Transmission & Distribution: Page 54
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Ameren capitalizes as FCC enables new generation of utility communications networks, grid mod
The commission’s decision to make six megahertz of low-band spectrum available for the development of wireless technologies also allows electric utilities to earn a rate of return on networks developed in-house, say experts.
By Robert Walton • May 21, 2020 -
Colorado ALJ clears way for Tri-State exit fee determinations
Some Tri-State Generation and Transmission members want to exit its service in search of a cleaner and cheaper generation mix, but new analysis from Rocky Mountain Institute indicates the utility is already transitioning away from coal.
By Robert Walton • May 20, 2020 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Mario Tama / Staff via Getty Images
TrendlineGrid Resiliency
Utilities and grid operators are facing increasing threats from climate change as well as cyber and physical attacks, and are deploying a variety of responses to meet the rising challenges.
By Utility Dive staff -
PG&E appeals new probation conditions, asserting they’ll ‘undermine wildfire safety’
U.S. District Judge William Alsup placed a stay on the conditions that he had imposed on the utility and scheduled a hearing on the issue for May 28.
By Kavya Balaraman • May 18, 2020 -
Texas regulators tamp down authority of proposed cybersecurity monitor
State lawmakers “never suggested there was any intention to create a new investigatory entity with oversight authority over monitored utilities,” Oncor Electric told regulators earlier this year.
By Robert Walton • Updated May 19, 2020 -
New England takes key step to 1.2 GW of Quebec hydro as Maine approves transmission line
Massachusetts regulators have approved contracts for the state’s utilities to buy 9,554,940 MWh annually from Hydro-Quebec, which the state expects will provide $4 billion in total benefits to ratepayers over 20 years.
By Robert Walton • May 12, 2020 -
Great River Energy to exit coal, close 1.15 GW plant, but North Dakota governor vows rescue
Gov. Doug Burgum, R, called the generation and transmission provider’s decision “disappointing” and promised to “find a path forward for Coal Creek Station” to maintain the jobs and baseload power it provides.
By Robert Walton • May 11, 2020 -
Permission granted by Black & Veatch
Sponsored by Black & VeatchAs electric vehicles gain speed, utilities power up
Utilities are critical stakeholders in the new energy ecosystem. The question remains, will power supplies be ready?
By Maryline Daviaud Lewett • May 8, 2020 -
Trump’s security order could have ‘chilling effect,’ slow smart grid deployment, experts say
An executive order issued May 1 by the White House effectively blocks the power sector from sourcing grid components from China, say trade and cybersecurity attorneys and consultants.
By Robert Walton • May 7, 2020 -
DC Circuit grills NARUC, FERC on whether Order 841 will harm state ability to regulate distribution
The fundamental question for judges is whether FERC’s landmark energy storage order will harm states’ ability to operate the safety and reliability of their distribution systems.
By Catherine Morehouse • May 6, 2020 -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). “Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2” [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565662436/in/album-72157713108522106/.
Dominion steels itself for market volatility, anticipating slow economic reopening in Virginia, South Carolina
The electric utility anticipates a slow recovery from pandemic conditions through the late summer as the states plan to lift restrictions.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 6, 2020 -
United Power sues Tri-State claiming ‘civil conspiracy’ to block Colorado jurisdiction over exit fees
The complaint alleges Tri-State Generation & Transmission has caused United Power hundreds of millions of dollars in damages in an effort to keep members from leaving its service.
By Robert Walton • May 6, 2020 -
Trump’s grid security executive order will create vendor ‘black list,’ complicate equipment sourcing
President Trump on Friday took steps to block foreign powers from having influence over bulk power system equipment installed on the U.S grid. Experts say the supply chain decision could have wide-ranging impacts.
By Robert Walton • May 4, 2020 -
Judge calls PG&E vegetation work ‘sloppy and unreliable,’ imposes new conditions on the utility
The utility has told U.S. District Judge William Alsup that its wildfire mitigation work, which includes vegetation management, requires flexibility and “failure to adapt could create safety risks rather than reduce them.”
By Kavya Balaraman • April 30, 2020 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive/Utility Dive
DC Circuit: FERC can’t indefinitely delay action on gas pipeline challenges
The nearly unanimous decision boosts pipeline opponents, who argued against a project continuing construction while parties challenging the decision are indefinitely blocked from litigation.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated July 1, 2020 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive/Utility Dive
Tri-State, Colorado cooperatives in ‘race to the courthouse’ over exit fee jurisdiction
La Plata Electric Association and United Power have asked Colorado regulators to expedite the process to set exit fees for abandoning their contracts with Tri-State Generation and Transmission, to avoid FERC preemption.
By Robert Walton • April 28, 2020 -
Deep Dive
As extreme weather spurs billions in utility resilience spending, regulators struggle to value investments
A new study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows the value of resilience depends on too many factors to easily quantify and moves regulators back to human judgment.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2020 -
Electric grid challenges will grow if COVID-19 impacts extend into summer demand season: NERC
Deferred maintenance and refueling issues could lead to unplanned outages while increased penetration from distributed resources complicate system operations, according to a new assessment.
By Robert Walton • April 24, 2020 -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. (2020). “Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2” [Image]. Retrieved from Flickr.
ConEd COVID-19 cases grow past 350 as utilities forced to adjust pre-pandemic emergency plans
Consolidated Edison and other U.S. utilities had developed a pandemic operating plan years ago, but officials say flexibility has been a key to their response.
By Robert Walton • April 23, 2020 -
Deep Dive
84 GW US renewables+storage pipeline has developers anxious for market integration rules
Utilities and developers are adding renewables plus storage hybrids so fast and cost-effectively that regulators had to schedule a conference on paired technologies.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 23, 2020 -
Crashing oil prices, COVID-19 restrictions give boost to embattled Puerto Rico utility
Load reductions due to the pandemic have given the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority more room to maneuver, as it enters a critical period in determining the utility’s future.
By Robert Walton • April 22, 2020 -
COVID-19 forces delay of 7 reliability standards, including cybersecurity supply chain protections
The three month delay in new vendor security requirements is unlikely to cause disruptions, but experts are wary of longer pauses on critical cybersecurity standards.
By Robert Walton • April 21, 2020 -
Colorado cooperative reaches $136.5M agreement to exit Tri-State service
Delta-Montrose Electric Association will terminate its membership in Tri-State Generation and Transmission on June 30, as other utilities continue their efforts to follow suit.
By Robert Walton • Updated July 1, 2020 -
CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS. “covid-19 coronavirus on black background”. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/images.htm.
‘No existing playbook’: COVID-19 forcing NV Energy, NYPA and other utilities to get creative
Utilities are adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic, from deferring infrastructure projects to transitioning different positions to ‘work from home,’ several executives said on a panel last week.
By Matthew Bandyk • April 13, 2020 -
Clearer picture of coronavirus-driven grid load declines emerges in US after weeks of lockdowns
Analysts say the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt North American power markets for 18 months or more, potentially setting off a new wave of coal retirements.
By Robert Walton • April 9, 2020 -
CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS. “covid-19 coronavirus on black background”. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/images.htm.
Utilities move to delay rate case proceedings during pandemic
In New York, regulators are approving deferrals from three to five months, extending how long utilities must wait to recover costs on their investments.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 8, 2020
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