Transmission & Distribution
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FERC issues NOI seeking comments on gas pipeline evaluations
The NOI seeks comment on how FERC evaluates the need for pipelines, its use of eminent domain, the environmental impact of pipeline projects and the efficiency of FERC's permitting process.
By Gavin Bade • April 20, 2018
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South Carolina vote to lower electric bills could imperil Dominion-SCANA deal
Lawmakers are closer to cutting rates for SCE&G customers, who are paying for the failed Summer nuclear project, but differing House and Senate approaches need to be reconciled.
By Robert Walton • April 19, 2018
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Missouri utilities question data collection recommendations in DER report
The report by Public Service Commission staff wants regulators to direct utilities to collect detailed information about distributed energy resources and their impacts to the grid — but utilities have some concerns.
By Robert Walton • April 17, 2018
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Deep DiveState-federal concerns could dim FERC's landmark storage order
Wider access to a variety of markets has been hailed as the basis for energy storage growth, but jurisdictional issues could thwart an overarching solution.
By Peter Maloney • April 17, 2018
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North Carolina approves solar rebate, coal ash fine for Duke
Meanwhile, Kentucky regulators only approved a reduced rate increase for Duke Energy, at least 28% of what they originally requested.
By Robert Walton • April 16, 2018
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FERC rejects CAISO's proposals to modify capacity procurement
The grid operator proposed tariff revisions to its risk of retirement capacity procurement mechanism, including how compensation for the at-risk resources is determined.
By Robert Walton • April 16, 2018
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NGOs challenge New Orleans regulatory plan, Entergy peaker
The New Orleans City Council approved Entergy's proposed gas plant earlier this year, but environmental advocates say the City Council failed to examine "more benign" alternatives, like renewable energy.
By Peter Maloney • April 16, 2018
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NYPA continues digital transformation as New York funds grid upgrades
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced up to $15 million is available for grid modernization projects.
By Robert Walton • April 13, 2018
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Federal agencies prepare to wind down Puerto Rico power restoration in May
Almost all of Puerto Rico's electric customers now have power — 96% according to PREPA. But questions still linger over the future sustainability of the Island's grid after federal agencies pull out.
By Robert Walton • April 12, 2018
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MISO states push for authority over DER in electricity markets at FERC meeting
The states want to be able to choose whether they allow distributed resource aggregations to play in both retail and wholesale markets.
By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2018
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Whitefish Energy still owed $100M by Puerto Rico utility, court filing says
The Montana-based company has thrust itself itself into an advisor's fee application proceeding in an effort to push its financial claims forward.
By Robert Walton • April 10, 2018
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NYPA proposes rebuilding North-South transmission lines to bolster renewable energy
The rebuilt lines will be upgraded to 345 kV, an increase in voltage that allows more renewable energy onto the system in times of high demand.
By Robert Walton • April 06, 2018
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Pipeline hack impacts spread to power sector
Duke Energy customers in Ohio could see late or estimated bills after the utility took preemptive steps following a cyberattack on its communications system.
By Robert Walton • April 05, 2018
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Anchorage voters near approval of $1B deal to merge muni with Chugach Electric
The merger is expected to help streamline operations of the adjacent utilities in the state's largest city, saving customers millions.
By Krysti Shallenberger • April 05, 2018
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Deep DiveThe two key questions about going to 100% renewables in Los Angeles
The city council wants its municipal utility to reach the clean energy goal, and a new report says it can by 2030 — if the utility can learn new ways.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 05, 2018
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Powerex, Idaho Power join the western Energy Imbalance Market
The California ISO's Energy Imbalance Market now includes utilities spanning more than half of the Western Interconnection.
By Robert Walton • April 05, 2018
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EIA: Mild weather drove big drop in 2017 US electricity sales
Retail power sales fell by 80 billion kWh last year, the largest drop since the economic recession in 2009.
By Robert Walton • April 05, 2018
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Deep DiveUnnecessary complexity? Assessing New York and California's landmark DER proceedings
New York and California have spent years opening opportunities for distributed energy resources with minimal real impact. Could they have done it differently?
By Herman K. Trabish • April 04, 2018
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California ISO mulls double duty for transmission-connected storage assets
The grid operator will explore how electric storage resources providing cost-based services might also operate in wholesale markets.
By Robert Walton • April 03, 2018
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Energy efficiency, rooftop solar to trim New England power use, draft report says
The ISO New England findings align with a national trend of stagnant, even declining demand due to efficiency measures in particular.
By Krysti Shallenberger • April 03, 2018
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Deep DiveUtilities take note: Hybrid renewables projects are coming
In 2017, combinations of cost-effective renewables plus storage went online, with more due this year. And 2019 looks like a hybrid boom year.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 03, 2018
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Deep DiveMarket-based IRPs: A new paradigm for grid planning?
Instead of forecasts, utilities like Hawaiian Electric and Xcel are beginning to use real-world prices in their integrated resource plans, allowing them to better compare renewables and DERs to traditional grid investments.
By Gavin Bade • April 02, 2018
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Dominion threatens to leave SCE&G deal if South Carolina lawmakers cut rates
State lawmakers appear close to reducing SCE&G customer bills, cutting the amount they would pay for the canceled V.C. Summer nuclear plant.
By Robert Walton • March 29, 2018
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Massachusetts ditches Northern Pass, looks to CMP for clean energy goals
The state will pivot instead to Central Maine Power's New England Clean Energy Connect that will add 1,200 MW of transmission capacity to help meet its renewables goals.
By Robert Walton • March 28, 2018
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Kentucky utilities push back on state-ordered rate reductions
The Kentucky Public Service Commission last week ordered Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to cut rates in response to the lower corporate tax rate.
By Robert Walton • March 28, 2018