Growth in commercial electricity demand during 2023 was more evident in states going through speedy development of large-scale computing facilities such as data centers, according to a June 28 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Electricity consumption across the U.S. commercial sector has improved since the COVID 19 pandemic, with yearly U.S. electricity…...
Join The 2024 Energy Bar Association YLC Summer Intern Reception An intern’s summer experience often shapes whether they pursue a career in energy law. Join the Energy Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Council for a special evening to welcome their summer interns. The reception will take place on July 24, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm…...
The Department of Energy awarded $63 million to support the commercialization of four transformative energy technologies. The funding is through the Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential, also known as SCALEUP. This marks the third cohort of projects selected under the program. The SCALEUP initiative provides new funding to previous Advanced…...
U.S. energy production rose 4 percent to a record high of around 103 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) during 2023, according to a June 26 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Moreover, U.S. energy consumption declined by 1 percent to 94 quads during 2023. Production surpassed consumption during 2023 by a record 9…...
Electric utilities are increasingly using batteries to move electricity from periods of low prices to periods of high prices, a strategy known as arbitrage, according to a June 25 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Utilities state that arbitrage is the most common use case of battery storage with 10,487 MW of battery…...
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a $64.59 million settlement agreement resolving an ongoing investigation into Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s billing system failures. This settlement could increase by another $2 million if the company fails to implement monthly meter readings on time. A more detailed breakdown of the settlement revealed…...
Constellation Energy has shut down its Mystic Generating Station, a natural gas-fired power plant located in Massachusetts. Mystic is one of the nation’s oldest power plants that has supplied electricity to the Boston area since the 1940s, according to a June 24 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The company retired the Mystic plant…...
The U.S. Senate approval of President Biden’s three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) brings the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. The move comes as FERC is considering key issues including…Read the full report …...
The U.S. Senate approval of President Biden's three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) brings the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. The move comes as FERC is considering key issues including those pertaining to electric reliability and transmission rules, liquefied natural gas export projects, natural gas pipelines, and energy markets.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has launched the eighth annual round of solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects in the state. Expanding on New York’s 10-Point Action Plan, the new projects will advance the state’s goal of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The solicitations will be managed by the New…...
Join the Energy Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Council for a free virtual seminar titled “Ask Me Anything: A Career in Energy Law” on July 11 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. This session allows young professionals and students to ask energy attorneys about their careers and build connections in the energy community. For more information,…...
The U.S. Senate last week approved President Biden’s three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) bringing the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. Industry and clean energy groups welcomed the move saying that a fully staffed commission is crucial to address challenges posed by an aging electric grid, the…...
The utilization of coal in the electricity generation mix in the PJM Interconnection region has declined over the last 10 years, due largely to higher relative fuel costs, according to a June 17 report published by the U.S. Energy Information. Competitive pressure from other energy sources, particularly natural gas has led to lower coal utilization…...
Regulatory developments are shaping the trajectory of carbon markets amid mixed outcomes in recent allowance auctions. California, Quebec, and Washington are considering a shared carbon market highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle…Read the full report …...
Regulatory developments are shaping the trajectory of carbon markets amid mixed outcomes in recent allowance auctions. California, Quebec, and Washington are considering a shared carbon market highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, while Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed a state-specific cap-and-invest program.
Join The 2024 NARUC Summer Policy Summit Join NARUC’s highly anticipated Summer Policy Summit from July 14 to 17, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. This premier event will convene utility regulators, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues and innovative solutions in the energy sector. For more information, visit the NARUC website EnerKnol…...
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced two agreements to explore the potential renewable energy development on underutilized sites in the Southern Tier and Western New York through its Build Ready program. The first site is in the area surrounding Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and the second site is the Witmer Road…...
Monthly residential electric bills this summer (June through August) are projected to average $173 in the U.S., marginally higher than last summer’s average of $168, according to a June 13 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency projects increased electricity usage this summer due to the expectation of higher temperatures this summer…....
The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved a rate increase of $44.6 million for Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), which translates to an estimated electric bill increase of $5.72 per month for the average residential customer. The commission approved a significantly lower amount than the company’s initial request and authorized rate changes for only one…...
Tensions in the Middle East have led to trade disruptions through the Red Sea and increased crude oil and oil product flows around the Cape of Good Hope, which is located at the southern tip of Africa, according to a June 11 report published by the U.S. Energy Information. The quantity of crude oil and…...
Construction began on June 10 to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in New York City into what would be the nation’s largest offshore wind port, according to a press release from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The facility will serve as the operations and maintenance hub for Empire…...
Electricity supply shortage could occur if demand during peak periods is higher than projected or if electricity supply produced is lower than anticipated, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporations (NERC) 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment. The U.S. Energy Information Administration issued an analysis on June 10, highlighting the findings of the assessment. The continental…...
New and expanded federal tax credits, along with funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All residential program, have set the stage for further growth in the community solar industry. Several states have taken action to…Read the full report …...
New and expanded federal tax credits, along with funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All residential program, have set the stage for further growth in the community solar industry. Several states have taken action to establish or expand community solar programs. Also known as shared solar, community solar allows multiple energy customers to participate in projects that are remotely located and receive credits to lower their electricity bill.
Join NARUC’s “Innovation Webinar: Hydropower: Regulatory Strategies to Enhance Hydro’s Contribution to Resilience and Reliability” to learn how regulators and state energy officials are finding ways to ensure that hydro can continue providing value to the evolving electric system. For more information, visit the NARUC website About the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)…...
The U.S. Energy Department on June 6 announced $45 million from the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant, or RLF, program to five states and the District of Columbia. The program, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, offers funds that allow states and territories to make available loans and subsidies to…...
Developers plan to expand U.S. hydrogen production employing technologies that make use of electricity, according to a June 6 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The use of planned electrolyzer installations would shift hydrogen production away from its traditional reliance on hydrocarbon feedstocks towards the usage of electricity to produce hydrogen from water…....
The average price of U.S. natural gas declined during 2023 compared to 2022 and became less volatile, according to a June 4 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Price volatility increased during 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the cessation of Russian pipelined gas to Europe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine,…...
The California Public Utilities Commission has expanded and enhanced the state’s current community solar programs and introduced a new community renewable energy initiative, enabling access to a wider range of consumers. These changes will allow California to take advantage of state and federal funding including the $7 billion Solar for All program funded by the…...
Join The 2024 NASEO-NARUC-NASUCA Southeast Regional Equity Roundtable Join the NASEO-NARUC-NASUCA Southeast Regional Equity Roundtable: Equity Considerations in Electricity Planning and Policy The fifth in a series of regional roundtables will take place soon, focusing on electricity planning and policy through an equity lens. This in-person workshop will bring together State Energy Offices, public utility…...
Even as transportation electrification expands to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, states across the U.S. are examining policies to harness the benefits of vehicle-to-grid functionality. The ability of electric vehicles (EVs) to inject…Read the full report …...
Even as transportation electrification expands to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, states across the U.S. are examining policies to harness the benefits of vehicle-to-grid functionality. The ability of electric vehicles (EVs) to inject power from their batteries into the grid has the potential to optimize charging and mitigate grid impacts.
The U.S. Energy Department on May 30 announced New York as the first state in the U.S. to initiate their Home Energy Rebates Program established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The launch is part of a wider national initiative to deliver $8.8 billion in federal funding for states, territories and tribes to…...
U.S. natural gas usage for power generation during summer 2024 is forecast to reach close to the record volume consumed last year, according to a May 30 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency projects that U.S. natural gas usage for power generation will average 44.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd)…...
The Biden administration has launched a new initiative to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the power grid in the 21st century. The initiative, Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, is a collaboration with 21 states, federal agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate quick and cost-effective adaptation of the power grid. Participating states will strive to…...
The Biden administration on May 28 announced a policy statement and new principles to develop high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, or VCMs, that can unlock private capital to drive decarbonization efforts. The move is intended to support the responsible development of VCMs with “guardrails in place,” so that the market is equipped to spur credible climate…...
U.S. biodiesel imports increased twofold during 2023 compared to 2022 and were recorded at 33,000 barrels per day (b/d), according to a May 28 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Moreover, U.S. biodiesel imports continued to increase in the first two months of 2024. Majority of the biodiesel imports come from Germany, whereas…...
Join The 2024 NASEO-NARUC Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Working Groups Forum Join the upcoming NASEO-NARUC Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Working Groups Forum on June 11, 2024, from 3-4 PM ET. This forum focuses on industrial demand flexibility and load management strategies to bolster competitiveness, decarbonization, and energy efficiency while supporting the electric grid. For more information, visit…...
Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. are increasingly exploring the possibilities of deploying virtual power plants (VPPs) as a cost-effective means to provide grid services. VPPs have garnered attention as…Read the full report …...
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released its annual summer market and reliability report, providing an outlook for energy markets and electric reliability for the period of June-September 2024. The report forecasts warmer-than-average summer temperatures that increase electricity demand and adequate generating availability, although extreme conditions could challenge specific regions. Data center consumption has been…...
Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. are increasingly exploring the possibilities of deploying virtual power plants (VPPs) as a cost-effective means to provide grid services. VPPs have garnered attention as fossil fuel-fired power plants retire and renewable energy resources continue to grow amid increasing electricity demand.
The U.S. Energy Department’s Office of Petroleum Reserves has announced plans to release one million gas barrels from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve to help lower prices during summer. The department said the initiative is strategically timed to ensure sufficient supply for the tri-state and northeast regions during a period of high demand – between…...
The retail price of regular U.S. gasoline averaged $3.58 per gallon(gal) as of the Monday before Memorial Day, according to a May 23 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The retail price of U.S. gasoline is one percent higher compared to the same period last year. The price increase can be attributed to…...
Meteorologists are predicting a stronger hurricane season this year, which elevates risk for weather associated production disruptions in the U.S. natural gas and oil sectors, according to a May 22 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Reports from AccuWeather are forecasting around 20 to 25 storms this year, with a likelihood of around…...
Electricity consumption from light duty vehicles surpassed that of rail systems in the U.S. in 2023, according to a May 20 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Estimates of electricity consumption in the transport sector for the last five years show rail transport consuming the most electricity until 2022. This change reflects the increasing…...
Hydrogen technology continues to garner interest as an effective tool to support the progress towards net-zero emissions and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. Recent developments include…Read the full report…...
Hydrogen technology continues to garner interest as an effective tool to support the progress towards net-zero emissions and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. Recent developments include establishing a multi-year program plan to guide hydrogen innovation and selecting a consortium to help accelerate commercial liftoff of the clean hydrogen economy.
Join the Energy Bar Association’s Electricity Steering Committee for their annual half-day event on June 5, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP will host the program and will feature educational sessions and a keynote speaker, followed by a reception. For more information, visit the…...
U.S. President Joe Biden has signed legislation banning uranium imports from the Russian Federation, and to boost the domestic nuclear industry. The legislation, titled Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, will take effect on Aug. 11. In addition to the ban, the U.S. uranium market will receive $2.72 billion in federal funding to expand uranium enrichment…
DetailsHourly natural gas fired power generation in Texas rose to 49.4 gigawatts (GW) for the hour starting 7pm on Jan. 16, 2024, according to a May 16 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This was one percent more than the preceding winter high of 48.8 GW recorded on December 23,2022 and around four…...
The share of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles across the U.S. declined to 18 percent of total new light duty vehicle sales in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2024 compared to 18.8 percent in the last quarter of 2023, according to a May 14 report published by the…...
Join the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Innovation Webinar – Securing the Spark: Innovations in Proactive Physical Security for Energy Substations on May 30th, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern. Explore proactive physical security strategies for energy substations and learn from a compelling case study showcasing successful implementations. Gain valuable insights into…...
The notion that natural gas serves as a transition fuel to a low-carbon future has been challenged by a number of studies indicating that emissions of methane, the primary component of natural gas, significantly contributes to global warming. Methane is 80 times more potent than…Read the full report …...
The notion that natural gas serves as a transition fuel to a low-carbon future has been challenged by a number of studies indicating that emissions of methane, the primary component of natural gas, significantly contributes to global warming. Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period.
According to a report published on May 8 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration there were fewer interruptions to mount new utility scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in 2023 compared to 2022. Solar developers postponed the scheduled start date for an average of 19 percent of planned solar capacity compared with an average of 23…...
The U.S. Energy Department on May 9 released an initial list of ten potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) aimed at accelerating transmission project expansions in areas with urgent needs for expanded capacity. These corridors, spanning nine regions identified in the department’s National Transmission Needs Study, hold significant promise for advancing transmission to meet…...
U.S. West Coast refineries are utilizing more hydrogen from merchant suppliers than from their own production, according to a May 7 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Merchant suppliers accounted for over 62 percent of the hydrogen utilized by West Coast refiners during 2022. The inclination towards higher utilization of purchased hydrogen is…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on May 6 issued a final rule updating reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems under the agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The revisions will improve the accuracy of reported emissions from oil and natural gas facilities, providing greater transparency and accountability for methane emissions from their operations. Methane…...
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized its guidance clarifying the statutory definition of foreign entity of concern, or FEOC, in a section of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, that applies to programs related to the battery supply chain. This interpretive guidance is expected to assist automakers and other stakeholders…...
The Biden administration continues to advance policies and programs to catalyze offshore wind deployment to achieve the goal of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030…Read the full report …...
Join the Energy Bar Association Northeast Chapter on June 13th at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in Washington, DC for a full day of networking opportunities, educational panels, and a Keynote presentation. For more information, visit the EBA website About Energy Bar Association (EBA) The Energy Bar Association (EBA) is an international, non-profit association of…...
The Biden administration continues to advance policies and programs to catalyze offshore wind deployment to achieve the goal of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 and 15 GW of floating offshore wind energy capacity by 2035. States are also expediting offshore wind procurement efforts to align with ambitious deployment goals.
The U.S. Interior Department on April 30 announced proposals for offshore wind energy auctions in the Gulf of Maine and offshore Oregon that have the potential to generate more than 18 gigawatts of wind energy and power over six million homes. The Gulf of Maine auction would include eight lease areas off the coasts of…...
Georgia Power announced that Plant Vogtle Unit 4 achieved commercial operation on April 29, bringing the total generating capacity of the plant to over 4.6 gigawatts. With all four units now operational, Plant Vogtle is the largest nuclear power plant in the U.S. and is expected to generate over 30 million megawatt hours of electricity…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized carbon emission standards for existing coal-fired and new gas-fired power plants. Under the new rule, coal plants that intend to remain operational in the long term and new baseload gas-fired plants would have to control 90 percent of their emissions. The new rules are projected to reduce 1.38…...
The U.S. electric grid is undergoing a significant transformation, with renewable energy sources accounting for an increasing share of the nation’s electricity supply. To support this transition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and various state regulatory commissions have recently announced a series of initiatives aimed at…Read the full report …...
The U.S. electric grid is undergoing a significant transformation, with renewable energy sources accounting for an increasing share of the nation's electricity supply. To support this transition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and various state regulatory commissions have recently announced a series of initiatives aimed at streamlining the deployment of clean energy technologies and improving grid reliability and resilience. Renewable generation accounted for as much as 21 percent of the U.S. electricity supply in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
U.S. metallurgical coal, used mostly as a raw material in the steelmaking procedure has been sold on export markets for more than double the price of U.S. coal, used mostly as an input fuel during power production in six out of the last seven years, according to an April 24 report published by the U.S…....
U.S. natural gas consumption reached a record high of 89.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) during 2023, according to an April 23 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. natural gas consumption has been on an upward trend since 2018 and has increased on average by around four percent annually. Monthly natural…...
Join the FRI Advanced Seminar on Transformational Utility Pricing and Rate Design, presented by NARUC, at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, from April 30 to May 2, 2024. Attendees will gain intensive exposure to content through presentations, discussions, case studies, and group exercises lead by experts from a unique cross-section of former utility…...
The Biden administration has been resolute in its efforts to integrate environmental justice and equity into agency operations. From launching the Environmental Justice Scorecard to allocating billions of dollars in funding for…Read the full report …...
The Biden administration has been resolute in its efforts to integrate environmental justice and equity into agency operations. From launching the Environmental Justice Scorecard to allocating billions of dollars in funding for clean energy and climate projects, the administration has made notable progress.
U.S. hydropower production is expected to increase by six percent during 2024 compared to last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information. Hydropower generation declined to a 22 year low during 2023, due to less water supply. This year, hydroelectricity is projected to account for 250 billion kilowatthours of electricity production in the power sector,…...
An increase in U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports are projected to lead to higher volumes of U.S. natural gas exports during 2024 and 2025, according to an April 17 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. LNG exports are expected to increase due to three LNG export projects presently under construction commencing…...
The U.S. exported 20.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas during 2023, up 10 percent compared to the previous year, according to an April 15 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. natural gas volumes exported during 2023 were at an all time high. U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports…...
States across the U.S. are increasingly embracing energy storage solutions to complement their clean energy initiatives. The growing share of renewables continues to drive the… Read the full report …...
States across the U.S. are increasingly embracing energy storage solutions to complement their clean energy initiatives. The growing share of renewables continues to drive the expansion of battery storage technologies, which can help integrate intermittent resources into the grid. U.S. battery storage capacity is projected to double this year, with planned additions of 14.3 gigawatts (GW), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Join us for an exciting two days of compelling discussions. Attendees will include people from across the industry who are engaged in all areas of energy law, including antitrust, international energy transactions, legislation and regulatory reform, electric utility regulation, alternative dispute resolution, finance and transactions, and environment and public lands at federal, state, and international…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its annual Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks detailing national-level data on greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2022. In 2022, net U.S. greenhouse gas emissions stood at 5,489 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, marking a 1.3 percent increase from the previous year. This is attributed…...
The U.S. Energy Department and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced a strategic partnership on April 10 to advance fusion energy capabilities. Monitored through the Coordinating Committee on Fusion Energy, CCFE, the collaboration aims to identify opportunities for advancing demonstration and commercialization of fusion energy. Leveraging resources and facilities in both…...
U.S. natural gas inventories are projected to remain comparatively high through 2025, according to an April 11 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. High natural gas inventories are expected to dampen price volatility in U.S. gas markets and lead to relatively lower natural gas spot prices through 2025. The U.S. ended the winter…...
Additional solar capacity across Texas altered the daily electricity generation mix during 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Energy sources used to produce electricity have significantly changed in 2023, with solar accounting for a larger share of the generation mix. As it stands, wind generation remains the major source of renewable electricity generation…...
Recognizing the crucial role of energy efficiency in enabling an affordable energy transition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled the first federal blueprint for decarbonizing the buildings sector including goals to reduce on-site energy use intensity … Read the full report …...
The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission on April 4 voted to adopt a policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by distribution companies. The policy paves the way for future use of non-wires solutions that improve reliability and resilience of the grid. Electric distribution companies can now use storage technologies or batteries instead…...
Recognizing the crucial role of energy efficiency in enabling an affordable energy transition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled the first federal blueprint for decarbonizing the buildings sector including goals to reduce on-site energy use intensity in buildings. Additionally, multiple states have pledged to accelerate the shift to zero-emission residential buildings, highlighting the growing importance of energy-efficient solutions in achieving broader energy and climate objectives.
Join the IRA, BIL, and the Future of Energy Summit hosted by NARUC on April 17 – 18, 2024, at the Kellogg Conference Hotel, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC. This summit, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to support state and federal government policymakers, regulators, and program staff in navigating the complexities of implementing…...
A full solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to limit solar electricity generation for a short time across the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The solar eclipse will temporarily but completely obscure sunlight to solar generation assets from Texas through Maine, impacting 6.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity. Moreover, the solar eclipse…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on April 4 announced the recipients of $20 billion in grant awards under two programs within the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, or GGRF, established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. These grants will facilitate the establishment of a national financing network for clean energy and climate solutions across…...
