California state lawmakers passed a measure that allots 10 percent of the 2020 funds from the Self Generation Incentive Program, or SGIP, to battery and distributed energy systems that can back up critical infrastructure in high fire threat districts to support resiliency during a deenergization event. The bill, which awaits the governor’s signature, allots $16.6…
The number of net-metered facilities in Maryland has been growing in recent years, but the current installed capacity of about 754 megawatts is just over half of the eligible cap, according to the Maryland Public Service Commission’s annual report issued on Sept. 24. The agency does not recommend changes to the cap as it is…
An unprecedented number of states are rushing to procure battery storage resources as the technology is seen as increasingly critical to balance supply and demand on power grids more saturated with intermittent supplies. Thanks to innovation and declining costs, battery technologies are increasingly presenting themselves in utility resource planning, interconnection procedures, renewable energy procurement, and utility pilots.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Sept. 20 authorized the construction of Tallgrass Energy LP’s proposed Cheyenne Connector Pipeline and the related Cheyenne Hub Enhancement project to deliver natural gas from processing plants in Colorado into Rockies Express Pipeline LLC at the Cheyenne Hub, allowing access to markets in the Midwest, Midcontinent, and Gulf Coast.…
Duke Energy Corporation aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050, and cut emissions by at least 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, according to a Sept. 17 press release. The company plans to double its renewable energy portfolio by 2025, and continue deploying low-cost natural gas to speed the transition…
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has approved a settlement agreement with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company which had initially requested a $77.6 million dollar increase to its electric rates, according to a September 19 press release. Commission Chairman Todd Hiett praised the agreement as being in the best interest of Oklahoma and achieving more than simply low-cost electricity. The commission’s…
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request by Liberty Utilities to change natural gas rates based on weather variations, according to a September 19 press release. Midstates Natural Gas Corp., a subsidiary of Liberty Utilities, requested adjustments to its natural gas rates under the weather normalization adjustment rider, which projects anticipated gas usage changes due…
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is scheduled to discuss a framework for evaluating alternative ratemaking proposals following a request by Potomac Electric Power Company to boost its electric rates, according to a September 18 notice. In May, Pepco filed an application to increase rates for its electric distribution service in the…
Fossil fuels continue to account for the largest share of energy consumption in the United States. Last year, about 79 percent of domestic energy production was from fossil fuels, and 80 percent of domestic energy consumption originated from fossil fuels, according to the Energy Information Administration. The share of U.S. total energy production from fossil…
Louisiana’s utility commission is putting an end to the state’s net metering scheme for residents with solar generators at the end of the year as the regulator seeks to limit the costs the program imposes on all ratepayers. In a 3-2 vote, commissioners approved a staff proposal to set compensation for residential solar power sold…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sept. 19 announced a final rule establishing nationwide uniform fuel economy and emission standards for automobiles and light duty trucks. As part of the rule, the agency said it is withdrawing a 2013 waiver that allowed California to pursue its own tailpipe pollution standard and zero-emission vehicle mandate. The…
The New York Public Service Commission on Sept. 19 authorized New York Transco, a consortium of major utilities, to borrow up to $400 million to upgrade transmission corridors that will allow increased transmission of renewable electricity across the state. In May, Transco sought approval to issue new long-term debt securities to complete the New York…
