Offshore Oil Drilling 8 22 2019

U.S. Gulf of Mexico Oil, Gas Lease Sale Yields $160 Million in Bids

The U.S. Interior Department announced that its Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale held on Aug. 21 generated $159.4 million in high bids for 151 tracts covering about 835,000 acres, down from the previous sale, which drew about $244.3 million. The region-wide lease sale offered 77.8 million acres, including all available unleased areas…

Solar Panel 8 22 2019

Maine Commission Begins Implementing Net Metering Changes to Expand Customer Access

The Maine Public Utilities Commission launched a proceeding to implement amendments to its net energy billing rule, following legislation enacted in June that broadened access to the program, including expanding the capacity of eligible facilities to 5 megawatts, up from the previous 660 kilowatts, according to an Aug. 21 notice. The law expands the customer…

Tax Cut 8 22 2019

DTE Gas to Refund $330 Million to Michigan Customers in Final Round of Federal Tax Cut Adjustments

The Michigan Public Service Commission approved DTE Gas Co.’s third round of federal tax cut refunds that will return a total of $333 million, or $12.7 million annually, to customers, according to an Aug. 20 news release. The commission established a three-step process to address the short- and long-term impacts of the federal tax law, which…

North Carolina Clean Energy Plan

North Carolina’s Clean Energy Plan Envisions Carbon-Free Power Sector by 2050

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality on Aug. 16 unveiled a draft Clean Energy Plan outlining policy and action recommendations for the state to transition to carbon-free electricity by 2050, starting with a 60 to 70 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2030. An executive order issued last year by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper…