Transmission & Distribution

Amid national debate over grid security, NERC says reliability is improving

A new report from the electric reliability organization points out that the U.S. grid bounced back in record time after being hit by a pair of Category 5 hurricanes last year.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2018

PJM: Capacity Performance rules improved generator results, though less for coal and oil

The grid operator compared two high-demand periods in the PJM Interconnection, to see if new generator rules have made an impact.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2018

Daimler facility stores batteries for EVs while providing storage to grid

Daimler and Mercedes-Benz Energy are providing grid service from an energy storage facility in a former German coal plant.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2018

PG&E to record $2.5B charge for California wildfires — and warns it could get worse

The utility told federal regulators that the charge does not include any amounts for potential penalties or fines.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2018

DOE: Puerto Rico has plenty of options for new generation

A new report on options for rebuilding the island's grid recommends considering a wide range of renewables and alternative fuels, an expansion of liquefied natural gas imports, microgrids and energy storage.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2018

Opinion

5 things utilities should consider for energy storage

Utilities navigating energy storage integration should take into account the flexibility and speed of modular programs when comparing storage to gas peaker plants, Axiom Exergy's John Lerch writes.

By John Lerch

Reports: PG&E claims wildfire liability could force bankruptcy

In an 8-K filed with the SEC, PG&E said that based on current state law, it expects to "record a significant liability for losses" associated with 10 fires.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2018

100% renewable energy omnibus clears Massachusetts Senate

The package of energy bills would also remove net metering caps, increase the storage mandate and void demand charges approved earlier this year for Eversource. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 18, 2018

FERC rejects Mountain Valley challenges, dividing again over climate, pipeline need

More than a dozen environmental groups petitioned FERC to review its October approval of the 300-mile pipeline, but FERC said its original decision is valid. 

By Gavin Bade • June 18, 2018

Electrified heating with demand management could cut US carbon emissions 10%: RMI

The group's report suggests prioritizing retrofits for homes that currently provide heat with propane and heating oil.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2018

Massachusetts utilities conclude contract negotiations to import hydro

​The state's electric distribution companies reached agreements with Hydro-Québec and Central Maine Power Company and will file the 20-year contracts with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2018

LaFleur defies FERC majority, will consider broad climate impacts of pipelines

The Democratic regulator said she will consider all facts in FERC cases on pipelines, "even those overlooked by the majority."

By Gavin Bade • June 14, 2018

Florida PSC to review utility storm prep as hurricane season begins

Following months of analysis, regulators will examine potential areas for further reducing outages and restoration times.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2018

ISO-NE implements 'pay-for-performance' capacity market incentives

The new scheme will provide incentives to reward resources for investments that boost performance during periods of system stress.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2018

Cal Fire: PG&E violated state law in 8 wildfires last year

The state agency released its report into 12 wildfires last week, finding electrical equipment sparked each one. 

By Gavin Bade • June 11, 2018

Congressman targets utility security clearances for new legislation

Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., said at a grid cybersecurity event that he is considering legislative fixes to address the lack of security clearances among utility employees. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 11, 2018

National Grid settlement curbs rate increase, ups grid mod in Rhode Island

The agreement is part of Rhode Island's power sector transformation and calls for investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, energy storage and advanced metering.

By Robert Walton • June 11, 2018

Gas pipeline group slams DOE memo to save coal, nuclear plants

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America called DOE's depiction of energy security threats "fundamentally flawed, particularly as it relates to natural gas pipelines." 

By Gavin Bade • June 08, 2018

New England fully integrates demand response into wholesale markets

The grid operator for the region says it is the first to incorporate active demand resources into the energy dispatch and reserve-designation process.

By Robert Walton • June 07, 2018

New Missouri law authorizes Ameren to invest $1B, cuts rates

Missouri Senate approval of the bill last month prompted Morningstar analysts to raise Ameren's share-price valuation.

By Robert Walton • June 06, 2018

Florida regulators OK FPL purchase of Vero Beach electric system

The $185 million deal has been a decade in the making and was almost scuttled by concerns from the Public Service Commission staff.

By Robert Walton • June 06, 2018

Southwest Power Pool to provide reliability-coordination services in the West

The reshuffling of coordinators in the West is a result of utilities looking to keep costs low while maintaining reliability.

By Robert Walton • June 06, 2018

FERC splits again on affiliates, climate in Florida pipeline approval

Both the owner and offtaker of the Florida Lateral Project are owned by NextEra Energy, raising questions from one regulator about whether the pipeline is needed. 

By Gavin Bade • June 05, 2018