Republican Governor Larry Hogan announced on May 22 that he is allowing the Clean Energy Jobs bill, which raises the renewable portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030, to take effect without his signature, expressing concerns that the measure could send jobs and environmental benefits to other states. Hogan chose to allow the measure to…
The Texas legislature on May 21 approved a measure aimed at mitigating the risk of cyber and physical attacks that may affect the reliability of the state’s electric systems. The legislation would establish the electric grid security council as an advisory body to implement and disseminate best security practices for the power industry, including generation,…
The New Hampshire legislature approved a measure on May 23 requiring at least two new community solar projects per year in each utility’s service territory to benefit low- and moderate-income ratepayers, starting next year. (SB165) Under the legislation, the host may choose to receive credits on bills for each member and the host, along with a…
The nineteenth quarterly carbon auction held by California and Quebec sold all of the more than 66 million carbon permits offered for current emissions at a record-high $17.45 per credit, above the floor price of $15.62, according to the results released on May 22 by the California Air Resources Board. The auction also sold 100…
The Bureau of Land Management on May 22 issued a draft environmental review finding that lifting an Obama-era moratorium on federal coal leasing would not change the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions compared to waiting for the pause to expire. The move responds to a court ruling issued last month, finding that former Interior Secretary Ryan…
The New York State Public Service Commission predicts that the cost for electricity supply this summer will remain near historically-low levels thanks to a decline in the amount of electricity consumed, according to a May 16 press release. Energy price forecasts based on projections from the New York Mercantile Exchange are down between 1 to…
The Florida Public Service Commission on May 21 approved settlement agreements allowing Duke Energy Florida LLC and Tampa Electric Company to use the savings from the 2017 federal tax reforms to cover the costs of restoring power after recent storms. The agreements also establish standardized processes for future storm restoration activities. Duke Energy will use $484…
Xcel Energy Inc. plans to retire its last two coal power plants in Minnesota by 2030, a decade earlier than scheduled, while extending operations of its Monticello nuclear plant until at least 2040, according to a May 20 announcement. The closures are part of the company’s integrated resource plan, which will be filed with the…
The unabating momentum of electric vehicle (EV) growth has prompted regulators and legislators to examine policies and standards of utilities regarding charging infrastructure. Utilities can assume a larger role in developing EV charging because of their ability to install and operate widely distributed electrical assets.
The New Hampshire legislature approved a bill on May 16 aimed to expand the state’s net metering cap to 5 megawatts from the current level of one megawatt. The legislation also includes a provision to prevent reselling of net-metered electricity into the New England wholesale market. (HB 365) The bill passed the legislature by a…
The Ohio Power Siting Board on May 16 authorized the construction of Hecate Energy Highland LLC’s 300-megawatt solar project, as well as Hardin Solar Energy II LLC’s 170-megawatt facility paired with a 60-megawatt battery. Hecate’s project will occupy nearly 2,000 acres within a 3,400-acre project area in Highland County. The developer plans to begin construction…
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved Texas Freeport LNG’s Train 4 expansion, the commission’s fourth approval of a liquified natural gas project this year, highlighting the nation’s commitment to exporting the super-chilled gas, according to a May 16 press release. The expansion of LNG terminal, located in eastern Texas, includes an extra liquefaction unit as…
