U.S. dry natural gas production rose by 10 percent in 2019 from the prior year, reaching a record-high average of 93.1 billion cubic feet per day, according to an Oct. 5 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. natural gas consumption increased by 3 percent due to increased power sector consumption while gross exports…...
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…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 1 finalized a rule allowing a major source of hazardous air pollutants to reclassify as an “area source,” a less stringent category under the Clean Air Act, any time it implements measures to limit emissions. The action implements the agency’s 2018 guidance that withdrew the 1995 “Once In,…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sept. 29 announced $73 million in funding and grants to support initiatives aimed to reduce diesel emissions from existing engines. About $50 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding is expected to be allotted for projects intended to address diesel emissions from the nation’s existing fleet. The 2020 grants…...
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, vetoed legislation, which would have prevented the state from implementing measures to limit carbon emissions without legislative approval. The state’s Environmental Quality Board recently voted in favor of a proposed regulation that would allow the state to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, a cooperative effort…...
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…...
The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment reaffirmed its approval of Alle-Catt Wind Energy LLC’s 340-megawatt project, which would be the state’s largest wind farm, and Atlantic Wind LLC’s 101-megawatt project, according to a Sept. 25 press release. The board denied rehearing petitions finding that both the projects meet or…...
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, signed legislation on Sept. 23, which directs energy efficiency funds to support emissions reduction measures in the thermal energy and transportation sectors for a period of three years. The new law requires the Public Utility Commission to authorize an entity appointed to provide energy efficiency and conservation programs to…...
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.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 23 approved 17 renewable energy projects totaling 546 megawatts to enter into long-term contracts with the state’s investor-owned utilities. The projects represent solar, wind, hydro-electric, and biomass resources, with solar accounting for 482.5 megawatts of the capacity. The selection, which marks the largest renewable energy procurement in Maine,…...
The Michigan Public Service Commission on Sept. 24 requested staff and stakeholders in its MI Power Grid initiative to recommend how utility resource planning requirements should be revised to reflect the new emissions reductions goals set by an executive order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The order, issued on Sept. 23, creates the MI Healthy Climate…...
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.
