Regulation & Policy: Page 147
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Deep Dive
In new trend, utilities propose separate rate classes for solar customers without rate increase
Recent proceedings in Kansas, Iowa and Utah raise new questions about how best to deal with the impacts of solar on utilities.
By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 2, 2017 -
PNM issues RFP for 456 MW of resources, pushing for renewables and storage
The utility announced earlier this year that it plans to phase out coal-fired generation completely, replacing it with natural gas, storage, solar and its stake in the Palo Verde nuclear facility.
By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2017 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
adamkaz via Getty ImagesTrendlineThe Energy Transition to Renewables
New policy and business actions are giving a significant boost to renewable energy in the U.S., but opposition is growing and grid interconnection, permitting, labor and other challenges remain.
By Utility Dive staff -
Deep Dive
Northeast pipeline controversy exposes gas markets as 'a recipe for chaos,' researchers say
Contention over Eversource and Avangrid's pipeline scheduling practices shows that natural gas markets are "at odds" with reality, according to EDF.
By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2017 -
Ex-GOP FERC regulator: DOE NOPR 'a tax on customers' to benefit Murray, FirstEnergy
Former FERC Commissioner Nora Mead Brownell said the proposal is "all about" benefiting "friends" of the Trump administration — like the two coal firms that recently held policy conversations with the White House.
By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2017 -
FERC sees few regulations limiting domestic energy use or development
The agency has completed a review of what the Trump administration considered potentially burdensome regulations in response to an executive order signed by the President in March.
By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2017 -
ITC proposes 3 solar trade case remedies with tariffs, quotas and capped imports
The agency will send three remedy recommendations to President Donald Trump, who has final say.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 31, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Is solar+storage eligible for net metering in Massachusetts? Tesla and others want to know
The state could become the first to provide comprehensive guidance on pairing energy storage with solar installations.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Utilities focus on plausibility, prevention in preparing for worst-case scenarios
From natural disasters to cyberattacks, utilities face many threats — the key, according to one Southern California Edison official, is to focus on the most likely events.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2017 -
PREPA to cancel Whitefish power restoration contract after widespread criticism
Controversy over the public utility's contracting process comes as critics in Puerto Rico and Washington push for far-reaching reforms, including potential privatization.
By Gavin Bade • Oct. 30, 2017 -
SCANA will likely cover $210M in expected costs from abandoned Summer nuclear project
The utility assumes it will not be allowed to charge its customers the accrued costs since state regulators last reviewed the status of the nuclear project about 18 months ago.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 30, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Technology, markets and contracts — oh my! The keys to profiting from California's duck curve
California policymakers look to address renewables over-generation through smart investments in supply- and demand-side resources.
By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2017 -
PREPA, Gov. Rosselló reject appointment of 'chief transformation officer' for grid rebuild
The federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico's finances wants to appoint a retired Air Force Colonel with “all the powers of a chief executive officer” to direct grid rebuilding efforts.
By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017 -
FEMA will probe Whitefish-PREPA contract, citing 'significant concerns'
FEMA issued a statement Friday saying it was not involved in selecting Whitefish, but will work with PREPA's legal team to review the contracting process.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017 -
'Darknet' and quantum communications could enhance grid cybersecurity, scientists tell Senate
The Department of Energy's national labs are working to develop a private grid communication system called "darknet" they say could automatically detect, isolate and defend against cyber intrusions.
By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017 -
Whitefish-PREPA contract aimed to avoid government oversight
"In no event," the leaked contract reads, will government agencies "have the right to audit or review the cost and profit elements" of Whitefish's work.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017 -
Connecticut passes bill to support Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant
After a couple of failed attempts, Connecticut's House of Representatives passed a measure this week to provide a financial lifeline to Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Uptown Funk: Where will NYC get its peak demand capacity?
Few new peak providers have come online for the city because short-term market rules don’t offer investors the certainty they need.
By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2017 -
Sunrun secures $303M in funding for solar business
The financing package is composed of a $234.5 million senior delayed draw term loan, $10 million letter of credit and a $59 million subordinated delayed-draw term loan facility.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017 -
Senate committee stirs controversy with narrow approval of four EPA nominees
The candidates to head the agency's air and chemical offices have been criticized by Democrats and others for their close ties to industry.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017 -
PSE&G brings solar+storage online for resilience at New Jersey wastewater plant
Public Service Electric & Gas now has three solar-plus-storage systems online in New Jersey — all aimed at providing power during extended grid outages.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017 -
EPA, DOE target regulatory reviews, eliminations in response to Trump executive order
According to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, reviewing and changing some rules will free the energy sector "from unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2017 -
DOE NOPR opponents: No basis for expanded FPA to justify coal, nuke cost recovery
Backers of the DOE proposal argue FERC has interpreted the Federal Power Act too narrowly, but a wide array of energy groups say market conditions fail to justify that claim.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 25, 2017 -
Another study pins coal retirements on cheap gas, stagnant load growth
The analysis, released by Resources for the Future, also concludes air regulations had a large impact on emissions but very little on plant profitability.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Storage or generation? AEP case could help answer the question in Texas
The utility proposed two storage projects in North Texas to defer transmission and distribution upgrades. But opponents worry the projects would distort market signals in ERCOT and violate the market's competitive rules.
By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017 -
Deep Dive
The pro-NOPR playbook: Supporters broadly interpret FPA to justify DOE proposal
Key supporters argue FERC has interpreted its mandate for just and reasonable rates too narrowly — leaving customers "exposed to catastrophic risks." But the stakeholders differ in how they want any new rules implemented.
By Gavin Bade • Oct. 24, 2017