus funding will add new building training and assessment centers and industrial assessment centers, which provide technical assistance to commercial and institutional buildings and some manufacturers. 

By Joe Burns • Nov. 20, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

AEP, FirstEnergy urge FERC to reject complaint seeking expanded transmission project oversight

The dispute with nationwide implications comes as spending on “supplemental projects” in the PJM Interconnection has grown to $43.5 billion since 2012.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 20, 2023

How to finance the world’s growing cooling needs? Blended public-private funding solutions.

On a massive scale, we need third-party private sector financing solutions and targeted funding from international development and government agencies to spur investment in higher efficiency cooling equipment.  

By Bob Hinkle • Nov. 20, 2023

Safety for utility workers is about more than a manual

Given the high safety stakes in utility companies, cultivating the appropriate safety culture is imperative. Explore an innovative approach to improve worker safety.

Nov. 20, 2023

FERC investigates possible Winter Storm Elliott market manipulation

“Those people who committed market manipulation … we will find you, we will punish you and you will pay the price,” Federal Energy Regulatory Commission acting Chairman Willie Phillips said.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 17, 2023

DOE proposes easing environmental reviews for certain storage, solar, transmission projects

The proposed “categorical exclusions” would speed project reviews, the Department of Energy said Thursday.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 16, 2023

Biden announces $3.9B for grid modernization as climate report warns of ‘insufficient’ adaptation

The Biden administration announced a total of $6 billion in funding for climate resilience on the same day it released the fifth national climate assessment.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 15, 2023

EPA’s power plant carbon rule relies on unproven tech, threatens grid reliability: House Republicans

The proposal “requires stringent and unproven” emissions controls for coal-fired plants "in unrealistic time frames,” said David Glatt, director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 15, 2023

All hands on deck needed to build IRA-driven infrastructure, federal officials say

“By 2035 alone we're going to need to add about 75,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines,” said Jesse Jenkins, head of the ZERO Lab at Princeton University.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 14, 2023

It’s past time for FERC to assess if the US needs more gas infrastructure

If we build gas infrastructure blindly, one thing is certain: Rates we pay for energy will be neither just nor reasonable.

By Burçin Ünel and Jennifer Danis • Nov. 14, 2023

Regulators need to require utilities to use grid-enhancing technologies: FERC’s Clements

“These are modest investments, they're going to save customers money … and if we don't tell the transmission owners to do it, they're not going to do it,” Allison Clements said at NARUC’s annual meeting.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 14, 2023

Texas energy market watchdog resigns as regulators seek more control over monitor’s role

Utility regulators are planning changes to the market monitor’s role, raising concerns about the position’s independence.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2023

In the fight against energy poverty, utilities should make the most of consumption data

Energy insecurity has ramifications for health, safety, and customer equity. In the near-term, multiple opportunities exist for utilities to increase transparency, improve bill predictability, and provide personalized insights and support.

By Essie Snell • Nov. 13, 2023

The expanding role of IT governance for utilities

Driving collaborative decision-making for key initiatives, risk management and investment decisions.

Nov. 13, 2023

US grid rules preclude reliability, security benefits of cloud computing, experts warn

Incorporating new technologies into critical infrastructure protection standards can be “painful and time consuming,” said Joseph Mosher, portfolio manager at EDF Renewables.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2023

EPA official says power plant carbon rule may need changes as groups stress reliability concerns

The EPA is meeting with the North American Electric Reliability Corp., grid operators and others as it refines its power plant proposal, an agency official said during a FERC reliability conference Thursday.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 10, 2023

FERC approves PJM’s Exelon-oriented $796M transmission plan over Maryland objections

FERC Commissioner Allison Clements urged PJM to consider more proactive transmission planning to address reliability needs.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 10, 2023

We need power market rules to reflect the grid as it is today, not as it was 70 years ago

To allow competitive markets to fulfill their potentials, reforms will be required that prioritize reliability, efficient permitting, the integration of new commercially viable resources, and innovation.

By Todd Snitchler • Nov. 10, 2023

The rate cases are coming: How will utility customers react?

Strong customer opposition to current rate cases could leave utilities in the lurch when it comes to raising funds they need to make good on their promises to improve the safety and sustainability of their operations.

By Mark Spalinger • Nov. 9, 2023

Kentucky PSC partly approves PPL’s $2.1B plan to retire coal, add gas, solar and storage

The commission approved a 125 MW/500 MWh battery energy storage facility, which it said will give LG&E/KU insight into operating and integrating large-scale storage to meet customer demand.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 8, 2023

Texas voters approve $10B energy fund, with most going to build gas-fired power plants

The fund will be administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, with $7.2 billion allocated for new construction or upgrades of dispatchable power generation. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

Where do cellular generational standards come from, and what is 6G?

What exactly does “6G” mean? The development of cellular generations involves a collaborative effort between the International Telecommunications Union and 3GPP.

By Mathew Eshpeter, Technical Consultant, Burns & McDonnell • Nov. 6, 2023

MISO capacity proposal draws mixed reviews at FERC. Mississippi PSC calls it ‘hokum.’

The Organization of MISO States backs the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s proposal to change its capacity auctions, but Entergy, Southern utility regulators and environmental groups oppose parts of the plan.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 6, 2023

How America’s grid modernization stakes echo Eisenhower’s interstate revolution

Enacting sound policies that deliver a 21st century grid and spur interregional transmission development will drive tremendous economic and other benefits like our interstate highway system has done.

By Jose Zayas • Nov. 6, 2023