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U.S. Energy Department Approves $1.6 Billion Loan for DTE Gas Infrastructure Upgrades

The U.S. Energy Department on June 15 finalized a $1.6 billion loan for DTE Gas Company to modernize natural gas infrastructure in Michigan, a move projected to deliver more than $700 million in savings for customers while improving the reliability of the state’s energy distribution system. The financing, announced through the DOE’s Office of Energy…...

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Michigan Commission Establishes Energy Affordability Goal for Low-Income Households

The Michigan Public Service Commission on June 11 established a statewide energy affordability goal that aims to reduce the energy burden of low-income households to no more than 6 percent of annual income, creating a new framework for utility assistance programs and customer bill support. The target allocates up to 4 percent of household income…...

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New York Launches 5-Gigawatt Nuclear Expansion Framework to Strengthen Grid Reliability

The New York State Public Service Commission on June 11 initiated a proceeding to establish a Nuclear Reliability Backbone, or NRB, framework that could support development of up to 5 gigawatts of new nuclear generation, advancing Governor Kathy Hochul’s strategy to strengthen grid reliability and support the state’s clean energy transition. The initiative will evaluate…...

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FERC Approves Temporary PJM Fast-Track Interconnection Process to Accelerate New Generation

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on June 9 approved a proposal from PJM Interconnection to establish a temporary expedited interconnection process aimed at bringing large new power resources online more quickly as electricity demand accelerates across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest power markets. The new Expedited Interconnection Track will allow up to 10 qualifying projects to…...

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U.S. Energy Department Releases Fusion Roadmap to Accelerate Commercial Deployment by Mid-2030s

The U.S. Energy Department on June 9 released a national fusion strategy aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of fusion energy, with the goal of supporting fusion pilot plants and commercial power generation by the mid-2030s. The initiative outlines federal priorities for research, infrastructure, workforce development, and industry collaboration as the U.S. seeks to…...

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New York Grid Faces Reliability Challenges from Data Centers, Electrification, and Resource Retirements: NYISO

New York Independent System Operator on June 9 released its annual Power Trends 2026 report, warning that accelerating electricity demand, growing uncertainty around future load forecasts, and tightening reliability margins are increasing pressure on New York’s electric system. The grid operator outlined an “all-of-the-above” resource strategy that relies on competitive wholesale electricity markets to support…...

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Minnesota Approves New Gas Service Rules to Advance Home Electrification and Gas System Planning

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on June 5 approved new requirements governing how regulated natural gas utilities extend service to new residential customers, advancing a broader effort to align gas system planning with the state’s energy efficiency and decarbonization goals. The action directs customer-funded utility programs toward lower-emission homes while maintaining reliable and affordable energy…

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RGGI Carbon Allowance Price Climbs 40 Percent in Latest Auction

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative participating states on June 5 announced results from the program’s 72nd carbon allowance auction, which cleared at $35 per allowance, generating approximately $642 million for reinvestment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, greenhouse gas reduction, and customer assistance programs across the region. A total of 18.3 million allowances were sold…...

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U.S. Energy Department Awards $500 Million for Coal Plants and Export Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Energy on June 4 announced up to $500 million in Defense Production Act funding for coal-fired power plants and export infrastructure, advancing the Trump administration’s broader strategy to preserve coal generation as a source of reliable baseload power and a pillar of U.S. energy security. The funding package includes up to…...

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U.S., Japan Launch $1 Billion AI Research Partnership Under Genesis Mission

The U.S. Department of Energy and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on June 4 announced a $1 billion strategic research partnership that makes Japan the first international participant in the Genesis Mission, a national initiative focused on accelerating scientific discovery through artificial intelligence (AI)…...

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New England Wholesale Electricity Costs Rose Nearly 50 Percent in 2025: ISO-NE

ISO New England on June 3 reported that wholesale electricity costs in the six-state region increased sharply in 2025 as higher natural gas prices, carbon pricing programs, and tighter supply conditions pushed electricity market prices higher. The grid operator’s latest Annual Markets Report concluded that wholesale electricity markets remained competitive despite rising costs. Total wholesale…...

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Minnesota Commission Approves Transmission Upgrades to Reduce Grid Congestion

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on May 29 approved a portfolio of transmission upgrades designed to ease grid congestion, lower electricity costs, and improve the delivery of renewable energy across the state. The decision follows the commission’s review of the 2025 Grid Enhancing Technologies Report, submitted by Minnesota’s major transmission owners under a 2024 state…...