Regulation & Policy: Page 70
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Opinion
Will regulators allow utilities to reap a windfall because of COVID-19?
Customers almost everywhere will pay for utilities’ losses, while in Texas and Georgia competitive retailers own much of COVID-19’s economic impact, says Travis Kavulla, vice president of regulatory affairs at NRG Energy.
By Travis Kavulla • June 23, 2020 -
8 Maryland utility storage pilots get vote of confidence, suggestions on safety, solar integration
Stakeholders weighed in June 19 on four utilities’ proposals to the Maryland Public Service Commission for eight pilot energy storage projects that could launch in February 2022.
By Guy Burdick • June 23, 2020 -
Trendline
The 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 -
Opinion
The truth about the future of gas: We don't need to build anymore
"Let’s clear away the myths about gas, renewables and the grid," writes UC Berkeley professor David Wooley, co-author of a recent report that said a 90% clean electricity system is feasible in the U.S. by 2035.
By David Wooley • June 22, 2020 -
Retroactive rates unconstitutional, APS says to questions of overearning
Arizona Public Service challenged commissioners’ calls to revisit a 2017 rate decision, rebuffing accusations the utility's earnings are too high due to alleged deficiencies in its customer education and outreach program.
By Guy Burdick • June 22, 2020 -
Pilgrim decommissioning deal surpasses federal requirements, requires cybersecurity plan
Massachusetts and Holtec have agreed on financial guarantees, cleanup standards, interim spent fuel storage and other requirements for dismantling the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth.
By Guy Burdick • June 19, 2020 -
NARUC, NASEO team up to tackle distributed solar cyber risks as vulnerabilities grow
As distributed solar grows more common — and more interconnected — the new partnership aims to identify and promote best cybersecurity practices.
By Emma Penrod • June 19, 2020 -
FERC schedules technical conferences on carbon pricing, offshore wind integration challenges
The meetings will examine whether the regulatory body has the legal authority to implement carbon pricing, as well as how grid operators can better address transmission concerns for offshore wind.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 19, 2020 -
Vectren bucks Indiana legislature with plan to reduce coal mix 78% to 12% by 2025
The utility will add up to 1,000 MW of solar + storage, among other renewable resources, bringing its energy mix to 64% renewable energy plus demand response in the next five years.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 17, 2020 -
Opinion
Toward a clean recovery: Rebooting the federal energy demonstration portfolio
The federal government should help fund projects that will demonstrate the real-world viability of large-scale, capital-intensive, zero-emissions technologies, an endeavor that is typically too risky for private companies to take on alone.
By Robert Rozansky and David M. Hart • June 17, 2020 -
Utilities remain mute on FERC net metering petition, leave filing to face overwhelming opposition
Pacific Gas and Electric, Xcel Energy, Duke Energy and others filed motions to intervene, but ultimately elected not to comment, while bipartisan federal and state political leaders, regulators and others expressed strong opposition.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 16, 2020 -
Supreme Court lifts major hurdle to $7.5B Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Pipeline opponents say Duke and Dominion have many more barriers to overcome on the long-delayed project. Dominion requested a two-year extension on the project on Tuesday.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated June 18, 2020 -
'The start of something big': California crafts pilot program to reduce building emissions
The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development program will be rolled out in the second quarter of 2021, with the first two years of incentives reserved for developers of low-income housing.
By Kavya Balaraman • June 16, 2020 -
Opinion
It's time for a green stimulus: Here's how a small Vermont utility can show the way
Burlington Electric Department has a plan to help boost local economic activity, support its customers with energy-saving technologies, and make progress on the city's Net Zero Energy goal.
By Darren Springer • June 15, 2020 -
California utilities, regulators aim to hasten microgrid deployment ahead of wildfire season
Pacific Gas and Electric plans to have 73 microgrids operational by the end of 2020, which are viewed by California commissioners as part of a multifaceted approach to wildfire preparation.
By Emma Penrod • June 15, 2020 -
Disbanded EPA science panel blasts lack of action on particulate matter in order to inform future litigation
The EPA found that more review was needed to determine the full health impacts of particulate matter, created by burning coal or other industrial processes.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 12, 2020 -
US weighs end to foreign nuclear power finance ban, potentially boosting advanced reactors
Opening up international financing could allow the U.S. to become more competitive with countries like Russia and China in providing carbon-free power to developing nations, advocates said.
By Emma Penrod • June 12, 2020 -
EPA ending policy of relaxed enforcement standards Aug. 31
Multiple state attorneys general and NGOs previously sued to stop the controversial move.
By E.A. Crunden • Updated July 1, 2020 -
Arizona chief utility regulator calls report on APS customer programs 'scathing' as commission considers reopening 2017 rate case
A staff consultant for the Arizona Corporation Commission has found deficiencies in APS' efforts to educate ratepayers on 2017 rate changes, and the chairman raised the possibility of refunds.
By Guy Burdick • June 11, 2020 -
FERC prohibits pipeline construction, allows land seizures as court weighs 'legal purgatory' of rehearing delays
Federal regulators issued an order that prevents developers from beginning construction while a request for rehearing is pending.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 11, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Trump's grid security order sows confusion in power sector — but don't expect a quick fix
The executive order limits the installation of bulk power system equipment sourced from foreign adversaries, but experts say the vague wording has the industry 'freaked out.'
By Robert Walton • June 10, 2020 -
Opinion
Massachusetts' Clean Peak Standard — A trailblazer in the nation's clean energy transition
As the standard comes into effect, it could play a substantial role in bringing additional clean energy technologies to the state. And adoption elsewhere could improve prospects of meeting aggressive renewable goals.
By Roger Lin • June 9, 2020 -
Indiana regulators decline to scrutinize IPL coal practices but continue Duke review
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission's order said Sierra Club's testimony didn't adequately account for non-economic factors that utilities need to consider when self-committing coal.
By Catherine Morehouse • June 9, 2020 -
NYSERDA moves to launch program targeting brownfields and other less desirable sites for renewables
The move is part of a statewide effort to jumpstart New York's mandate of 70% renewable energy by 2030.
By Guy Burdick • June 9, 2020 -
Opinion
Missouri cities shine on the national climate action stage
While coastal cities typically drive climate action, Kansas City and St. Louis are demonstrating what Heartland cities are capable of in the fight against climate change.
By Ashok Gupta • June 9, 2020 -
Deep Dive
California plans for future of gas system amid 'patchwork' of electrification policies
The California Public Utilities Commission has opened a rulemaking to "manage" a transition away from natural gas. But questions remain on what that transition will look like.
By Kavya Balaraman • June 9, 2020