Week Ahead: NY’s Large Load Interconnection Reforms, MO’s Resource Planning Rules, Nuclear Plant Restart
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Minnesota Regulator Approves Xcel Energy Virtual Power Plant to Deploy 200-Megawatts of Battery Storage
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on April 3 approved Xcel Energy’s phase 2 of its Capacity Connect initiative, advancing a plan to build a distributed network of battery storage systems designed to support grid reliability and clean energy integration. The program establishes a utility-owned virtual power plant, or VPP, by linking multiple smaller battery units…...
Southwest Power Pool Expands into Western Interconnection
Southwest Power Pool on April 2 announced the launch of expanded grid operations that extend its service territory into the Western Interconnection, making it the first U.S. grid operator to span two major power systems. The organization’s expanded operations officially began at midnight central time on April 1, following months of coordinated testing, simulation, and…...
Michigan Regulator Approves $276.6 Million Consumers Energy Rate Increase to Boost Grid Reliability
The Michigan Public Service Commission on March 27 approved a rate increase for Consumers Energy to support continued investments in electric grid reliability and reduce outage frequency and duration. The decision authorizes a $276.6 million increase in base rates, including $21.7 million in deferred operations and maintenance expenses and $14.6 million tied to cloud computing…...
PJM Moves to Fast-Track Data Center Connections as Power Demand Surges
PJM Interconnection and its stakeholders on March 26 advanced a set of proposals aimed at accelerating the connection of large-load customers, including data centers, while addressing mounting reliability and affordability concerns. The grid operator’s Markets and Reliability Committee approved two issue charges to examine a “connect-and-manage” approach, establishing a dedicated senior task force set to…...
U.S. Energy Department Announces $50 Million for Tribal Energy Projects Across Indian Country
The U.S. Energy Department on March 25 announced a $50 million funding opportunity to support tribal-led energy development, with a focus on expanding access to affordable, reliable, and secure power across Indian Country. The funding will be directed toward both community-scale projects and early-stage planning for larger developments that can drive long-term economic growth. The…...
U.S. Energy Department Partners with SoftBank, AEP on $33.3 Billion Ohio Power and Data Center Project
The U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Commerce on March 20 announced a public-private partnership with SoftBank and AEP Ohio to redevelop federal land, expand energy infrastructure, and support advanced computing development in southern Ohio. The initiative centers on the Portsmouth site in Pike County, where SB Energy, part of SoftBank Group, plans to…...
U.S. Energy Department Announces $1.9 Billion for Grid Upgrades
The U.S. Energy Department on March 12 announced a $1.9 billion funding opportunity aimed at accelerating upgrades to the nation’s electric transmission system as electricity demand rises across the country. The initiative focuses on rapidly increasing the capacity of existing power lines while strengthening grid reliability and lowering electricity costs for households and businesses. The…...