Transmission & Distribution

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    Alexander Farnsworth via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    What if Bruce Lee had set federal transmission policy?

    The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could help unlock transmission development in three steps, including by repealing its Order 1000 on transmission planning. Enter the Dragon!

    By Vincent Duane and Caitlin Shields • Feb. 25, 2025
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    Andrey Semenov via Getty Images
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    Fortress backs behind-the-meter gas turbines to support AI hyperscalers

    New APR Energy plans to deploy 100 MW of mobile gas turbines in support of an unnamed data center hyperscaler, and more similar deals are on the way, officials said.

    By • Feb. 25, 2025
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    Mario Tama / Staff via Getty Images
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    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
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    Bilanol via Getty Images
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    NERC interregional transfer capability study lacks detail to drive transmission upgrades: EIPC

    The Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set metrics that could be used to determine whether more transmission is needed between regions.

    By • Feb. 25, 2025
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    The image by Patrick Finnegan is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    US governors press for infrastructure permitting reform

    The governors also aim to ensure that the federal government meets its obligations for federally funded projects, the National Governors Association said.

    By • Feb. 24, 2025
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    Permission granted by Energy Exemplar
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    Sponsored by Energy Exemplar

    Is your utility prepared for these 3 energy trends in 2025?

    The energy sector is undergoing significant transformations in 2025. Is your utility prepared?

    Feb. 24, 2025
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    The image by Jakec is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    FERC launches colocation review, plus 6 other open meeting takeaways

    Final colocation rules aren’t likely until 2026, creating uncertainty for Vistra, Talen Energy and other independent power producers, Capstone analysts said.

    By • Updated Feb. 21, 2025
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    Courtesy of Amazon
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    Indiana regulators approve ‘large load’ interconnection rules

    The decision affirms a pact offered by Indiana Michigan Power, Amazon Data Services, Google, Microsoft, the Indiana ratepayer advocate and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana.

    By • Feb. 20, 2025
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    Gerville via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    How to reduce large load speculation? Standardize the interconnection process.

    We can haphazardly continue down the path of a fragmented and increasingly untenable approach to large load-side interconnection, or we can introduce rational standardization to the process.

    By Peter Freed and Allison Clements • Feb. 19, 2025
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    Alex Potemkin via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Achieving energy dominance without leaving small customers behind

    Addressing load growth must be done in a way that ensures rate stability for all and avoids an energy system that houses haves and have nots.

    By Ray Gifford and Matt Larson • Feb. 18, 2025
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    halbergman via Getty Images
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    AEP expects electric sales to jump 8.6% annually over 3 years

    American Electric Power is in the early permitting phase for small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia as data centers and industrial facilities drive demand for power.

    By • Feb. 18, 2025
  • A man watches the flames from the Palisades Fire burning homes on the Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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    Apu Gomes/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    PG&E tries to reassure investors amid growing wildfire concerns

    Significant improvement in the company's credit rating may not be possible in the near term, company officials said Thursday. The utility wants California to expand its public wildfire insurance fund.

    By Emma Penrod • Feb. 18, 2025
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    Photo illustration by ScottMadden; photographs by Viks_jin and amiak via Adobe Stock

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    Sponsored by ScottMadden

    Practical AI for utilities: How to prioritize and scale real-world use cases

    Many utilities are still piloting basic use cases for AI technologies, but building momentum for broader adoption requires a structured approach.

    By Luke Martin • Feb. 18, 2025
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    Valerie Loiseleux via Getty Images
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    New Jersey residential customers face 20% bill hikes, driven by PJM capacity prices: BPU

    New Jersey regulators must carefully examine utility filings with an eye toward keeping electricity affordable, the state’s ratepayer advocate said.

    By • Updated Feb. 13, 2025
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    Gerville via Getty Images
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    Exelon data center pipeline jumps to 17 GW as load forecast turns positive

    CEO Calvin Butler called for new approaches to ensuring the PJM Interconnection has adequate power supplies. “A variety of solutions across regulated and merchant participants is necessary,” he said.

    By • Feb. 13, 2025
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    (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images) via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Transformer supply bottleneck threatens power system stability as load grows

    Electric transformers are critical to managing power system reliability. Solutions to the bottleneck are emerging, but long wait times remain.

    By • Feb. 12, 2025
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    Permission granted by Ethan Howland
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    Eaton invests $340M in US transformer production

    The company said it aims to help address the ongoing transformer shortage and meet record demand from utility, large commercial, industrial and data center customers.

    By • Feb. 12, 2025
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    MadamLead/istockphoto.com

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    Sponsored by Allied Telesis, Inc.

    Digital transformation in utilities: From smart metering to integrated systems

    Exploring the journey of utilities embracing digitalization, from advanced metering to comprehensive system integration. 

    Feb. 10, 2025
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    The image by Analogue Kid is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    DOE to focus on expanding baseload generation: Secretary Wright

    “Net-zero policies raise energy costs for American families and businesses, threaten the reliability of our energy system, and undermine our energy and national security,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

    By • Feb. 6, 2025
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    Courtesy of Sunrun
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    Puerto Rico utility LUMA plans to add 1 GW renewables, 700 MW storage

    LUMA’s agreement with engineering and construction firm Linxon US calls for the development of nine “energy interconnection points” as part of Puerto Rico’s Tranche 1 renewable procurement plan.

    By • Feb. 6, 2025
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    Zview via Getty Images
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    Utilities await clarity on DOE loans as decisive court battle looms

    The Trump administration will likely scrutinize funding for renewables and climate change mitigation, potentially affecting outlays for critical grid investments, experts say.

    By Brian Martucci • Feb. 5, 2025
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    AscentXmedia via Getty Images
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    California PUC streamlines transmission permitting process

    The California Independent System Operator estimates the state will need up to $63 billion in new transmission over the next 20 years to meet its energy goals.

    By • Feb. 4, 2025
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Senate confirms Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as DOE secretary

    Wright aims to expand U.S. power supplies — including renewable energy — to help lower electricity prices, he said during his Senate confirmation hearing.

    By • Feb. 4, 2025
  • Mutual assistance crews working with CenterPoint Energy work to restore power around Houston, Texas, following Hurricane Beryl.
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    Danielle Villasana/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    CenterPoint proposes $5.75B system resiliency plan

    The utility expects the number of customers it serves to grow 2% annually "for the foreseeable future.”

    By • Feb. 4, 2025
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    Retrieved from US Department of Energy.
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    Opinion

    Doing the most with the transmission we have now

    Western day-ahead markets will improve the status quo but should be seen as a “way station” to even more efficient RTO-like dispatch.

    By Scott Miller • Feb. 3, 2025
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Texas eyes 765-kV transmission lines in regional ‘transmission race’

    Utility regulators are concerned about the potential for costs to spiral and supply chain constraints to slow development. 

    By • Feb. 3, 2025