Transmission & Distribution: Page 19


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    Bipartisan energy permitting bill ups FERC transmission siting authority, requires interregional planning

    The Senate bill released Monday could guide the framework for action on permitting reform, which may not come until next year, according to observers.

    By July 23, 2024
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    Opinion

    FERC’s transmission rule will boost grid reliability and affordability without usurping state authority

    “We represent states with diverse energy goals, but we are all satisfied FERC’s new planning rule will produce beneficial and fair outcomes for our residents and businesses,” five utility commissioners write.

    By Andrew French, Joseph Sullivan, Ann Rendahl, Gabriel Aguilera and Davante Lewis • July 23, 2024
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    Trendline

    AI in the Power Sector

    Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

    By Utility Dive staff
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    Deep Dive

    Innovative solutions emerge to reduce 2.5-TW US clean energy interconnection backlog

    California’s project scoring criteria, the Texas connect and manage option and SPP’s work to link system planning with the interconnection process across its multistate region could speed the clean energy expansion.

    By July 22, 2024
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    Sponsored by Technosylva

    Forecasting the unprecedented

    For a risk manager at an electric utility, it's crucial to recognize that the threat of catastrophic wildfires is pervasive and exists almost everywhere.

    By Pavel Grechanuk, Senior Data Scientist, Technosylva • July 22, 2024
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    What it means to transform an energy business

    As an increasing number of customers adopt distributed energy resources into their homes – such as solar panels, EV chargers, or home batteries – consumer expectations and market dynamics are changing in tandem.

    By Anja Langer-Jacquin – VP Client Success and Account Management, Kraken • July 22, 2024
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    States, clean energy groups, others appeal FERC transmission planning rule

    A lottery will be held to determine which court will handle the appeals to the agency’s Order 1920.

    By July 19, 2024
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    Duke, Exelon, others urge FERC to toss ‘show cause’ order on utility self-funding interconnection upgrades

    FERC’s order to major grid operators that they show why their rules on who can pay for network upgrades is based on unconstitutional premises, Xcel Energy and other utility companies said.

    By July 17, 2024
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    Supreme Court’s Chevron ruling creates power sector uncertainty: Moody’s

    “The lack of clarity on future EPA mandates increases uncertainty and makes it more difficult for power companies to determine their most appropriate and cost-effective generation mix,” Moody’s said.

    By July 12, 2024
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    FERC approves ISO New England’s long-range transmission planning process

    Regulators determined the grid operator’s new long-term approach to transmission development “supplements” the existing regional transmission planning processes approved under FERC Order 1000.

    By July 12, 2024
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    DC Circuit vacates FERC Western refund decisions, rejects Duke challenge to network upgrade orders

    In separate decisions, PacifiCorp and other power sellers won their case against FERC refund orders stemming from a 2020 Western heat wave while Duke was found liable for network upgrade costs for a proposed solar project.

    By July 10, 2024
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    10 Northeastern states agree to collaborate on interregional transmission development

    The memorandum of understanding sets a framework for planning “robust interregional transmission infrastructure” but specifies each state is responsible for its own costs.

    By July 10, 2024
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    FERC approves capacity solicitation plan for $2.4B RioSol transmission project

    Southwestern Power Group plans to launch a solicitation for capacity on the 1.6-GW project between New Mexico and Arizona late this year.

    By July 9, 2024
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    Texas restoration efforts underway after Hurricane Beryl leaves 2.7M customers without power

    CenterPoint expects to restore power to about 1 million customers by the end of Wednesday, leaving about another 1 million without electricity.

    By July 9, 2024
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    Berkeley Lab releases interactive decision framework for integrated distribution grid planning

    The tool helps stakeholders navigate increasingly complex grid investment considerations as more states require utilities to file distribution plans, the lab said.

    By Brian Martucci • July 8, 2024
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    US electricity prices rise again as AI, onshoring may mean decades of power demand growth: BofA

    The year-over-year inflation rate for electricity prices reached 5.9% in May, up from 3.8% in January, according to Bank of America Institute.

    By July 8, 2024
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    FERC issues transmission planning rule, plus 5 other first half agency highlights

    Wholesale market reforms, private equity mergers and reliability during extremely cold weather were among the other key issues the commission tackled in the first six months of 2024.

    By July 3, 2024
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    US transmission policy in H1 2024 focused on spurring new lines, optimizing existing infrastructure

    A recent Supreme Court ruling is prompting questions about the future of FERC’s new transmission rule, but DOE, states and others are also focused on boosting the capacity of the existing transmission system.

    By Larry Pearl • July 3, 2024
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    Opinion

    Two bold ideas to change the energy industry forever

    Now may be an ideal time to make dramatic, fundamental changes to how we transport electricity, deliver it to customers and fund new projects, writes Anthony Allard, head of Hitachi Energy, North America.

    By Anthony Allard • July 3, 2024
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    Opinion

    Eliminating the discord over FERC Order 1920 — what’s the role for states?

    Instead of fighting the rule, a coordinated effort by states of all stripes to help implement the order will ensure least cost, least regrets transmission planning.

    By Devin Hartman and Kent Chandler • July 2, 2024
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    Xcel Energy proposes $1.9B wildfire mitigation plan in Colorado as risk areas nearly double

    The plan would raise a typical residential bill by more than 9.5%, but “doing more to mitigate wildfire risk requires substantial investment,” the utility told regulators.

    By July 2, 2024
  • Opinion

    A YIMBY approach to the transmission buildout

    Just as housing advocates are finding new allies at the state and local level for their YIMBY — Yes in My Backyard — movement, the energy community should seek to cultivate proactive community demand for transmission projects.

    By Robin Allen • June 28, 2024
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    FERC advances dynamic line rating framework, plus 6 other takeaways from its open meeting

    FERC Commissioner David Rosner took part in his first open meeting as Commissioner Allison Clements said farewell.

    By June 28, 2024
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    AEP, Exelon challenge PJM interconnection pact for Amazon data center at Talen nuclear plant

    The precedent-setting proposal could shift up to $140 million in transmission costs to PJM customers, the utility companies said in a protest filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

    By June 26, 2024
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    NYPA, LS Power transmission proposal could move up to 8 GW of offshore wind to NYC

    The Five Boro Energy Connect project responds to a New York Independent System Operator solicitation for at least 4.7 GW of incremental offshore wind to be delivered into New York City by 2033.

    By June 24, 2024
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    Modern network management supports grid quadremma

    How are utilities strengthening resiliency? The answer: Creating a tougher, smarter, more secure and healthier grid.

    By Bill Meehan, Esri • June 24, 2024