Transmission & Distribution: Page 2


  • A river runs in front of forests, fields and steam billowing from two cement cooling towers from a power plant.
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    The image by Jakec is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Constellation, Calpine, others urge FERC to reject Exelon co-location tariff proposals

    However, PJM’s market monitor supports the proposal, saying it would ensure co-located load pays for its share of grid and distribution services.

    By Oct. 3, 2024
  • High-voltage power lines crossing a plowed field.
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    Ron Karpel via Getty Images
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    DOE transmission planning study identifies ‘high opportunity’ interregional interfaces

    The Department of Energy says its national transmission study provides a framework for utilities and grid planners to consider bolstering connections between regions.

    By Oct. 3, 2024
  • Rural lane meanders among modern windmill technology and steel electrical pylons. Laramie, Wyoming, 2009 Explore the Trendline
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    Chuck Schug Photography via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

    The U.S. energy transition is facing challenges around grid interconnections, project permitting and power system reliability, but state, federal and other solutions are emerging.

    By Utility Dive staff
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    SEYLUL06 via Getty Images
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    Pathways Initiative proposes regional organization to oversee Western power markets

    “This organization can evolve to offer the full range of [regional transmission organization] services,” Brian Turner, an Advanced Energy United director, said.

    By Oct. 2, 2024
  • Turbines in Altamont Pass Wind Farm near Livermore, California.
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    yhelfman via Getty Images
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    FERC approves CAISO interconnection reform plan

    The federal agency dismissed concerns from renewable energy trade groups and others that a provision in the new rules will allow utilities to discriminate against project developers.

    By Oct. 2, 2024
  • Electricity from solar panels, dams, and wind turbines. Environmentally-friendly renewable energy concept.
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    bombermoon via Getty Images
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    Utility conferences to watch in 2025

    Start planning for 2025’s biggest power sector events, which will cover the clean energy transition, the impact of the 2024 elections and more.

    By Larry Pearl, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton, Diana DiGangi • Oct. 1, 2024
  • Construction of Vogtle Nuclear Plant Unit 4
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    Courtesy of Bechtel
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    ERCOT, SPP and 3 US regions need ‘significant investment’ in new generating capacity: BofA

    The U.S. will need an incremental 100 GW of effective capacity by 2035 to meet a 1.5% demand growth rate, according to BofA Global Research.

    By Oct. 1, 2024
  • Power crews work on the lines after Hurricane Helene
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    Joe Raedle/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    2M customers still without power after Helene; some local grids must ‘be completely rebuilt’

    Multiple utilities say they will need to completely rebuild, rather than repair, electric systems in the hardest-hit areas. Helene was the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power’s history.

    By Sept. 30, 2024
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    Courtesy of Hitachi Energy
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    Hitachi Energy to expand US transformer manufacturing capacity

    The company promised $155 million to expand two facilities in Virginia and Pennsylvania as well as build a new factory in Mexico.

    By Joelle Anselmo • Sept. 27, 2024
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Millions without power after Hurricane Helene rocks Southeast

    The storm struck Florida as a Category 4 and moved inland. More than 4 million customers lacked power Friday morning.

    By Sept. 27, 2024
  • Industrial power lines stretching across the Idaho desert
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    Jessica Torres via Getty Images
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    Texas OKs Permian Basin reliability plan, option for state’s first 765-kV transmission lines

    By 2038, oil and gas development could push Permian Basin demand to 26 GW, or about a third of the current summer demand in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint.

    By Sept. 27, 2024
  • High-voltage tower with electric power lines between green agricultural fields.
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    Bilanol via Getty Images
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    MISO advances $21.8B regional transmission portfolio, including 765-kV backbone

    The Midcontinent Independent System Operator expects the draft Tranche 2 proposal would produce $23.1 billion in net benefits over 20 years, partly by reducing the need for new generation.

    By Sept. 26, 2024
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    ArtemisDiana via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    C&I customer needs are rapidly changing. How can utilities maximize their relationship?

    Utilities risk being blindsided by the capacity needs of commercial and industrial customers by not engaging them early and often to understand their electrification plans.

    By Julia Hamm and Chase Weir • Sept. 26, 2024
  • A DTE Energy crew performs reliability work using a bucket truck.
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    Courtesy of DTE Energy
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    DTE, Consumers Energy outage restoration times, reliability measures lagging: audit

    Michigan regulators launched the review of DTE and Consumers’ operations in 2022 following a string of outages. Restoration times at both utilities are “worse than average,” the audit found.

    By Sept. 25, 2024
  • Steam billows from a massive cement smokestack at a nuclear power plant at the edge of the water.
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    The image by Peretzp is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
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    PJM market design flaws add billions to latest capacity auction costs: market monitor

    A switch in how PJM measures power plant availability, one of several market issues flagged by Monitoring Analytics, increased capacity costs by $4.4 billion compared to its previous approach.

    By Sept. 24, 2024
  • Wind farm with transmission lines.
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    Rolf Wittke via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Permitting reform’s false choice

    Any benefits to green infrastructure that would be gained by undoing federal protections are likely to be more than offset by the proliferation of fossil fuels.

    By David E. Adelman • Sept. 20, 2024
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    simarik via Getty Images
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    NAESB rolls out draft standardized distribution services contract

    The contract will allow for “seamless participation” of distributed energy resource aggregators in wholesale markets, consistent with FERC Order 2222, the energy standards board said.

    By Sept. 18, 2024
  • High voltage electricity transmission tower back lit by sun with lens flare.
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    Maudib via Getty Images
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    Rising demand could drive US wholesale electricity prices 19% higher by 2028: ICF

    Electricity demand is expected to rise in every region of the U.S., but “the largest increase by far” is projected in the mid-Atlantic region, where demand could grow 68% by 2050, ICF said.

    By Sept. 18, 2024
  • A transmission line tower and wind turbines in Illinois.
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    Allkindza via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    The Energy Permitting Reform Act is our best shot at advancing critical climate goals

    The bill would be a crucial step toward America realizing its potential as a 21st century clean energy superpower, but only if we can put our desires for a perfect policy aside and embrace practical compromise.

    By Danielle Russo • Sept. 17, 2024
  • Electric transmission lines run through a wooded area with houses in the foreground.
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    Issiah Levett via Getty Images
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    Clean energy groups urge FERC to reject Southeast Energy Exchange Market

    The SEEM produced $3.7 million in benefits in 2023 but had $4.3 million in administrative costs, according to Advanced Energy United and other groups.

    By Sept. 16, 2024
  • Several vehicles lined up along a curb are blurred while in the foreground a white and silver electric vehicle charger is in focus.
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    Permission granted by Enel X Way North America
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    California PUC sets grid connection timelines for large investor-owned utilities

    The decision could cut in half the time it takes PG&E, SDG&E and SoCal Edison to connect EV charging stations, homes and commercial buildings to the grid, according to the PUC.

    By Sept. 16, 2024
  • Electric transmission lines crossing Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness.
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    MRaust via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Detractors take note: Tri-State is meeting its reliability, affordability and clean energy obligations

    A recent report from the Colorado Energy Office shows Tri-State, unlike some other power suppliers in our region, has ample resources in the years ahead, the general manager of K.C. Electric Association writes.

    By David Churchwell • Sept. 16, 2024
  • Industrial background group silhouette of transmission towers (or power tower, electricity pylon, steel lattice tower) at suburb area in Texas, USA.
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    Trong Nguyen via Getty Images
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    ERCOT accelerates initiative to streamline energy procurement and dispatch

    Texas is continuing its work to ensure batteries play a prominent role in stabilizing the electric grid.

    By Sept. 16, 2024
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    Permission granted by Kraken Technologies
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    Sponsored by Kraken Technologies

    The consumer’s key role in tomorrow’s energy system

    To seize the opportunities posed by smart products, utilities must step up their consumer engagement.  

    By Katherine Lamb, Transformation Director for Product and Customer Experience Innovation, Kraken Technologies • Sept. 16, 2024
  • The sun sets behind some transmission lines.
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    "sunset2" by Barbara Eckstein is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Opinion

    Politicized energy policies aren’t working, but a better system is possible

    Pairing partisanship with extraordinary demands on our power grid from load growth and energy evolution is a recipe for catastrophic failure.

    By Christina Hayes and Todd Snitchler • Sept. 13, 2024
  • Transformers and power transmission lines at a power distribution yard August 18, 2003 in Des Plaines, Illinois.
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    (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images) via Getty Images
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    US should create ‘virtual’ electric transformer reserve amid shortage concerns: NIAC

    Lead times to procure new transformers have “plateaued,” but rising electricity demand from data centers could stretch them, said Peter Ferrell, director of government relations for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

    By Sept. 13, 2024