Transmission & Distribution
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FERC cybersecurity report identifies 'potential compliance infractions'
The report includes recommendations to help the bulk power system enhance compliance with mandatory reliability standards for critical infrastructure and to improve the overall cybersecurity of an increasingly distributed electric grid.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 11, 2019 -
OpinionResilient RPS: New Orleans' unique challenges require new solutions
Ongoing shut-offs in the Bay Area are an ominous warning that local, distributed resources are a necessary part of a climate resilient future, the authors write.
By Karl R. Rábago & Thad Culley • Oct. 11, 2019 -
Colorado authorizes transfer of Xcel assets to Boulder, boosting city's municipalization efforts
It's a major step forward, but officials say much work remains, and voters will still have the final say.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 11, 2019 -
There once was a 48 MWh Tesla battery on Nantucket, which saved National Grid $120M in its budget
Pairing the eight-hour battery system with a 15 MW diesel generator, the utility avoided nearly $200 million in permitting and constructing costs for an undersea transmission cable.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 10, 2019 -
Powerless: PG&E loses exclusive control of bankruptcy, shuts off power to 800K
On Wednesday, high winds forced the massive outage to reduce fire risks, while a bankruptcy judge threw the company's future into uncertainty.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 10, 2019 -
NIPSCO to replace coal with 2.3 GW of solar, storage in latest RFP
The investor-owned utility is leading a rapid transition away from its aging coal assets through bids for more economic resources.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 09, 2019 -
NextEra enters the picture as Jacksonville utility targets at least $6.8B in sale
While JEA is keeping a tight lid on bidding details, including the names of suitors, NextEra Energy confirmed it submitted a formal response to JEA's invitation to negotiate.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 08, 2019 -
Supreme Court to take on Atlantic Coast Pipeline appeal
The Trump administration disputed a lower court's ruling to reject a Forest Service permit for the pipeline, and the appeal could have implications for other pipelines crossing the federally-protected Appalachian Trail.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 07, 2019 -
PG&E announces $34.4B in debt financing heading into 2nd round of exclusivity fight
On Monday, Judge Dennis Montali will hear arguments from creditors who want to propose their own plan.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 07, 2019 -
FERC rejects Tri-State's proposed tariffs, stymying 1st effort at federal regulation
Environmental groups say the transmission and generation cooperative is trying to "shop around for regulators," while Tri-State maintains it is seeking more stable rates for its customers.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 07, 2019 -
PG&E admits fault in sparking large 2019 wildfires, judge demands 'precise details' for 3
The utility told a court this week that its equipment may have played a role in sparking nine fires, three of which were caused by previous problem areas.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 03, 2019 -
ERCOT weathers steamy August, but could Texas become a winter-peaking system?
Electrifying home heating would turn Texas from a summer to winter peaking system, requiring changes in generator maintenance schedules and updates to transmission cost allocations, a report found.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 03, 2019 -
How did Dominion shave $300M off its Virginia grid modernization plan?
Virginia regulators in January rejected the utility's previous proposal, concluding it lacked sufficient benefits to customers, but the latest plan pares hundreds of millions from the final bill.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 02, 2019 -
FERC approves CAISO ability to procure out-of-market, Glick warns of 'unbounded authority'
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will allow the California grid operator greater discretion in contracting for out-of-market resources.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 01, 2019 -
Shorthanded FERC allows New England capacity auction results to stand
The commissioners said they would have upheld the recent auction results if they had quorum. Meanwhile, the White House tapped FERC general counsel James Danly to fill one of FERC's two open seats.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 01, 2019 -
California regulators launch investigation into PG&E's reorganization plan
The California Public Utilities Commission opened a formal proceeding to consider "ratemaking and other implications" of Pacific Gas & Electric's plan to extricate itself from bankruptcy.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2019 -
US electric grid more vulnerable to cyberattacks as DERs increase potential targets, GAO finds
A report recommends federal regulators analyze the potential risk of a "coordinated cyberattack on geographically distributed targets" across the nation's electric grid.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2019 -
Demand response top focus as Minnesota regulators adopt Xcel performance metrics
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission proposed more metrics to align the utility's generation with load in a transition from traditional cost-of-service ratemaking.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2019 -
PG&E noteholders propose injecting $29.2B in utility in exchange for majority stake
Pacific Gas & Electric's period of exclusivity comes to an end today, but the utility asked for a two-month extension to be the only party that can propose a plan for reorganization due to recent progress.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2019 -
Bipartisan support for resiliency grows as natural disasters worsen
Leaders at all levels of government recognize that the "ludicrous" status quo of infrastructure investment cannot continue.
By Chris Teale • Sept. 26, 2019 -
California proposes eliminating simplified energy resource plans, but SCE says more is needed
Southern California Edison says it supports a stronger IRP process, but cautioned that eliminating alternative plans would require regulators to adjust greenhouse gas planning targets and demand forecasts.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019 -
California proposes IOUs collect $900M annually for wildfire fund, with one major hurdle for PG&E
The $21 billion fund would be seeded by both shareholders and ratepayers, but Pacific Gas & Electric would need to exit bankruptcy to access the money.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019 -
Deep DiveCalifornia wants a carbon-free economy by 2045: Can floating offshore wind help it get there?
New technology could bring ocean wind when there is no sun to recharge depleted batteries.
By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 25, 2019 -
Phishing campaign continues to target utilities, evolves attack techniques
Security firm Proofpoint has identified 17 utilities targeted from April 5 through Aug. 29, employing previously unknown techniques and with later phishing attempts using updated macros intended to obscure their purpose.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 24, 2019 -
PG&E blasts $24B fire compensation plan as it risks losing control of reorganization
Wildfire victims teamed up with bondholders to propose a new plan in addition to the utility's proposed $17.9 billion settlement for fire claims.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2019
