Oregon Regulator Suspends Action on $5.3 Billion Avista-Hydro One Merger

Oregon Regulator Suspends Action on $5.3 Billion Avista-Hydro One Merger

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 15 determined that there is no “justiciable controversy” to resolve in the proposed acquisition of Avista Corporation by Hydro One Limited, following denials in Washington and Idaho. The agency issued an order suspending the proceeding indefinitely until the companies notify of a reversal of the denials, providing an…

California Grid Operator Set to Launch Reliability Services Across West

California Grid Operator Set to Launch Reliability Services Across West

The California Independent System Operator Corporation finalized agreements to provide reliability coordinating services for 32 electricity balancing authorities and transmission operators across the west, according to a Jan. 14 press release. Following a year of planning and coordination, the ISO said it will now focus on technology and system integration to implement the service by July 1…....

New York Simplifies Grid Connection for Energy Storage as it Seeks to Meet Half of Electricity Needs With Renewables by 2030

Minnesota Regulator Adopts Process to Implement Performance-Based Rates

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 8 established a procedure to determine goals and metrics for Xcel Energy Inc.’s performance-based rates. The commission adopted the Office of Attorney General’s recommendation which outlines a “goals-outcomes-metrics process” as an effective method to gather stakeholder input and develop performance metrics. The possible outcomes identified include affordability, reliability,…

Electric Car Charging Stations

Maryland Regulator Authorizes Utilities to Install 5,000 Electric Car Charging Stations

The Maryland Public Service Commission approved a five-year electric vehicle charging program for the state’s largest utilities, taking a major step towards its ambitious goal of putting 300,000 electric vehicles on roadways by 2025, according to a Jan. 14 press release. The order permits utilities to own a limited number of public charging stations, in…

Montana State Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Establish Carbon Tax

Montana State Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Establish Carbon Tax

Montana House Lawmaker Mary Dunwell, a Democrat, introduced legislation on Jan. 14 that would impose a carbon tax of $10 per metric ton on large emissions sources from 2020, increasing annually by $1, plus the rate of inflation. The bill would set an emissions reduction goal of 25 percent by 2035, and 50 percent by…...