Evolving electric system reliability needs that stem from the anticipated unprecedented growth in intermittent resources have prompted a closer scrutiny of resource adequacy (RA) issues. The increasing share of renewables to facilitate a lower-carbon grid, coupled with fossil generation retirements and increased demand for electrification, pose emerging challenges…Read the full report…...
Evolving electric system reliability needs that stem from the anticipated unprecedented growth in intermittent resources have prompted a closer scrutiny of resource adequacy (RA) issues. The increasing share of renewables to facilitate a lower-carbon grid, coupled with fossil generation retirements and increased demand for electrification, pose emerging challenges to the ability of system operators to meet reliability requirements. RA ensures that the planned resource mix is sufficient to meet the future system capacity needs and maintain grid reliability.
U.S. households that utilize natural gas and those situated in the West, which together represent over half of all U.S. households, are expected to spend less on energy this winter in comparison to last winter, according to an Oct. 12 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency expects residential energy prices for heating…...
The New York State Public Service Commission on Oct. 12 denied petitions seeking additional funding from consumers for four proposed offshore wind projects and 86 land-based renewable energy projects. The petitions filed by major offshore wind developers and a clean energy group sought amendments to power purchase agreements with the New York State Energy Research…...
Join the National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) from November 12th to 15th, 2023, at the exquisite La Quinta Hotel and Resort in the picturesque La Quinta, California, for an unparalleled opportunity to expand your knowledge and influence in the energy industry. This event is not just a conference; it’s a transformative experience designed to…...
U.S. crude oil exports reached a record 3.99 million barrels per day (b/d) during the first six months of 2023, up 650,000 b/d compared to the same period in 2022, according to an Oct. 10 report issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. crude oil exports during the period were at their highest levels…...
Latest developments in the policy and regulatory landscape governing competitive retail electricity markets are focused on efforts to enhance consumer protection and benefits. Recent actions range from…Read the full report…...
Latest developments in the policy and regulatory landscape governing competitive retail electricity markets are focused on efforts to enhance consumer protection and benefits. Recent actions range from establishing stricter reviews of electric supplier licenses to cyber and data security requirements.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 6 announced the availability of its draft environmental impact statement for the construction and operations plan presented by US Wind Inc. for its planned Maryland Offshore Wind Project. The draft evaluates the possible environmental impacts of the state’s offshore wind projects and offers amendments to the planned…...
U.S. peak hourly electricity demand on July 27, 2023, reached 741,815 megawatt hours (MWh), according to an Oct. 5 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The peak hourly demand was the second highest since 2016 and was marginally below the record high of 742,704 MWh last year on Jul. 20. U.S. peak electricity demand…
DetailsThe states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, on Oct.4 announced an offshore wind multi-state coordination memorandum of understanding for offshore wind in New England. The collaboration, the first of its kind in the U.S, aims to capture cost reductions by facilitating the development of large-scale, viable offshore wind projects, thereby enabling the acquisition of…...
U.S. exports of natural gas averaged 20.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) during the first half of 2023, up 4 percent compared to the same period in 2022, according to an Oct. 4 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The increase in U.S. gas exports can be attributed to the continued growth in…
DetailsThe average construction costs of natural gas-fired generators, wind turbines and solar PV systems declined in the U.S. during 2021 relative to 2020, according to an Oct. 3 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Average construction expenditures declined by 18 percent for gas fired generators, 5 percent for wind turbines and by 6 percent…...
Join The Energy Bar Association’s (EBA) 2023 MID – YEAR ENERGY FORUM Join the Energy Bar Association (EBA) at the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel from October 10th to 11th, 2023, for the Mid-Year Energy Forum. Delve into dynamic discussions on energy law and policy. The Mid-Year Energy Forum 2023 is your gateway to staying…...
Join The 2023 Energy Bar Association (EBA) Administrative Law Judges Reception In the world of energy regulation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) play a crucial role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency. To honor their contributions and create a platform for networking and celebration, the Foundation of the Energy Law Journal…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Sept. 29 announced a $9 million program to enhance state and regional participation in wholesale power markets. The initiative – Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagement Program – is designed to provide technical and financial support for states and regional entities to develop, expand, and improve wholesale markets. Such collaboration…...
Clean hydrogen is expected to play an integral role in the transition to a decarbonized energy system. Federal and state initiatives are aimed at…Read the full report…...
The U.S. Energy Information Administration in a report published on Sep. 28 lowered its projection of U.S. hydropower generation by 6 percent for 2023, compared to last year. The reduction in the forecast is attributed to weather outcomes in the U.S. Northwest over spring and summer, which led to curtailed water supply. U.S. hydropower capacity…...
Clean hydrogen is expected to play an integral role in the transition to a decarbonized energy system. Federal and state initiatives are aimed at addressing barriers to scale hydrogen deployment and facilitate a sustainable clean hydrogen economy.
Join The 2023 National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Financial Toolbox Webinar: Behind-The-Meter (BTM) Storage Join the discussion on October 10th, 3-4:30 pm ET, as NARUC presents a Financial Toolbox Webinar on the rapidly evolving landscape of Behind-The-Meter (BTM) energy solutions. In today’s dynamic energy environment, customers are taking on active roles in contributing to…...
Total working gas storage at Southern California Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility has been increased by 67 percent, in order to prevent potential rises in energy prices and support reliability during the upcoming winter 2023-24, according to a Sept. 27 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The California Public Utilities Commission…...
Medium, sour and heavy, sour grades of crude oil prices have increased on the back of crude oil production cuts among OPEC+ producers, according to a Sept. 25 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. OPEC+ members in June 2023, stated they would persist with crude oil production reductions through 2024, curbing crude oil supplies,…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Sept. 25 announced the completion of its environmental review of Dominion Energy Inc.’s proposed Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project off Virginia. The project located about 23.5 nautical miles offshore Virginia Beach, would provide up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy. The wind farm would have the capacity…...
The U.S. Department of Energy on Sept. 21 released a draft environmental review assessing potential environmental impacts associated with allowing the New Fortress Energy Altamira FLNG Project to export natural gas to Mexico, and after liquefaction in Mexico, to other countries in a combined total volume equivalent to 158 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per year…....
In the face of a rapidly evolving energy landscape, federal and state initiatives continue to support the growth and expansion of energy storage solutions. Energy storage plays a key role in… Read the full report …...
In the face of a rapidly evolving energy landscape, federal and state initiatives continue to support the growth and expansion of energy storage solutions. Energy storage plays a key role in the transition to a zero-emission electric grid by enabling the integration of large quantities of renewable energy while improving grid-operating capabilities.
Join The 2023 American Gas Association (AGA) Government Affairs Forum Prepare for an event that’s set to influence the future of energy policy! The 2023 American Gas Association Government Affairs Forum is designed for professionals in federal, state, and local government affairs, as well as rate and regulatory professionals who represent AGA member companies. This…...
The number of U.S. registered light duty electric vehicles on the roads reached 2.13 million vehicles in 2021, according to an Sept. 20 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This number has increased year-on-year since 2012, surpassing a million in 2018 and two million in 2021. In 2012, there were less than 100,000 EVs…...
The Departments of the Interior and Energy on Sept. 19 released a detailed transmission action proposal to realize the ample potential of Atlantic offshore wind energy. The action plan sets out bold strategies that will speed up the investment and development in offshore wind energy and strengthen the domestic supply chain. The action plan is…...
The monthly U.S. natural gas spot price on the U.S. benchmark Henry Hub has largely followed a downward price trend so far in 2023, however these lower wholesale gas prices are not directly being translated into lower commodity rates for residential customers, according to an Sep. 19 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S…....
As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) awareness sweeps boardrooms around the world, procurement managers are forced to examine the business practices and environmental stewardship of their…Read the full report …...
As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) awareness sweeps boardrooms around the world, procurement managers are forced to examine the business practices and environmental stewardship of their supply chain.
China imported record volumes of crude oil during the first six months of 2023, according to an Sep.18 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. During the first half of 2023, China imported an average of 11.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, a 12 percent increase compared to the same period last year. …...
Join The 2023 Energy Bar Association (EBA) Administrative Law Judges Reception In the world of energy regulation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) play a crucial role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency. To honor their contributions and create a platform for networking and celebration, the Foundation of the Energy Law Journal…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Sept. 11 announced the completion of its environmental review of the proposed Empire Wind Farm Project off New York. The proposal, a joint venture of Equinor ASA and bp plc, consists of Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2, which together are expected to generate up to 2,076…...
Wildfires have significantly impacted the utility industry in recent years. Utilities in the U.S. West have come under intense scrutiny for failing to implement critical safety measures to prevent wildfires caused by power lines. The types of challenges that utilities face are changing…Read the full report …...
Wildfires have significantly impacted the utility industry in recent years. Utilities in the U.S. West have come under intense scrutiny for failing to implement critical safety measures to prevent wildfires caused by power lines. The types of challenges that utilities face are changing, calling for new methods of reliability, resilience, and response programs to address the risks of power lines igniting a wildfire.
Join The 2023 National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) NCEP 2023 Annual Meeting and Vehicle Electrification Workshop + Site Visit Mark your calendars and get ready for a power-packed event! The NCEP 2023 Annual Meeting is coming to Indianapolis, Indiana, from September 26 to 28, 2023, and it’s open to everyone. This meeting is all…...
U.S. Commercial structures in cold temperatures were over five times more energy intensive than hot climates for space heating, according to an Sept. 6 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency determines space heating energy intensity projections for each building category by dividing total usage of key energy fuels, such as electricity, fuel…...
U.S. production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels reached 3 billion gallons per year in January 2023, exceeding the production capacity for U.S. biodiesel for the first time, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The growth in production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels can be attributed to increasing targets for state…...
Federal and state regulators are actively pursuing efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and expand investment in charging infrastructure. Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) took a major step…Read the full report …...
Federal and state regulators are actively pursuing efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and expand investment in charging infrastructure. Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) took a major step to support an equitable transition to EVs by providing grants and loans to retrofit existing automotive manufacturing facilities. Several states, including California, New York, Minnesota and Colorado, have expanded funding and incentives to support EV adoption and charging solutions.
Join The 2023 American Gas Association Operations Section Fall Meetings & Workshops American Gas Association’s technical committees provide a platform for industry professionals to share their knowledge and improve the state of natural gas operations, maintenance, engineering, and technology. The annual PSMS Workshop will be held on September 18-19, 2023, in conjunction with AGA’s Fall…...
The U.S. Department of Interior’s first offshore wind auction in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in one lease area receiving a high bid of $5.6 million, according to an Aug. 29 press release. RWE, a company based in Germany, won the rights to a 102,480-acre Lake Charles, Louisiana that has the capacity to produce around…
DetailsSolar panel shipments in the U.S. increased by 10 percent in 2022, compared to 2021 and set a record high of 31.7 million peak kilowatts (kWp), according to an Aug. 29 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. solar shipments consisting of imports, exports and domestically produced and shipped panels have risen, in line…...
Food service buildings encompassing restaurants across the U.S. are on average almost four times more energy intensive than commercial buildings, according to an Aug. 28 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency determines energy intensity for each building category by dividing total usage of key energy fuels, such as electricity, fuel oil and…...
Regulators across the U.S. are advancing grid transformation measures to support the growth in new sources of power generation driven by…Read the full report …...
Natural gas fired generation has accounted for a larger share of the electricity generation in Florida over the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Natural gas accounted for 31 percent of Florida’s electricity generation in 2022. The installation of 26.8 gigawatts (GW) of new and advanced natural gas fired capacity over…...
Wind power accounted for 22 percent of new electricity capacity installed in the U.S. last year, representing $12 billion in capital investment, according to wind energy market reports issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. The reports – 2023 offshore, land-based, and distributed wind market reports – show that wind power continues to be a…...
Join The 2023 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) FRI Public Utility Symposium Prepare to engage with the pinnacle of utility insights at the FRI Public Utility Symposium 2023: Let’s Get Critical! Let Me Hear Your System Plan. On September 20, 2023, a transformative event will unfold on the vibrant grounds of the University…...
Regulators across the U.S. are advancing grid transformation measures to support the growth in new sources of power generation driven by clean energy commitments. Recent actions include reforms adopted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address backlogs in the interconnection queue, New York’s grid planning process to identify transmission investments, and Maine’s proceeding examining priorities for utility grid plan filings to assist the transition towards a clean electric grid.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will hold Gulf of Mexico oil and gas Lease Sale 261 on Sept. 27, 2023, according to a notice issued on Aug. 25. The sale will offer about 12,395 blocks on about 67 million acres on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Western, Central, and Eastern Planning Areas…...
The U.S. Department of the Interior on Aug. 22 announced its approval of the Revolution Wind project, a 704-megawatt wind farm to be built off the coast of Rhode Island. The project would have the ability to provide electricity for around a quarter of a million homes. The Revolution Wind Project is the department’s fourth…...
The New York Public Service Commission has approved a Coordinated Grid Planning Process that will enable the commission and the state’s major utilities to identify transmission investments required to meet the goals of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Following the approval, the utilities will conduct studies over the next 24 months and…...
The U.S. offshore wind industry is faced with a host of challenges including opposition over impacts to the environment and…Read the full report …...
The U.S. Energy Department has awarded nearly $34 million to 19 projects led by industry and universities to increase the affordability and availability of clean hydrogen, which has applications in the fields of power generation, industrial decarbonization, and transportation. Hydrogen is an emission-free fuel and can be used for electricity production through fuel cells or…...
The U.S. offshore wind industry is faced with a host of challenges including opposition over impacts to the environment and coastal economies, escalating costs, and delays despite several projects reaching major milestones.
Join the The Energy Bar Association’s (EBA) 2023 In-House Counsel Coalition Co-Sponsored Webinar Mark your calendars for an insightful afternoon as the EBA In-House Counsel Coalition teams up with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) to present a co-sponsored webinar. This event promises to deliver crucial insights into ethical considerations that in-house counsel face, with…...
The value of energy transacted between the U.S. and Canada reached a record high in 2022, exceeding the previous record high in 2008, according to an Aug. 14 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The increase in the value during 2022, can be attributed to high energy commodity prices. Trade value consists of both…...
U.S. carbon markets demonstrated robust participation in recent auctions including Washington’s two consecutive auctions that sold out of carbon permits and raised over $850 million under…Read the full report …...
The U.S. Energy Department on Aug. 11 announced up to $1.2 billion to develop two large-scale direct air capture, or DAC, plants in Louisiana and Texas. This represents the most substantial global investment in engineered carbon removal to date, according to the department. Each Hub is expected to eventually eliminate over 250 times the carbon…...
Data collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that during the first quarter of 2023 capital expenditure for 40 publicly traded U.S. oil exploration and production companies increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The data also shows that cash from operations declined during the first quarter of 2023, compared to the previous…...
U.S. carbon markets demonstrated robust participation in recent auctions including Washington’s two consecutive auctions that sold out of carbon permits and raised over $850 million under the state’s cap-and-invest program launched this year. However, carbon-trading programs continue to face opposition in some jurisdictions over concerns of higher ratepayer bills.
Join The 2023 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Innovation Webinar Discover how Community Solar is illuminating new possibilities for accessible and sustainable energy solutions! Join NARUC on August 17, 2023, from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M. ET for an insightful webinar that dives deep into the realm of Community Solar program design Community Solar…...
During the first half of 2023, developers added 16.8 gigawatts of new electricity generating capacity to the U.S. electricity grid, according to an Aug. 8 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Solar power represented the largest share of the new power generating capacity at 35 percent. Natural gas-fired generating capacity represented 34 percent and…...
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Aug. 3 opened an inquiry into Ameren Illinois Company’s cost-benefit analysis of its continued membership in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) versus joining PJM Interconnection, which manages the grid in the northern part of the state. The study, released last month, concluded that MISO Zone 4 utilities joining PJM…...
The completion of a new reactor at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is viewed as a significant milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry despite massive cost overruns and years of delays. The lessons learned are expected to inform best practices…Read the full report …...
Join The 2023 American Solar Energy Society 52nd Annual National Solar Conference We are thrilled to announce EnerKnol’s participation in the 52nd Annual National Solar Conference, SOLAR 2023: Transforming the Energy Landscape for All. This prestigious event is set to take place from August 8 to 11, 2023, at the esteemed University of Colorado Boulder. …...
The completion of a new reactor at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is viewed as a significant milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry despite massive cost overruns and years of delays. The lessons learned are expected to inform best practices for new projects even as a host of advanced technologies ranging from small modular reactors to microreactors are being developed. The development comes at a time when focus on decarbonization and energy security has elevated the importance of nuclear power as a critical technology to achieve national and state goals.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on July 31 announced three final Wind Energy Areas with a total area of around 356,550 acres, situated offshore Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. These areas underwent meticulous development, with extensive engagement and feedback from states, Tribes, local residents, ocean users, federal government partners, and the broader public. Aligned with…...
A new 1,114-megawatt reactor at Georgia’s Vogtle nuclear power plant has begun commercial operation, joining two existing reactors at the plant, which is jointly owned by Georgia Power and three other utility companies. This is the first new reactor to start up in the U.S. since the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar 2 was commissioned…...
The U.S. Energy Department on July 31 announced a significant initiative, making available up to $453.5 million from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund to accelerate the adoption of residential rooftop solar PV and battery storage systems throughout the region. The funding is part of a $1 billion effort focused on the island’s most vulnerable…...
LNG feed gas – natural gas deliveries by pipelines to U.S. liquefied natural gas export facilities – averaged 12.8 billion cubic feet per day during the first half of this year, up 0.5bcf/d or 4 percent compared to the same period in 2022 and 1 bcf/d or 8 percent higher than the annual average in…...
Low-carbon fuel programs are gaining prominence as an important avenue to help decarbonize the transportation sector, which accounts for a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Recent actions range from biofuel mandates…Read the full report …...
Low-carbon fuel programs are gaining prominence as an important avenue to help decarbonize the transportation sector, which accounts for a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Recent actions range from biofuel mandates under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to legislative proposals across half a dozen states to establish clean fuel standards.
Join The 2023 American Solar Energy Society 52nd Annual National Solar Conference The 52nd Annual National Solar Conference is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! From August 8 to 11, 2023, join us at the University of Colorado Boulder for a transformative event that will shape the energy landscape for all. What’s in…...
The U.S. Energy Department on July 26 announced $33 million to fund 14 clean-energy research projects, aiming to rectify the historical imbalance in federal scientific funding across the country. The diverse projects aim to cover crucial areas such as grid integration, renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, and advanced manufacturing. By promoting equitable…...
Power demand in Texas hit record highs in late June and July as homes and businesses increased air conditioning, fans, and other cooling equipment to tackle extreme heat waves. Hourly demand on the Texas power grid peaked at 82,579 megawatthours on July 18 in the 6:00 p.m. hour central time, according to a July 26…...
The average monthly spot U.S. natural gas price declined between January 2023 and June 2023 by 34 percent, or $1.12 metric million British thermal units, according to a July 24 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The report, based on data from Refinitiv Eikon, attributes the price decrease to a comfortable supply picture due…...
The deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies is expected to increase in the U.S., driven by federal and state initiatives to meet emissions reduction targets. Supportive policies, including $12 billion in funding from the…Read the full report …...
The deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies is expected to increase in the U.S., driven by federal and state initiatives to meet emissions reduction targets. Supportive policies, including $12 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and enhanced tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, are driving carbon capture projects across the U.S. Initiatives to expand carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines to connect to sequestration sites have also gained momentum.
The U.S. Interior Department on July 19 announced the allocation of $120 million in funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, forming a part of a larger $440 million investment for Tribal climate resilience programs. The funding aims to assist Tribal communities in combating severe climate-related environmental challenges in their homelands through…...
Join The 2023 American Gas Association (AGA) Executive Committee Meeting – August 2023 The higly anticipated AGA Executive Committee meeting is happening from August 8 to August 9, 2023, at Pendry Park City. This exclusive event will bring together around 20 CEOs representing a select group of natural gas utility members from across the country…....
The U.S. Energy Department on July 17 announced $150 million for states through a grant program to train residential energy efficiency and electrification contractors. The initiative, State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program, is funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The purpose of the initiative is to train a new generation…...
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has invalidated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of tariff revisions to effectuate the Southeast Energy Exchange Market, or SEEM. The court said that FERC failed to explain how the tariff revisions were consistent with the requirements in its Order 888, which directed utilities…...
U.S. natural gas storage injections far this summer have exceeded the previous five year average (2018-2022), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As of July 7, natural gas inventories totaled 2,930 billion cubic feet in the lower 48 states. U.S. gas prices have largely followed a downward trend during 2023, in line with robust…...
Utility commissions across U.S. states are exploring issues surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging rates to ensure that rate structures foster effective and equitable use of… Read the full report …...
