The California Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 10 released the first report of its Independent Safety Monitor established to enhance supervision of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s safety performance. As a prerequisite of approving the company’s plan for exiting bankruptcy in May 2020, the commission required the company’s shareholders to finance an Independent Safety Monitor,…...
Discussions about carbon pricing continue to evolve as the strategy is increasingly viewed as a policy tool that can play an expanded role in a broader policy mix to meet ambitious climate goals.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on Oct. 3 released the state’s 2022 Energy Plan which provides an analytical assessment of the current energy economy and outlines an approach for policy decisions. To meet the growing demand of residents and businesses, the plan calls for an “all of the above” approach that taps nuclear, natural gas, renewables,…...
The Florida Public Service Commission on Oct. 4 approved storm protection plans for Florida Power & Light Company, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company, and Florida Public Utilities Company, making some program adjustments to alleviate customer rate impacts. In its decision, the commission eliminated some planned programs because they happened to be routine utility functions…...
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) on Oct. 3 announced the participation of Canadian utility Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower) – the regional transmission organization’s first international member. The affiliation exemplifies both groups’ sustained attempts to enhance reliability through interregional coordination. SaskPower’s membership in SPP is expected to further strengthen electric coordination, improve the integration of intermittent generation,…...
The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 27 authorised stipulations in a case examining utility rate design to encourage state climate change policy. The authorized provisions allow for the execution of a number of new optional electric rates for customers of electric vehicles, energy storage technologies and heat pumps, together with those used for space…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Sep. 24 announced the creation of a new national program office devoted to advancing environmental justice and civil rights. This office will act as an enabler fulfilling the agency’s commitment to delivering justice and equity for all, while pushing the critical issues to the highest levels of the…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Sept. 22 launched a $7 billion program to build regional hydrogen hubs, or H2Hubs throughout the U.S. The H2Hubs, coupled with a grander $8 billion hydrogen hub package sponsored through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA will be a key driver in aiding groups across the U.S. make…...
A handful of states are revisiting natural gas line extension policies to eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups and support state climate policies that call for lower gas use and electrification of buildings.