An unprecedented number of states are upending how retail power rates are set as utility revenues get squeezed by the surge in distributed generation, like rooftop solar panels, and as providers face bold environmental mandates to address climate change. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia are exploring or have adopted performance-based rate programs through…...
FERC Commissioner Bernard McNamee said the agency approved four LNG export projects in the span of three months, following a two-year drought of facility authorizations, FERC Commissioner Bernard McNamee said the agency approved four LNG export projects in the span of three months, following a two-year drought of facility authorizations, according to testimony filed June 12…
The New York Public Service Commission imposed negative adjustments in the revenues of the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc. for shortfalls in their reliability and customer service metrics last year. Major storms continue to challenge utilities, accounting for more than 80…
The Court of Common Pleas in Hampton County on June 11 finalized a settlement in a class action lawsuit over the costs that South Carolina Electric & Gas Company’s electric ratepayers have incurred towards the abandoned VC Summer nuclear power project. The settlement includes a $115 million cash component, an estimated $60 million to $85…
The New Hampshire state legislature passed a measure that revises the state’s renewable portfolio standards for solar to 5.4 percent by 2025, up from the current 0.6 percent. The bill specifically seeks to raise the amount of electricity that utilities must procure from Class II renewables, which comprises solar electric systems that began operation after…
Legislation creating an ambitious cap-and-trade program in Oregon cleared a key committee on June 12 and is scheduled for a House vote on Monday. If passed, the bill would make Oregon the second state after California to adopt the market-based approach to slashing greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Democrats currently hold a trifecta in…
Democratic Governor Janet Mills signed legislation on June 14 establishing the position of a “nonwires alternative coordinator” to investigate and identify alternatives to proposed transmission projects, and evaluate the costs and benefits of nonwire alternatives compared to utility capital investments in the transmission and distribution system. Nonwire alternatives refer to infrastructure, technology, or application that…
Magnolia LNG LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of LNGL, submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to boost liquefied natural gas production capacity at its proposed Magnolia LNG export terminal in Louisiana, according to a June 7 notice. The company wants to expand the production capacity of the project from the currently approved 8 million…
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection denied Williams Partners LP a water quality certification for its nearly $1 billion Northeast Supply Enhancement natural gas project, over concerns that it would “adversely impact surface water quality”, according to a June 6 press release. The move follows the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision just last month to deny “without…
The Florida Public Service Commission on June 11 approved an agreement allowing Duke Energy Florida LLC to use savings from the 2017 federal tax reforms to cover the costs of restoring power after hurricane Michael, avoiding a surcharge to the utility’s customers. Duke Energy will use $223.5 million for the costs incurred from the October…
The Maine legislature has passed a bill on June 11 which was set to mandate an 80 percent renewable portfolio standard by 2040, but the goal was removed to focus instead on workforce initiatives and solar installations in schools. The final version of the bill, which was introduced by Democratic Representative Chloe Maxmin, centers instead on workforce…
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has released the draft version of the 2019 Energy Master Plan, which provides a blueprint made up of seven strategies for achieving the state’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emission by at least 80 percent compared to 2006 levels,…