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 …...
Join The 2023 Energy Bar Association’s (EBA) Microgrids: A Forward-Thinking Approach to Sustainable Residential Energy Webinar In the ever-evolving landscape of the energy sector, microgrids are emerging as an innovative and sustainable solution for residential energy needs. A new webinar, presented by the Southern Chapter on August 3 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT,…...
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 the power grid for the benefit of all consumers.
The combined wind and solar generation capacity in Texas is projected to double by 2035, leading to a significant growth of renewables in the total generation mix, according to a July 13 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The growth in renewable generation is in line with the state’s objectives. In 2005, the state…...
The California Independent System Operator on July 11 announced that total battery storage capacity on the grid increased to 5,600 megawatts from about 500 megawatts just three years ago. This ten-fold growth since 2020 enhances reliability as the state progresses towards the goal of achieving 100 percent clean electricity by 2045. Based on an average…...
The U.S. Energy Department has announced $72 million to small-scale businesses for scientific projects related to clean energy and climate change. In total, 296 projects will receive funding across 44 states encompassing a wide range of focus areas, including renewable energy, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, advanced materials and manufacturing, microelectronics, and artificial intelligence. This investment will…...
Emphasis on energy efficiency and related measures, such as building electrification, have been gaining significance as lawmakers and regulators… Read the full report …...
Emphasis on energy efficiency and related measures, such as building electrification, have been gaining significance as lawmakers and regulators across the U.S. strive to set policies that spur climate-friendly activity to progress toward a low-carbon economy.
Join The 2023 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) The Natural Gas Distribution Technology Showcase is taking place at the NARUC Summer Policy Summit in Austin, TX on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from 9:30am – 10:45am US/Central. The goal of the Technology Showcase is to provide state public utility commissioners and staff with an…...
The U.S. Energy Department on July 5 announced that it is considering establishing a demand-side initiative with an investment of up to $1 billion to help advance clean hydrogen hubs. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, authorized $8 billion from 2022 through 2026 to establish a program that supports the development of…...
The U.S. Interior Department on July 5 approved the construction and operations of Ørsted’s 1.1-gigawatt Ocean Wind 1 project off New Jersey, the third commercial-scale offshore wind project in the U.S. The project would be capable of supplying over 380,000 homes and is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs through the development phase and…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on June 29 announced the launch of the $7 billion Solar for All program, a grant competition for states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities that are primed for residential and community solar investment. The program, a part of the Greenhouse Gas…...
As competitive electric suppliers expand their product and service offerings, state lawmakers and utility commissions across the U.S. continue to explore actions to improve oversight.
The U.S. Energy Department on June 27 announced the launch of its $25 million Enhancement & Innovation, or E&I, competitive grant program, which is a part of the $3.5 billion allocated to the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, within the framework of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this significant funding pool, the…...
The U.S. Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office has announced a conditional commitment of up to $9.2 billion for three manufacturing facilities to supply batteries for Ford Motor Company’s future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles. The office approved the conditional loan for BlueOval SK LLC, a joint venture of Ford Motor Company and SK On, a…...
Join The Energy Bar Association’s (EBA) 2023 MID – YEAR ENERGY FORUM EBA Mid-Year Energy Forum, an engaging event steeped in discussions on energy law and policy, is set to take place from October 10th to 11th, 2023. Hosted at the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, this forum promises an enriching experience for attendees looking…...
Several states across the U.S. are revisiting utility resource planning processes to account for changing policy developments and demand projections while also considering long-term affordability and reliability to build a more resilient grid.
The New York State Public Service Commission on June 23 adopted improvements to the NY-Sun program, which was expanded last year to reach 10 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030 with an additional budget of $1.5 billion to reach the goal. The changes are based on recommendations in a mid-point review of the program in…...
The California Senate on June 20 approved legislation to study the feasibility and benefits of using wave energy and tidal energy as forms of clean energy in the state. The legislation also allows for pilot projects that assess the technological feasibility and provide research and demonstration of the technology along California’s shores. Senate bill 605…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on June 21 issued a final rule establishing the volume requirements and percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2023-2025 under the Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, program. The final rule establishes renewable fuel blending volumes of 20.94, 21.54, and 22.33 billion gallons…...
The U.S. Energy Department on June 16 announced the selection of seven states, three tribal nations, and the District of Columbia as the second cohort to benefit from over $77 million in Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. In May, the department announced that four states and two tribal nations had been selected to…...
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on June 14 provided guidance on important provisions within the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The department plays a leading role in implementing the IRA, as much of the clean energy investment is delivered through tax incentives. The proposed guidance clarifies eligibility, processes, and addresses…...
Community solar is poised for significant growth across the U.S. driven by state actions to encourage solar power and incentives in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 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.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced the launch of a new daily procured ancillary service aimed to support grid reliability and reduce real-time operational issues to balance supply and demand. The new service, called ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service, or ECRS, marks the first such service introduced to the market in more than two decades…....
The 60th quarterly carbon auction of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, the nation’s first market-based emissions regulation program, sold all of the more than 22 million CO2 allowances offered at a clearing price of $12.73, according to results released on June 9. By comparison, allowances cleared at $12.50 in the previous auction held…...
The U.S. Energy Department on June 12 unveiled a funding package exceeding $192 million, aimed at advancing battery recycling for consumer products. This initiative includes the establishment of an advanced battery research and development consortium, as well as the continuation of the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize, which was initiated in 2019. This investment supports the…...
The U.S. Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office on June 9 announced a conditional commitment of an $850 million loan intended to provide financial support for the construction of KORE Power Inc.’s advanced battery cell manufacturing facility in Buckeye, Arizona. The facility, named “KOREPlex,” would bolster the domestic battery supply chain by increasing the battery cell…...
Federal and state goals have boosted the offshore wind industry, leading to several projects under various stages of development. Although cost increases have challenged some projects along the East Coast, development activities are gaining momentum along the West Coast.
The U.S. Energy Department on June 9 announced grants totaling $26 million to thirteen university, nonprofit, and private-sector teams across twelve states and the District of Columbia to support the implementation of the consent-based siting for the storage and disposal of spent fuel. The project teams, representing diverse geographic and institutional backgrounds, will receive $2…...
Energy consumers in Michigan can anticipate more affordable prices in 2023 summer compared to 2022, according to a June 7 report released by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The report projects a decrease of 86 cents per gallon in average seasonal gasoline prices. Although there may be a slight increase in electricity costs, this will…...
Heightened activity around energy storage reflects the growing importance of the technology to meet clean energy goals. Increasing levels of renewable energy, electrification of buildings and transportation, as well as… Read the full report …...
In the most recent winter heating season during Nov 1–March 31, U.S. electricity generation from natural gas was the highest in over 25 years. Setting a record at 619 billion kilowatt-hours (BkWh), gas-fired generation averaged over 120 BkWh per month and accounted for 38 percent of U.S. power generation mix, according to a June 6…...
The U.S. Energy Department on June 5 announced the release of the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, providing a framework to speed up the production, processing, delivery, storage, and use of clean hydrogen. The report explores opportunities for clean hydrogen – an energy carrier that can be produced with low or zero emissions…...
