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…...
The U.S. Energy Department on April 3 unveiled new Better Building Initiatives aimed at helping organizations across various sectors of the economy enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions. One of the notable initiatives is the Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator, which will facilitate the production of advanced, life cycle cost-effective heat…...
The U.S. exported more liquefied natural gas compared to any other nation in 2023, according to an April 1 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. LNG exports averaged 11.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) during 2023, up 12 percent from the previous year. Annual LNG exports from Australia and Qatar, the…...
Join The 2024 Energy Bar Association Northeast Chapter Energizer Join the Northeast Chapter Energizer hosted by the Energy Bar Association on April 10 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm EDT. This event will feature a panel of speakers from different grid operators in the area. Learn about the timelines and steps for new and existing…...
The U.S. Energy Department announced the selection of more than 100 projects to receive $4 billion in advanced energy tax credits funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate clean energy manufacturing and reduce industrial emissions. The projects, selected under the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit, or 48C, program, span across 35 states…...
There is a growing focus on enhancing oversight, transparency, and stakeholder engagement in the integrated resource planning process for electric utilities across various states. The pursuit for a low-carbon future is driving the need for innovative policy initiatives to maximize…Read the full report…...
A multi-state solicitation by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island received project proposals from four project developers, according to a March 27 press release by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Connecticut issued a solicitation for up to 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind aligning with the procurement initiatives of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Last…...
There is a growing focus on enhancing oversight, transparency, and stakeholder engagement in the integrated resource planning process for electric utilities across various states. The pursuit for a low-carbon future is driving the need for innovative policy initiatives to maximize renewable energy utilization and maintain grid reliability. Integrated resource plans (IRPs) that utilities file with state commissions identify the optimal mix of resources required to serve customers over a long-term planning horizon.
Shipping traffic from the Port of Baltimore, the second-largest coal exporting hub in the U.S., has temporarily paused after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge into the Patapsco River on March 26, according to a report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This has impacted U.S. energy related trading dynamics. The Port…...
The U.S. Energy Department on March 25 announced up to $22 million in investment to enhance the siting and permitting process for the development of large-scale renewable energy facilities across six states. The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning, or R-STEP, program will distribute $10 million among six projects based in Indiana, Iowa,…...
The U.S. Energy Department on March 25 announced up to $6 billion for 33 industrial decarbonization projects spanning over 20 states. This marks the single largest industrial decarbonization investment in the U.S. These initiatives prioritize community engagement through comprehensive Community Benefits Plans, aiming to foster local economic development and environmental improvement. The funding, supported by…...
Natural gas prices at SoCal Citygate, the main price hub in Southern California, averaged $3.61 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during December 2023, according to a March 25 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The average spot price during December 2023, was the lowest December spot price in eight years, when adjusting…...
Recent policy developments in the U.S. nuclear power industry indicate a growing recognition of the carbon-free nature of nuclear energy to support the energy transition. With Congress considering nuclear energy reforms, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposing rules for…Read the full report…...
Recent policy developments in the U.S. nuclear power industry indicate a growing recognition of the carbon-free nature of nuclear energy to support the energy transition. With Congress considering nuclear energy reforms, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposing rules for advanced reactor licensing, and state legislatures exploring the benefits of small modular technologies, the landscape of nuclear energy technologies is poised for change.
Brent crude oil and petroleum product prices are projected to increase for the remainder of 2024, according to a March 21 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The projected price increase can be attributed to the announcement that OPEC+ will extend the current voluntary production cuts through the second quarter of 2024. The…...
Join the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) for the 2024 Current Issues Conference on April 14-17, 2024 at the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, NM. Learn from industry leaders and commissioners as they discuss issues facing the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications industries. For more information, visit the NARUC event website About…...
The U.S. Energy Department on March 20 opened applications for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, earmarking $180 million for school districts nationwide. The initiative aims to support strategic partnerships to implement energy upgrades in K-12 schools. The funding, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing…...
The U.S. Energy Department issued a report on March 18 discussing the potential role of next generation geothermal technologies in the clean energy transition. The report, titled “Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Next-Generation Geothermal Power,” is the latest in a series of reports assessing how the U.S. can decarbonize by 2050. The report complements the objectives…...
As carbon pricing gains traction as a policy tool to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, regulatory attention on U.S. carbon markets has been on the rise. Recent developments in state-level emissions trading programs have yielded mixed results…Read the full report …...
As carbon pricing gains traction as a policy tool to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, regulatory attention on U.S. carbon markets has been on the rise. Recent developments in state-level emissions trading programs have yielded mixed results, with Washington's latest allowance auction seeing a significant price drop, while California, Quebec, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) cleared at record high prices.
Join The 2023 Energy Bar Association Enforcers and Defenders Forum Get ready for the 2024 Enforcers and Defenders Forum hosted by the Energy Bar Association. This forum promises networking opportunities, providing a platform for legal professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to connect. For more information, visit the EBA website About Energy Bar Association (EBA) The…...
The fifth auction of greenhouse gas allowances under Washington’s cap-and-invest program sold all allowances offered, with current vintage allowances settling at $25.76 per allowance, which is more than 50 percent lower compared to the previous quarterly auction, according to the results released on March 13 by the state’s Department of Ecology. The clearing price is…...
President Joe Biden’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 includes $51 billion in discretionary funds for the U.S. Energy Department, a 7.5 percent increase from the 2023 level. The proposal reinforces the administration’s commitment to tackle climate, energy, environmental, and nuclear security challenges. With a focus on combating climate change and promoting economic growth, the…
DetailsA growing number of states across the U.S. are considering clean fuel programs to limit the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and to incentivize the production of…Read the full report …...
The U.S. Energy Department on March 8 announced a $425 million funding initiative for the second round of projects under the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program, building upon the success of the first round in 2023. The initial round resulted in $275 million in federal investments distributed across seven selected projects in seven states…....
A growing number of states across the U.S. are considering clean fuel programs to limit the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and to incentivize the production of low-carbon and renewable alternatives.
The California Public Utilities Commission has issued a decision initiating the first phase of the California Clean Miles Standard Program, a joint effort with the California Air Resources Board, to devise innovative strategies for transportation companies to combat emissions. The move sets the path for transportation firms to electrify their fleets to help the transportation…
DetailsU.S. gasoline and diesel prices rose during February although retail average prices are below 2023 levels for this time of the year, according to a March 6 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The price increase can be attributed to the sharp decline in refinery utilization and decreasing regional inventories across the major…...
U.S. crude oil production has risen significantly over the last decade, in line with productivity increases at new wells according to a Mar .5 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. became the world’s largest crude oil producer in 2018 and as of October 2023 accounts for about 16 percent of total…...
Multiple states in the U.S. have initiated long-term proceedings to examine the operations of natural gas utilities, aiming to incorporate the implications of electrification goals and…Read the full report …...
Join The 2024 New York Energy Week Monthly Meetup This is the monthly planning meeting for the New York Energy Week Steering Committee, energy-interested community, and friends. Please Join us as we plan for NYEW 2024! Do you want to help shape the future of New York’s energy industry? Come see what New York…...
Multiple states in the U.S. have initiated long-term proceedings to examine the operations of natural gas utilities, aiming to incorporate the implications of electrification goals and emissions reduction requirements into the planning processes of distribution utilities.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s upcoming rule to limit carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants will omit existing natural gas-fired plants, according to a Feb. 29 statement. The rule is expected in April. The agency plans to take a new approach to address emissions from the existing gas-fired fleet, covering more pollutants and ensuring…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Feb. 27 announced over $366 million for 17 projects in rural and remote areas across 20 states, benefiting 30 Tribal Nations and communities. The projects are a part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas, or ERA, program. This funding, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs…...
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has formalized planning requirements for the state’s major natural gas utilities. The initiative stems from the 2021 gas price spike during Winter Storm Uri, which underscored the need for a comprehensive planning approach to safeguard consumers from price volatility. The process aims to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service…...
The net metering policy landscape continues to change as customer-sited generation expands. More states are shifting from traditional net metering to implement new rate structures. Over the last year, California, Arkansas, and North Carolina have adopted revisions to…Read the full report …...
The net metering policy landscape continues to change as customer-sited generation expands. More states are shifting from traditional net metering to implement new rate structures. Over the last year, California, Arkansas, and North Carolina have adopted revisions to the policy. Net energy metering (NEM), which credits customer generators for grid-exported power, has been a key component of the policy framework to spur investment in customer-sited renewable energy facilities, including solar and energy storage systems.
Join colleagues, commissioners, consumer reps, and industry stakeholders at the premier utility event in DC! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving utility landscape. For more information, visit NARUC Winter Policy Summit event page. About The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) NARUC…...
The U.S. is projected to retire 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generating capacity in 2024, according to a Feb. 20 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The expected retirement of power generating capacity this year is 62 percent lower than 2023 and is the lowest yearly decline since 2008. Coal and natural gas…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 16 announced the availability of $81 million in funding opportunities to support eligible air agencies in expanding and upgrading the nation’s air quality monitoring networks. This investment, supported by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, aims to address air pollution, enhance monitoring in and near communities, and…...
The Biden administration has made significant strides in climate change action, particularly through the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which represents the single largest investment in climate and energy in the U.S. Actions to further the administration’s climate agenda include…Read the full report …...
The Biden administration has made significant strides in climate change action, particularly through the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which represents the single largest investment in climate and energy in the U.S. Actions to further the administration’s climate agenda include proposals to limit emissions from power plants and vehicles, finalizing methane emission rules, and advancing environmental justice.
Join colleagues, commissioners, consumer reps, and industry stakeholders at the premier utility event in DC! EnerKnol Team will also be present at the event. Visit them at the EnerKnol booth to learn more about the EnerKnol Platform, EnerKnol’s cloud-based software that will let you access millions of filings across multiple agencies to ensure compliance with…...
The U.S. is expected to add 62.8 gigawatts of new utility scale power generating capacity in 2024, up 55 percent compared to 2023, which saw capacity increase by 40.4 GW, according to a Feb. 15 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Solar and battery storage capacity are expected to account for 58 percent and…...
The New Mexico legislature on Feb. 13 approved legislation to implement a clean fuel standard aimed to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in the state by at least 30 percent by 2040, relative to 2018 levels. The bill now awaits Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signature. New Mexico is set to become the…...
U.S. natural gas prices during 2023 were relatively lower, due to increases in natural gas supply surpassing the rise in natural gas demand, according to a Feb. 12 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Domestic gas production and imports were robust during 2023, amid a backdrop of high U.S. natural gas storage levels. In…...
Federal actions are paving the way to build out new transmission capacity at the pace required to accommodate shifts in power generation and achieve decarbonization goals while enhancing…Read the full report …...
Federal actions are paving the way to build out new transmission capacity at the pace required to accommodate shifts in power generation and achieve decarbonization goals while enhancing grid reliability.
Join The 2024 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Policy Summit Join NARUC Winter Policy Summit, a premier gathering of energy industry experts happening on February 25th to 28th, 2024. This event will bring together a diverse group of professionals, including speakers from federal agencies, trade organizations, advocacy groups, legal experts, and policymakers…....
The U.S. liquefied natural gas industry experienced notable progress as three major projects commenced construction in 2023, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Feb. 7. This advancement is fueled by the execution of sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) amounting to nearly 22 million metric tons per year of LNG, albeit reflecting a…...
Join the 23rd Annual Event of the Wall Street Green Summit The 2024 Wall Street Green Summit is taking place in New York City at the Cornell Club of NYC in Midtown Manhattan. Join the Wall Street Green Summit on March 12th and March 13th, 2024, Brace yourself for a deep dive into the latest…...
For years now, lawmakers and regulators across the U.S. have intensified their scrutiny of the competitive electricity market for residential consumers in order to address…Read the full report…...
For years now, lawmakers and regulators across the U.S. have intensified their scrutiny of the competitive electricity market for residential consumers in order to address deceptive sales tactics and complex contract terms that burden consumers with high costs.
