West Virginia Regulator Orders Cost Adjustments Slashing Gas Bills For 95 Percent of Customers

Minnesota Regulators Approve CenterPoint’s Renewable Natural Gas Interconnection Plan

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 21 granted CenterPoint Energy’s request to offer renewable natural gas, or RNG, interconnection service. The approval establishes a process for producers to inject RNG into the company’s system and creates terms and conditions for the service, including proposed interconnection rates. CenterPoint said that the proposal responds to demand…

California Utilities’ Renewable Generation Reached 40 Percent of Total Procurement in 2018

California Regulator Strengthens Enforcement Practices

The California Public Utilities Commission has adopted a new enforcement policy that provides guidance to achieve a consistent approach to enforcement practices and ensure that regulated entities demonstrate maximum compliance with rules and requirements, according to a Nov. 5 press release. The measure, which builds on existing tools and processes, is designed to promote consistency…...

Missouri Regulator Launches Probe into Winter Storm Event

Texas Grid Operator Projects Sufficient Generation for Upcoming Winter, Spring

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. expects nearly 83,000 megawatts of resource capacity to be available to meet the projected peak demand of 57,699 megawatts for the upcoming winter season from December 2020 to February 2021. The winter peak demand forecast in the grid operator’s final winter resource adequacy assessment, released on Nov. 5, …...

State Regulators Scrutinize Gas Utility Planning to Align With Climate Goals

Visual Primer: State Regulators Scrutinize Gas Utility Planning to Align With Climate Goals

A growing number of states are investigating long-term planning of natural gas utilities to explore cost-effective alternatives that better align with climate policies. Investigation into the future of the gas industry is becoming important to develop strategies that facilitate progress toward a net-zero emissions energy future while safeguarding ratepayer interests and ensuring reliable service.

New York Governor Announces Creation of Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection

New York Governor Announces Creation of Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection

Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed New York City Council Member and former Assembly Member Rory Lancman to the new role of Statewide Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection, according to an Oct. 30 press release. In the new role, Lancman will assess the performance of the state’s regulated utilities across the electric, natural gas, water, and…...

Arizona Law Prevents Local Restrictions on Natural Gas Use in Buildings

Colorado Regulators Probe into Retail Natural Gas Industry Emissions

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 4 opened a proceeding to investigate retail natural gas industry emissions as the state explores ways to meet the requirements of a 2019 law that set statewide goals to achieve emission cuts of 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050, relative to…...

Southwest Power Pool Proposes Rules to Implement Western Power Market

New York Governor Proposes Bill to Strengthen Enforcement Tools for Utilities

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo on Oct. 28 proposed legislation to strengthen the state’s enforcement mechanisms to hold utilities accountable for inadequate preparedness and response to extreme weather events such as Tropical Storm Isaias. The bill would increase penalties to shareholders for failing to comply with emergency response plans and other violations, and also expedite the…...

Hydrogen Offers Promising Potential for Clean Energy Transition

Visual Primer: Hydrogen Offers Promising Potential for Clean Energy Transition

Hydrogen is emerging as an important player in the U.S. energy landscape because of its ability to decarbonize multiple sectors. A number of exciting projects harnessing the technology are taking shape as hydrogen and fuel cells can store energy to help enhance the power grid and maximize opportunities to deploy renewable energy.

Visual Primer: Retail Energy Market Regulations Evolve to Help Customers Make Informed Choices

Visual Primer: Retail Energy Market Regulations Evolve to Help Customers Make Informed Choices

With growing access to competitive retail energy markets, regulatory reforms are focused on ensuring that consumers choosing third-party suppliers have accurate information to make educated decisions. In addition to updating marketing standards and sales practices that enhance customer protections, recent reforms are intended to empower customers by improving transparency of product and pricing information.

New York Governor Announces $90 Million in Federal Aid for Home Heating During Winter

Maryland Commission Unveils Gas Choice Website for Residential Customers

The Maryland Public Service Commission on Sept. 29 launched a website for gas supply, supplementing the electricity shopping site unveiled in March. Consumers can make informed choices shop for offers, such as lowest price per therm, environmentally-friendly gas supply, and no monthly or early termination fees. The initiatives are intended to help consumers in making…...

Puget Sound Energy, Avista Implement COVID-19 Bill Assistance Programs for Washington Customers

Pennsylvania’s New Disclosure Rules for Electric Suppliers Take Effect

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission’s enhanced disclosure rules took effect on Sept. 30, providing additional consumer protections and greater transparency for product offerings from electric generation suppliers. The amendments are designed to align the electric supplier regulations with those of natural gas suppliers. They do not apply to contracts executed before Sept. 30 and currently…...

Grid Modernization Strategies

Visual Primer: Grid Modernization Strategies Increasingly Center on Innovation and Customer Engagement

State policy goals are driving comprehensive grid modernization endeavors aimed at transitioning to a flexible and efficient grid that caters to the needs of the evolving electric sector and diverse customer interests. A growing number of state regulators and utilities alike are embarking on innovative ventures, striving towards necessary enhancements to accomplish energy and environmental goals.