Power & Utilities » EnerKnol

EnerKnol’s power and utilities research covers all aspects of U.S. energy generation, transmission, markets, and regulations. Detailed coverage includes, but is not limited to, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), Independent System Operators (ISOs), and state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs). EnerKnol Research analyses filings, orders, notices, and agreements that affect day-to-day power markets and operations.

Oct272020

Visual Primer: FERC Order on PJM Capacity Market Reforms Hinders States’ Plans for Clean Energy Transition

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued an order on implementing reforms that expand the minimum offer price rule (MOPR) to most state-subsidized resources participating in the regional capacity market administered by PJM Interconnection LLC, which operates across 13 states and the District of Columbia. The ruling has sparked concerns over its potential to harm renewable generation seeking to participate in the capacity market and frustrate state clean energy policies.

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October 27, 2020

Oct132020

Visual Primer: Hydrogen Offers Promising Potential for Clean Energy Transition

Hydrogen is emerging as an important player in the U.S. energy landscape because of its ability to decarbonize multiple sectors. A number of exciting projects harnessing the technology are taking shape as hydrogen and fuel cells can store energy to help enhance the power grid and maximize opportunities to deploy renewable energy.

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October 13, 2020

Oct72020

DC Advances Pilot to Procure Renewable Energy for Pepco Customers Through Long-Term Contracts

The District of Columbia Public Service Commission on Oct. 1 approved Potomac Electric Power Company’s request for proposals and draft power purchase contract for a pilot program designed to procure renewable energy for the utility’s customers. The procurement will supply five percent of the load under the district’s standard offer service program, which provides default…...

October 7, 2020

Oct62020

Visual Primer: Retail Energy Market Regulations Evolve to Help Customers Make Informed Choices

With growing access to competitive retail energy markets, regulatory reforms are focused on ensuring that consumers choosing third-party suppliers have accurate information to make educated decisions. In addition to updating marketing standards and sales practices that enhance customer protections, recent reforms are intended to empower customers by improving transparency of product and pricing information.

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October 6, 2020

Sep292020

Visual Primer: Grid Modernization Strategies Increasingly Center on Innovation and Customer Engagement

State policy goals are driving comprehensive grid modernization endeavors aimed at transitioning to a flexible and efficient grid that caters to the needs of the evolving electric sector and diverse customer interests. A growing number of state regulators and utilities alike are embarking on innovative ventures, striving towards necessary enhancements to accomplish energy and environmental goals.

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September 29, 2020

Sep222020

Visual Primer: State Commissions Grapple With Impacts of Utility Disconnection Bans

In light of the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, state utility commissions are taking different approaches to mitigate the impacts on utilities and ratepayers. Several states have extended moratoriums on service terminations while directing utilities to proactively engage in outreach programs to inform customers about payment assistance and plans. Others have allowed utilities to resume disconnections for nonpayment as costs of unpaid bills continue to mount.

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September 22, 2020

Sep82020

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Utilities Continue Plans to Accelerate Phase-Out of Coal-Fired Generation

Proposals to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired generation appear more prominently in long-term resource plans of U.S. electric utilities, reflecting the growing shift to renewable energy. The transition from coal continues to be driven by state clean energy mandates, emissions reduction goals, low natural gas prices, and increased availability of low-cost renewables and storage resources.

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September 8, 2020

Sep12020

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Increased Focus on Clean Energy Prompts Wholesale Power Markets to Weigh Carbon Pricing

There is a growing interest in how carbon pricing can be incorporated into wholesale power markets as more jurisdictions embrace policy goals to transition to a lower-carbon power system. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has scheduled a technical conference to consider state adoption of mechanisms to price carbon emissions in regions with commission-jurisdictional electricity markets.

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September 1, 2020

Aug182020

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – States Advance Alternative Ratemaking Plans to Support Clean Energy Transition

Alternative ratemaking plans and innovative rate design proposals continue to emerge as utilities adapt to policy and technology changes driven by decarbonization efforts and distributed energy growth. With growing state mandates to increase renewable energy generation, regulators are devising performance metrics and incentives to encourage utility innovation in achieving policy goals.

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August 18, 2020

Jul282020

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – FERC’s Updates to Utility Power Procurement Rules Gives States More Say in Rate Setting

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has revised the regulations for implementing a 1978 federal law, which requires electric utilities to purchase power from small power producers. The reforms, intended to reflect changes in the energy markets, mark the first major overhaul to utility power procurement rules under the law, which has spurred the growth of small renewable generators.

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July 28, 2020

Jul212020

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Court Cements Energy Storage Access to Wholesale Markets, Expands Opportunities for Growth

In a major victory for the energy storage industry, a federal court affirmed that battery installations connected to the distribution grid must have the opportunity to access wholesale power markets. The move comes as federal regulators are examining the growing interest in hybrid resources, with battery technology seen as an important tool in integrating other resources to the grid. The affirmation bodes well for expanding wholesale market access to distributed energy resources.

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July 21, 2020

Jul132020

EnerKnol Grid Modernization Tracking Table Q2 2020

A growing number of states are exploring grid modernization to keep pace with fast-evolving technological advances and growing distributed generation. The smart grid concept ties together multiple initiatives ranging from solar-battery microgrids to vehicle-to-grid power flow management, and grid hardening to support reliability and resiliency. It may also include advanced meters, which are a pivotal…...

July 13, 2020

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