Grid Security & Reliability
-
US data center electricity demand could double by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence: EPRI
Internet queries utilizing artificial intelligence require about 10x the electricity of traditional internet searches, according to analysis by the Electric Power Research Institute.
By Robert Walton • May 30, 2024 -
Utilities saw fewer Q1 ransomware attacks than other sectors. A Dragos analyst explains why.
Electric companies worldwide experienced one ransomware attack in Q1, compared with 25 in the transportation sector and 106 in manufacturing, according to Dragos, but analysts warn against utilities getting complacent.
By Robert Walton • May 30, 2024 -
Trendline
Grid 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 -
Opinion
Grid modernization plans must consider quantum computing, AI, other innovations
Any policy related to upgrading the grid must include a focus on using new technologies to make the most of these significant investments.
By Christina Hayes and Allison Schwartz • May 20, 2024 -
Sponsored by West Monroe
6 transmission resiliency strategies to combat extreme weather events
Bolstering grid resiliency is quickly becoming a requirement for utilities.
May 20, 2024 -
State utility regulators grapple with load growth, reliability and permitting amid energy transition
“There are so many priorities that we need to balance,” Michigan PSC Commissioner Katherine Peretick said at a Cleanpower Expo panel.
By Brian Martucci • May 17, 2024 -
25 GW of new solar to boost summer grid reliability, but extreme heat poses widespread risks: NERC
The North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s summer grid assessment, released Wednesday, concludes that seven regions face an “elevated risk” of energy shortfalls in extended heat waves.
By Robert Walton • May 16, 2024 -
Sponsored by Sense
An advanced grid requires regulatory innovation
The need for innovation in utility regulation “springs” up on the heels of DOE paper, “Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Innovative Grid Deployment.” Regulatory innovation is essential for meeting the grid requirements of the future.
By Brandon Dyer, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Sense • May 13, 2024 -
PJM, MISO to study transmission upgrades to bolster interregional power flows
The grid operators plan to finish their interregional transfer capability study early next year.
By Ethan Howland • May 10, 2024 -
VPPs could boost utilities’ credit profiles, but it’s ‘premature’ to consider impact: Morningstar DBRS
Though obstacles are impeding virtual power plants in the short term, the technology will be a plus for utilities and for reliability in the long run, the credit rating company predicts.
By Brian Martucci • May 6, 2024 -
Sponsored by Overstory
Achieving greater reliability: How utilities can overcome budget and climate challenges
Utilities need new and innovative ways to manage their operations, and advanced remote sensing technologies hold the key.
May 6, 2024 -
Sponsored by Copper Labs
Amid evolving utility goals and rising rates, an AMx strategy can de-risk AMI and bring all meters to the table
As the first wave of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) begins to reach the end of its expected life, new meter technologies—including next-generation “AMI 2.0” meters—promise to offer a host of new benefits to utilities and customers alike.
May 6, 2024 -
Opinion
FERC and NERC review of winter storm gas failures lacks transparency, key details
Faltering energy system performance — which almost caused rolling blackouts — and insufficient scrutiny and transparency after the fact must not be the new normal with winter storms.
By Paul Arbaje • May 3, 2024 -
Opinion
New early warning system will mitigate energy shortfall risks in New England
ISO New England’s new Probabilistic Energy Adequacy Tool, created jointly with EPRI, is part of the grid operator’s comprehensive and proactive approach to planning for a reliable future power system.
By Stephen George and Jinye Zhao • May 1, 2024 -
Artificial intelligence can help manage the grid but creates risks if deployed ‘naïvely,’ DOE warns
Machine learning could help electric utilities improve permitting and siting, reliability, resilience and grid planning, according to a new Department of Energy report.
By Robert Walton • April 30, 2024 -
Expanding advanced nuclear raises national security risks: IISTP report
The Institute for International Science and Technology Policy cautioned against an unqualified embrace of nuclear power as a climate change solution as international cooperation on nuclear safety frays.
By Brian Martucci • April 29, 2024 -
Sponsored by Esri
Charging ahead: GIS mobility sparks continuous improvement
GIS and Modern Network Management are the foundation for energy transformation.
By Bill Meehan, Esri • April 29, 2024 -
Sponsored by Convergent Energy and Power
15 questions to ask your energy storage or solar-plus-storage partner
As utilities evaluate partners to meet growing demand—it is important to ask key questions that will help you select the right folks to support the energy transition.
April 29, 2024 -
MISO capacity prices triple for next summer, spring, partly on power plant retirements
Prices for Ameren Missouri and Columbia, Missouri’s municipal utility jumped to nearly $720/MW-day for the upcoming fall and spring seasons due to expected power supply shortages.
By Ethan Howland • April 26, 2024 -
Extreme winter weather grid performance improves, and 5 other takeaways from FERC’s open meeting
FERC rejected a preliminary permit application for a 3.6-GW pumped storage facility on Navajo Nation land in Coconino County, Arizona, in a nod to its new tribal policy.
By Ethan Howland • April 26, 2024 -
Opinion
A single, unified Western power market will deliver affordability, reliability and climate benefits
The expansion of the Western Energy Imbalance Market with a day-ahead market and a new independent governing authority can open major opportunities for customer benefits and increased grid reliability.
By Lauren McCloy, Ben Otto, Diego Rivas and Fred Heutte • April 24, 2024 -
APS, others plan 1-year delay in fines for Western Resource Adequacy Program capacity shortfalls
Supply chain problems, unexpected load growth and extreme weather are challenging efforts to ensure adequate power supplies in the West, according to Avista, Calpine and other program participants.
By Ethan Howland • April 23, 2024 -
DOE cites cost, reliability concerns for new gas plants as it details how to meet surging power demand
Rising electricity demand will require a portfolio of resources, including energy storage, hydropower, nuclear, grid-enhancing technologies and demand-side management, DOE said.
By Robert Walton • April 18, 2024 -
China, Russia ramping up cyber activities against energy, water and other critical sectors: FBI director
“We’re seeing hostile nation states become more aggressive in their efforts to...target our critical infrastructure, export their aggression to our shores and front and center is China,” Christopher Wray said Tuesday.
By David Jones • April 12, 2024 -
Opinion
The Future of AI will require an energy breakthrough. The answer is a fusion moonshot.
Skeptics contend that fusion has long promised much but failed to deliver. Historically, that has been true. But there is reason to believe this moment is different.
By Ylli Bajraktari • April 12, 2024 -
Opinion
Regulators: Don’t panic and rush to gas amid cries we’re out of power
Proposing new gas plants to serve growing demand does not occur in isolation. It is a decision that implicitly rejects alternatives as either infeasible, expensive or unconsidered.
By Mike O’Boyle and Eric Gimon • April 11, 2024