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.

State Commissions Grapple With Impacts of Utility Disconnection Bans

Visual Primer: State Commissions Grapple With Impacts of Utility Disconnection Bans

In light of the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, state utility commissions are taking different approaches to mitigate the impacts on utilities and ratepayers. Several states have extended moratoriums on service terminations while directing utilities to proactively engage in outreach programs to inform customers about payment assistance and plans. Others have allowed utilities to resume disconnections for nonpayment as costs of unpaid bills continue to mount.

Washington Enacts Law Requiring Electric Utilities to Plan for Distributed Energy Future

FERC Opens Wholesale Electricity Markets to Distributed Energy Resources

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Sept. 17 approved a long-awaited rule, directing regional grid operators to open their markets to distributed energy resource aggregations. The order removes barriers preventing these resources from competing on a level playing field in the wholesale capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets. The rule requires regional grid operators to…...

Virginia Regulator Approves $650 Million Grid Transformation Plan for Dominion Energy

Florida Commission Approves Reduction in Gulf Power’s Storm Restoration Costs

The Florida Public Service Commission on Sept. 15 authorized a settlement allowing a $5 million reduction in Gulf Power Company’s restoration costs related to Hurricane Michael, which caused widespread power outage and infrastructure damage upon making landfall in October 2018. In a November 2019 filing, the company requested approval to recover about 295 million. As…...

Arizona Law Prevents Local Restrictions on Natural Gas Use in Buildings

Michigan Regulator Slashes Consumers Energy’s Natural Gas Rate Increase by 40 Percent

The Michigan Public Service Commission on Sept. 10 ratified a settlement allowing Consumers Energy Company to increase its natural gas rates by $144 million, which is approximately 40 percent less than the utility’s initial request. Under the new rates, effective Oct. 1, residential customers will see a 9.1 percent increase in their monthly bills. In its…...

U.S. EPA Reverses Finding That Formed Basis for Obama-Era Power Plant Mercury Rules

California Takes Steps to Ensure Equity for Disadvantaged Communities in Climate Adaptation Strategies

The California Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 27 issued a decision providing guidelines on how regulated energy utilities should address vulnerabilities caused by climate change and engage with disadvantaged communities on adaptation measures. The decision ensures equitability by requiring utilities to minimize the climate-related impacts of infrastructure, operations, and service changes for the most vulnerable…...