Transmission & Distribution: Page 46
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. (2020). "Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Microscope image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565158853/.
Duke, AEP, Dominion among utilities to halt service shutoffs in coronavirus response
As President Donald Trump declared the spread of the novel coronavirus a national emergency, several major utilities halted power shutoffs.
By Robert Walton • March 16, 2020 -
Outdated business models are holding back greater renewables, DER integration: Enter DSOs
Decoupling ownership and operation of the distribution grid would advance deployment of non-wires solutions, a DER planning manager at Exelon said.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 13, 2020 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Mario Tama / Staff via Getty ImagesTrendlineGrid 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 -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Microscope image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49535193876/in/album-72157713108522106/.
Grid operators cancel travel, shift to remote meetings, as industry preps for broad coronavirus absenteeism
Utilities expect up to 40% of their workforce to be out sick, according to the Edison Electric Institute.
By Robert Walton • March 12, 2020 -
Over reliance on gas in PREPA IRP jeopardizes Puerto Rico's 100% clean energy goals, groups say
The future of Puerto Rico's electric grid hinges on a lot of moving parts: the utility's long-term plan, a debt restructuring agreement, the search for replacement generation and access to federal emergency funding.
By Robert Walton • March 12, 2020 -
Eversource, 7 others propose 36 ISO-NE transmission upgrades to offset loss of Exelon's Mystic station
The grid operator in 2019 launched its first competitive transmission solicitation under FERC's Order 1000, identifying upgrade needs around Boston and targeting more creative solutions in cases not considered time sensitive.
By Robert Walton • March 6, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Green Mountain Power's pioneering steps in transactive energy raise big questions about DER's value
Peer-to-peer energy transactions could meet policy goals and system needs, if software platforms resolve the complexities of value and reliable operation.
By Herman K. Trabish • March 4, 2020 -
NYC storage 'most adversely impacted' by FERC orders: NYISO CEO
Nuclear zero emissions credits and new renewable energy resource credits upstate will not face similar hurdles to market participation, said Richard Dewey, CEO of the grid operator.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 28, 2020 -
Ameren boosts Missouri 5-year smart grid investment to $7.6B, plans $1.2B wind purchase
The utility plans to begin installing smart meters in Missouri this year, and expects to roll out 1.2 million across its service territory by 2025.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 28, 2020 -
NiSource sells off controversial Massachusetts Columbia Gas assets for $1.1B to Eversource
The Massachusetts gas utility was in much need of rebranding, analysts say, as it emerged with a $143 million settlement for the 2018 Merrimack Valley explosions.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 28, 2020 -
NARUC offers Puerto Rico guidance on FEMA funding use, public-private approach to grid operations
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is sending representatives from eight states to assist Puerto Rico in reassessing how its utilities are overseen.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2020 -
As Puget Sound Energy moves to sell Colstrip share, critics say Northwestern desperate to keep coal plant online
The Montana utility saw a massive profit from the plant in 2008, and now will do anything to keep the facility in its ratebase, say environmentalists.
By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 26, 2020 -
State of the Electric Utility 2020
Renewables and sustainability are top priorities for utilities, but there is room for improvement on cybersecurity, climate resilience and more, Utility Dive's seventh annual report finds.
By Nami Sumida • Feb. 26, 2020 -
Supreme Court Justice Gorsuch warns of unintended consequences in Atlantic Coast Pipeline case
Justices Neil Gorsuch echoed developer arguments in his questioning, warning that a lower court decision could 'invite pipelines' in Western national parks.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 25, 2020 -
With FERC tariff filing, Southwest Power Pool moves closer to Western imbalance market launch
The market is expected to produce more efficient generation dispatch, which could help bring more renewable energy online, though utilities will ultimately make decisions on their own resource mix, an SPP official said.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2020 -
Arizona set to preempt local natural gas bans
The state legislature passed a bill to prevent cities from banning natural gas infrastructure in new buildings, which is a growing trend in California.
By Jason Plautz • Feb. 24, 2020 -
Michigan finds 'fundamental flaws' in DTE's resource plan, directs utility to pursue renewables
DTE wants to operate its Belle River coal plant until 2030, but regulators directed the utility to file a renewable energy plan with alternative generation options, or see the plan rejected.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2020 -
'It's not even close to perfect': Judge blasts PG&E vegetation management work
"I'm going to do everything I can to protect the people of the state of California from more death and destruction from this convicted felon," the judge overseeing Pacific Gas & Electric's probation said at a hearing Wednesday.
By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 20, 2020 -
PNM smart meter plans could see boost as New Mexico Senate considers grid mod grant program
Utility officials say the grant funding could help support grid modernization initiatives where it has struggled with cost recovery.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Utilities say they are prepared to meet cyber threats. Are they?
Experts warn that cyber standards compliance is not synonymous with security, as Utility Dive's annual survey shows that less than 60% "believe their organization is in or approaching compliance with government cybersecurity mandates."
By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2020 -
Dominion Energy sets 2050 net-zero carbon goal, buys Southern's stake in Atlantic Coast Pipeline
During the company's earnings call on Tuesday, the utility announced plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions while upping its stake in a controversial natural gas pipeline.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 2020 -
Ameren's hourly pricing program could reduce EV charging costs 50%, study finds
The dynamic pricing program, based on day-ahead prices in the Midcontinent ISO, has already saved Illinois residential consumers more than $12 million, according to the utility.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2020 -
NERC eyes stronger measures to secure utility supply chains, forms EMP task force
The bulk power system, which provides electricity to almost 400 million people in North America, faces an increasing number of physical and cyber threats.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2020 -
PG&E, other California utilities file plans to invest billions in wildfire mitigation through 2022
The utilities are also working on reducing the impact of safety power shut-offs on their customers, Phil Herrington, Southern California Edison’s senior vice president of transmission and distribution, told Utility Dive.
By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 10, 2020 -
Maryland regulators take cautious approach to multi-year rates, approve pilot for 1 utility
Ultimately, the Public Service Commission says multi-year rate plans will provide more predictable revenues for energy providers and greater bill certainty for customers. But experts warn the approach is not without risk.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2020 -
State regulators need cyclical reviews to get the most out of utility performance incentive mechanisms: Report
Upending utility business models is more easily done with complementary state policies and continuous improvement of incentives, according to Energy Innovation and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 4, 2020