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

Electric Transmission, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, Grid Modernization, PRODUCTS, Retail Power and Gas

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

EnerKnol Pulse

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

Carbon Market, Climate Change and Emissions, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS

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

coal, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS

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

Climate Change and Emissions, Electric Transmission, Energy Storage, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS, Solar, Wind

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

Electric Transmission, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS, Wholesale Power

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

Climate Change and Emissions, Cyber Security, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, Grid Modernization, PRODUCTS

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…...

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California Approves Cap-and-Invest Program Overhaul to Advance 2045 Climate Goals

Carbon Market, Climate Change and Emissions, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS

The California Air Resources Board on May 29 adopted revisions to the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, strengthening emissions limits through 2045 while expanding consumer protections and support for energy-intensive industries. The updates are intended to keep California on track to meet its climate goals, provide long-term market certainty, and address affordability concerns amid economic uncertainty and…...

U.S. House Responds to UN Climate Report Urging Prompt Action to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050

U.S. EPA Restores Affirmative Defense Protections Under Federal Air Permits

Climate Change and Emissions, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS, Retail Power and Gas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on May 28 restored affirmative defense protections under federal air permitting regulations following a federal court ruling that overturned a 2023 Biden administration rule. The move relieves manufacturers, power producers, and other industrial facilities from potential liability for excess emissions caused by unavoidable events such as equipment malfunctions, emergencies, or…...

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MISO Advances 3.7 GW of Projects Under Accelerated Interconnection Review

Climate Change and Emissions, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, Grid Modernization, PRODUCTS, Retail Power and Gas

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator on May 27 advanced a fourth round of projects under its Expedited Resource Addition Study, or ERAS, program, continuing efforts to speed new generation development as utilities confront rising electricity demand and tightening reserve margins across the Midwest and South. The latest cycle includes seven projects totaling about 3.7 gigawatts…...

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Minnesota Commission Approves Xcel Energy’s 600-Megawatt Sherco Battery Project to Support Energy Transition

Climate Change and Emissions, Electric Transmission, Energy Storage, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, PRODUCTS

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on May 26 approved a site permit for Xcel Energy to develop the Sherco South and West Battery Energy Storage Project, a 600-megawatt battery facility planned at the site of the Sherburne County Generating Station in Becker, Minnesota. The decision advances Minnesota’s efforts to replace retiring coal-fired generation with battery…...

data center

Data Centers to Drive Major Surge in U.S. Electricity Demand Through 2050: EIA

Electric Transmission, Energy Efficiency, EnerKnol Impact-Misc Categories, EnerKnol Impacts, EnerKnol Pulse, Grid Modernization, PRODUCTS

The U.S. Energy Information Administration on May 19 highlighted projections showing electricity demand from data center servers rising sharply through 2050, driven by expanding artificial intelligence applications and deployment of high-powered computing infrastructure across the commercial sector. In its Annual Energy Outlook 2026, released April 8, the agency projects server-related electricity consumption could climb to…...