NRC hammers out new licensing rules to adapt to advanced nuclear plants and small modular reactors

Sen. John Barrasso, then chairman of the Senate environment committee, said in 2019 a new law mandating updated reactor licensing rules is “critical if we are going to reduce carbon emissions in a meaningful way.”

By Stephen Singer • March 8, 2023

EPA proposes stricter wastewater discharge limits for coal-fired power plants

“We have attempted with this rule, and with some other rules, to align our rulemaking schedule, so that the power sector can be thoughtful about the investments that they have to make,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said.

By Ethan Howland • March 8, 2023

Vistra moves more deeply into nuclear power with planned $3.43B acquisition of Energy Harbor

Vistra President and CEO Jim Burke cited the federal nuclear production tax credit that “now has down-side protection against lower power prices” as a benefit of the deal.

By Stephen Singer • March 7, 2023

FERC reverses its approval of SPP’s capacity accreditation plan for wind, solar resources

FERC Commissioner Allison Clements urged the Southwest Power Pool to develop an accreditation process that doesn’t discriminate between types of generating sources.

By Ethan Howland • March 7, 2023

DC Circuit dismisses utility-backed challenge to EPA cross-state ozone rule

The Midwest Ozone Group, with Ameren, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy among its members, failed to show the EPA’s rule was arbitrary or capricious, the federal appeals court said Friday.

By Ethan Howland • March 6, 2023

NRC grants exemption for PG&E to operate Diablo Canyon nuclear plant during license renewal review

An environmental advocate said the NRC decision was “politically motivated and reckless” and ignored public safety concerns.

By Stephen Singer • March 3, 2023

DOE expands reactors eligible for $1.2B second round of Civil Nuclear Credit Program

DOE issued guidance saying power plants that halted operations after Nov. 15, 2021, can apply for support.

By Stephen Singer • March 2, 2023

Performance credit mechanism could cost Texas energy consumers $5.7B annually, broad coalition warns

Energy producers and industrial consumers modeled a dispatchable reliability reserve service and found it would incentivize new generation for less than $1 billion in net annual costs.

By Robert Walton • March 2, 2023

California regulators find Diablo Canyon nuclear plant needed through 2030 to support grid reliability

The California Energy Commission on Tuesday approved a staff analysis recommending the state pursue extending the operation of the plant, citing potential energy shortfalls during extreme weather.

By Stephen Singer • March 1, 2023

In a mild winter, high natural gas prices plunge, but the cost of electricity could fall more slowly

Gas prices have fallen to the lowest level since Q3 2020, contrasting with sharp spikes last year as demand rose following the end of COVID-19 restrictions and global markets were roiled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

By Stephen Singer • March 1, 2023

SRP issues 500 MW all-source RFP as potential replacement for new gas resources

A 2021 request for proposals indicated gas resources were most cost-effective but Salt River Project said the “market is changing and evolving quickly,” and federal incentives may play a role.

By Robert Walton • March 1, 2023

PJM capacity prices fall 15% for most of grid operator’s footprint as total cost remains steady at $2.2B

Ratepayers in a Duke Energy zone will pay more than triple the capacity prices that most others pay in PJM because of transmission constraints.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 28, 2023

Duke, APS planning reforms show ways to work with stakeholders to meet emerging power system needs

Integrated planning with deeper modeling and greater stakeholder engagement may slow overburdened regulators and utilities now, but will lead to better long-term decision-making, planners and analysts agree.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 28, 2023

APS parent Pinnacle West’s 2022 net income plunges 22% on disallowed cost recovery

Arizona regulators denied APS recovery of more than $200 million it spent to modernize the Four Corners coal plant. As a result, the company “faced major financial headwinds” last year, officials said. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 28, 2023

PJM launches fast-track capacity market reform process in face of shrinking reserve margins

The effort comes as the PJM Interconnection finds new resources aren’t keeping pace with power plant retirements and load growth.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 27, 2023

DOE to offer $2.5B for carbon capture projects at power plants, industrial sites

Demonstration projects could be built at two coal-fired power plants, two gas-fired plants and two industrial facilities.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 24, 2023

Westinghouse Electric to submit key nuclear microreactor licensing reports for US-Canadian review

Most microreactors, which can generate up to 20 MW, are designed to be portable and may be hauled by a tractor-trailer.

By Stephen Singer • Feb. 24, 2023

FERC approves PJM’s mid-auction capacity rule change over protests from NRG, Vistra, other generators

The decision violates the filed-rate doctrine and is akin to playing blackjack at the “Federal Energy Regulatory Casino,” which can change the rules in the middle of a game, according to FERC Commissioner James Danly.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 22, 2023

PSEG to consider nuclear plant investments, capitalizing on the IRA’s production tax credits, CEO says

The Inflation Reduction Act is a “game-changer that should provide the stability required for long-term viability of the U.S. nuclear fleet,” CEO Ralph LaRossa said.

By Stephen Singer • Feb. 22, 2023

EPA reverses Trump-era decision on power plant mercury standards, paving way for stricter limits

The decision on Friday was needed for any future tightening of mercury and other emissions limits for power plants.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 21, 2023

Bipartisan legislation would increase US uranium production to promote nuclear energy

To the extent possible, DOE will not disrupt or replace market mechanisms by competing with U.S. nuclear energy companies, according to the legislation.

By Stephen Singer • Feb. 21, 2023

Amid high energy prices, SCE VP, other experts push to reduce California’s reliance on natural gas

The push follows a recent report that found the California Independent System Operator’s energy market saw additional wholesale costs of $3 billion in December.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 16, 2023

NRC issues first update of 2010 regulatory guide to strengthen cybersecurity at nuclear plants

The revision incorporates references to industry guidance on identifying and protecting critical digital assets. It also clarifies guidance on comprehensive protections for cybersecurity.

By Stephen Singer • Feb. 13, 2023

FERC approves Western Resource Adequacy Program for regional capacity sharing

Utilities such as Arizona Public Service, PacifiCorp and Puget Sound Energy will be able to share capacity through the program that takes effect in 2025.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 13, 2023

Renewables would provide cheaper energy than 99% of US coal plants and catalyze a just energy transition

Investment in lower-cost wind and solar resources is an economic opportunity worth up to $589 billion, providing jobs and tax base to coal communities.

By Michelle Solomon and Mike O’Boyle • Feb. 9, 2023