Discussions around carbon markets reflect the growing emphasis on collaborative efforts to advance climate solutions. Despite gaining prominence as an efficient market-based solution to reduce emissions, carbon trading initiatives face obstacles due to concerns of higher energy prices.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy have announced a conditional commitments for grant funding for 14 states to assist in both measuring and reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The states will receive a total of $350 million in formula grants, the first in the first in a series…...
Join The 2024 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Policy Summit Energy experts from different corners of the Energy industry will once gather during NARUC Winter Policy Summit, happening on February 25th to 28th, 2024. The summit will once again gather speakers from federal agencies, trade organizations, advocacy groups, lawyers, policymakers and many…...
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $2.25 billion funding opportunity to support carbon capture, utilization, and storage and carbon dioxide removal to reach climate goals. This marks the third opening of the Carbon Storage Validation and Testing program to support the transport and storage of carbon dioxide captured from industrial and power generation…...
Over 20 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of gas pipeline capacity is being developed, completed to some extent or approved to transport gas to five U.S. liquified natural gas export terminals that are also currently under construction, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Natural Gas Pipeline Project Tracker. The five LNG terminals to…...
The drive towards a low-carbon future has prompted changes to solar incentive programs as lawmakers and regulators emphasize the role of the distributed generation market in achieving energy and environmental goals. Recent measures range from…Read the full report …...
The drive towards a low-carbon future has prompted changes to solar incentive programs as lawmakers and regulators emphasize the role of the distributed generation market in achieving energy and environmental goals. Recent measures range from New Jersey’s dual-use solar pilot to California’s revisions to solar tariffs and a report examining virtual power plants for grid reliability.
The U.S. Energy Department has released the first of three assessments on pathways to clean hydrogen production under its Hydrogen Shots initiative, which aims to lower the cost of clean hydrogen by 80 percent to $1 per kilogram by 2031. The report focuses on pathways to reach the goal through thermal conversion, a process that…...
Natural gas storage stocks in the Lower 48 United States will commence the winter heating season with the highest level of gas in storage since 2020, according to a Dec.7 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. has five percent higher stocks entering the winter period compared to the previous five-year average…...
Join The 2024 American Gas Association (AGA) Best Practices Kickoff Meeting The Kick-off Meeting stands as a pivotal event in validating and refining the 2024 Best Practices Questions, a vital initiative aiming to elevate data quality standards. It convenes stakeholders to meticulously review draft data packs and questionnaires, urging a critical evaluation of their accessibility,…...
Associated natural gas production from the highest three yielding tight oil plays in the Permian region (Wolfcamp, Spraberry and Bone Spring) averaged a total of 13.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) during the first seven months of 2023, nearly triple the production level of 4.7 Bcf/d in 2018, according to a Dec. 6 report…...
Fifty companies, representing over 40 percent of global oil production have committed to near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring by 2030 under the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) launched at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. The charter is part of series of initiatives launched…...
During the first half of this year, northbound crude oil flows through the Suez Canal and the SUMED pipeline rose by over 60 percent from 2020, due to an uptick in demand from Europe and the U.S. following the COVID-19 pandemic induced lows, according to a Dec. 4 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration…....
The U.S. and 21 other countries from four continents have pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity globally by mid-century from 2020 levels at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). The “Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy,” unveiled on Dec. 2, recognizes the crucial role of nuclear energy…...
Grid operators and utilities across the U.S. have enhanced their winter preparation initiatives building on lessons learned from winter storms Uri and Elliott. Higher-than-average temperatures in the northern half of the U.S. are expected to…Read the full report …...
Grid operators and utilities across the U.S. have enhanced their winter preparation initiatives building on lessons learned from winter storms Uri and Elliott. Higher-than-average temperatures in the northern half of the U.S. are expected to lower electricity and natural gas demand, and all regions are projected to have adequate resources for a normal winter. However, extreme weather, such as a prolonged cold snap, continues to pose reliability risks to the grid.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Nov. 30 announced the launch of the state’s fourth offshore wind solicitation as part of a 10-point action plan issued in October to support the growing large-scale renewable industry. The action plan outlines a comprehensive set of actions being taken to lay the foundation for…...
Join The 2023 National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Data Sharing and Data Availability to Improve Affordability Outcomes Discover the power of data in the energy world at the upcoming NCEP Webinar on ‘Data Sharing and Data Availability to Improve Affordability Outcomes’ on December 12, 2023, from 2-3pm ET. This event explores how utilities and…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Nov. 27 announced $275 million in grant selections for seven projects to strengthen clean energy supply chains and revitalize communities impacted by coal mine or coal power plant closures. The projects will leverage over $600 million in private sector investments in small- and medium-sized manufacturers and create nearly 1,500 jobs…....
Long-term planning strategies of natural gas utilities across the U.S. are evolving in response to ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction goals. Policies to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century are leading…Read the full report …...
Long-term planning strategies of natural gas utilities across the U.S. are evolving in response to ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction goals. Policies to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century are leading state regulators and utilities to explore pathways to decarbonize the energy system.
Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies…Read the full report …...
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has canceled a procurement from a request for proposals for additional generating capacity this winter due to limited market response. The grid operator received only 11.1 megawatts of potentially eligible capacity, while it sought to procure up to 3 gigawatts of additional capacity that could be called upon…...
As an active player in the Energy industry, offering one-stop solution to access and track critical policy data, EnerKnol, attended the recently concluded NARUC Annual Meeting and Educational Conference, held last November 12th to 15th, 2023. EnerKnol showcased it’s amazing platform. EnerKnol’s Director of Sales, Adam S. Johnson presented a booth at the event to…...
Strategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to the growth in distributed energy resources and demand-side opportunities, prompting regulators and utilities to explore robust grid planning approaches that accommodate the growth and meet increased demand from electrification.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Oct. 25 issued a four-month extension of the compliance deadline for transmission providers to implement the requirements of Order No. 2023, which adopts reforms to generator interconnection procedures and agreements. The revised deadline of…Read the full report …...
Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies the hurdles facing the industry.
President Biden has announced the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment report, or NCA5, which evaluates changes in the climate and its impacts, as well as options to lower present and future risk. Biden also announced more than $6 billion in investments to support climate resilience including strengthening the aging power grid infrastructure, lowering…...
North America’s liquefied natural gas export capacity is expected to increase to 24.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027, according to a Nov. 13 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Currently, North American LNG export capacity stands at 11.4 Bcf/d. The increase in LNG export capacity can be attributed to Canada…
DetailsStrategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to…Read the full report …...
Strategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to the growth in distributed energy resources and demand-side opportunities, prompting regulators and utilities to explore robust grid planning approaches that accommodate the growth and meet increased demand from electrification.
The Florida Public Service Commission on Nov. 9 authorized continued funding for natural gas pipeline replacement programs, in order to enhance the safety of the state’s energy infrastructure. Programs that will receive funding in 2024 include: Florida Public Utilities Company’s Gas Utility Access and Replacement Directive, or GUARD, program Peoples Gas System’s Cast Iron/Bare Steel…...
U.S. coal exports to Europe increased by 22 percent to 33.1 million short tons (MMst) between August 2022 and July 2023, compared to the same period before the implementation of EU sanctions on coal from Russia (August 2021 – July 2022), according to a Nov. 2 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In…...
Even as the offshore wind industry is seeking to scale up, economic challenges cast shadow on future development. Inflation and supply chain disruptions have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their power purchase contracts. A recent announcement to cancel…Read the full report …...
Even as the offshore wind industry is seeking to scale up, economic challenges cast shadow on future development. Inflation and supply chain disruptions have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their power purchase contracts. A recent announcement to cancel two large projects off New Jersey has dealt a setback to the industry, reflecting the deepening financial challenges of the sector.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service on Nov. 3 issued a proposed rule that would enable the agency to consider carbon capture and sequestration projects on national forests and grasslands. This move aims to align the regulatory structure with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and meet President Biden’s ambitious goal…...
Join the 2023 Energy Bar Association (EBA) MOCK DAS SURVEILLANCE INQUIRY WEBINAR Join for a captivating event presented by the Energy Bar Association’s Compliance and Enforcement Steering Committee, where FERC experts and Energy Bar Association members will engage in a “role-play” scenario to illustrate the workings of FERC’s Division of Analytics Surveillance (DAS) inquiry. This…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Nov. 2 announced that it is postponing Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261, which was originally planned for Sept. 27 and then rescheduled for Nov. 8 in response to court orders. Last month, the bureau announced that Lease Sale 261 will be held on Nov. 8 pursuant a…...
Gasoline production has become less profitable due to low demand and the shift to winter-grade gasoline, according to a Nov. 1 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As a result, the difference between gasoline blendstock and crude oil prices dropped to multiyear lows in October 2023. The difference in price between a wholesale petroleum…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 31 announced its approval of the fifth commercial-scale, offshore wind energy project in the U.S., the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, located about 23.5 nautical miles offshore Virginia Beach. The project, expected to add 2,600 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the grid, would be capable of…...
Join the 2023 American Gas Association (AGA) Climate & Sustainability Committee Meeting and RNG Workshop The upcoming American Gas Association Climate & Sustainability Committee Meeting and RNG Workshop is a dynamic platform where experts and stakeholders unite to shape a greener future. The Climate and Sustainability Committee (CSC) is at the heart of this endeavor,…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Oct. 30 announced a $1.3 billion commitment in three transmission projects crossing six states – Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Vermont. The commitment will support transformative projects aimed to add 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of grid capacity throughout the U.S., equivalent to powering about 3 million homes and…...
There is a growing focus on regional collaboration to improve transmission planning and operations as grid operators and states explore strategies to enhance system reliability while transitioning to a lower-carbon grid. Recent actions include…Read the full report …...
There is a growing focus on regional collaboration to improve transmission planning and operations as grid operators and states explore strategies to enhance system reliability while transitioning to a lower-carbon grid. Recent actions include a comprehensive action plan to connect offshore wind projects to the electric grid and a multi-state proposal to establish a collaborative on interregional transmission.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has finalized four new Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico, which have the potential to support offshore wind projects that could collectively power over three million homes with renewable energy, according to an Oct. 27 press release. The Biden administration has set a goal to deploy 30…...
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Oct. 24 awarded conditional contracts for three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects that have a combined capacity of 6.4 gigawatts. The projects have the potential to power 2.6 million homes and deliver about 12 percent of the state’s electricity needs. The contracts,…...
Venezuela’s crude oil production growth is projected to be less than 200,000 barrels per day (b/d) by the end of 2024, despite the U.S temporarily lifting most of the sanctions on the country’s energy sector, according to an Oct. 23 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Years of mismanagement and a lack of investment…...
Carbon management is emerging as an important component of regulatory strategies to progress towards a net-zero economy. Recent actions range from…Read the full report…...
Carbon management is emerging as an important component of regulatory strategies to progress towards a net-zero economy. Recent actions range from funding for the first direct air capture facilities to establishing an action committee to advance marine carbon dioxide (CO2) removal.
Join The Energy Bar Association (EBA) 2023 TEXAS CHAPTER ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM The ever-evolving energy landscape demands continuous learning and networking to remain at the forefront of industry developments. The 2023 Texas Chapter Annual Symposium, scheduled for November 2 in Houston, TX, promises to be a pivotal event for professionals, enthusiasts, and thought leaders in the…...
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Oct. 19 announced over $100 million in funding for new loans and subsidies to renovate the living spaces for 1,500 low-income households to cut energy waste and increase resilience to extreme weather events. The funding is a part of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, or…...
In the U.S. 6.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity producing capacity from 10 natural gas fired electricity assets have come online so far in 2023 according to an Oct. 16 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency estimates that an additional six natural gas fired electricity plants totalling 1.8 GW of capacity will come…...
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…...
