Data centers, EVs drive PJM’s long-term load growth forecast, but it expects some utilities to see declines Jan. 4, 2022 The PJM Interconnection expects its summer and winter peak load will grow by 0.4% and 0.7% a year, respectively, over the next decade, according to the grid operator’s latest annual load…
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections 30 Dec 2021 Generation and transmission facilities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market are ready for winter, ERCOT said Dec. 30 after inspecting more than 300 generation units and 22 transmission facilities representing 85% of the megawatt hours…
Cyber Pirates Could Hold The Renewable Revolution For Ransom
Cyber Pirates Could Hold The Renewable Revolution For Ransom Dec 19, 2021 Cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure came to the forefront this year when hackers took over the Colonial Pipeline. The renewable revolution is especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, as well. Wind and solar energy infrastructure are in desperate need…
White House releases plan to grow US’s EV charging network to 500,000 stations
White House releases plan to grow US’s EV charging network to 500,000 stations Dec. 13th 2021 The White House released today its plan on spending the $7.5 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure with the goal to grow the US’s national EV charging network to 500,000 charging stations. Read more
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter Dec 11, 2021 New England’s electric grid operator warned Monday that power outages are possible if an extended cold snap this winter grips the region and fuel supplies are pinched as demand spikes. ISO-New England said natural gas…
AEP Ohio earns PUCO approval for third phase of smart grid expansion
AEP Ohio earns PUCO approval for third phase of smart grid expansion December 03, 2021 Work will proceed on the third phase of AEP Ohio’s more than $220 million, seven-year plan to modernize its grid after a settlement in the affiliated case was approved this week by the Public Utilities…
US power transmission, distribution costs seen outpacing electricity production costs
US power transmission, distribution costs seen outpacing electricity production costs 24 Nov 2021 US utility transmission and distribution costs have been rising faster than electricity production costs over the past decade, with utility spending on power delivery 65% higher in 2020 than in 2010, a trend that could continue as…
U.S. grid ready for winter, NERC says, New England and California may face fuel pinch
U.S. grid ready for winter, NERC says, New England and California may face fuel pinch Energize Weekly, December 1, 2021 Winter electricity-generating resources across the North American grid are forecast to be adequate, although weather and fuel access issues may create challenges for New England, California and parts of Canada.…
Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT says
Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT says November 21, 2021 Electricity outages in Texas could occur this winter if the state experiences a cold snap that forces many power plants offline at the same time as demand for power is high, according to an…
Infrastructure bill offers a $30 billion down payment on upgrading the nation’s grid
Infrastructure bill offers a $30 billion down payment on upgrading the nation’s grid Energize Weekly, November 17, 2021 The federal infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden this week, includes a nearly $30 billion down payment in grants and loan authorities to upgrade the nation’s aging and challenged electric grid.…
DTE plans $7B, 5-year investment in SE Michigan electric grid, tree trimming
DTE plans $7B, 5-year investment in SE Michigan electric grid, tree trimming Nov. 4, 2021 DTE Energy Co. plans to invest $7 billion over the next five years to modernize southeast Michigan’s electric grid and prepare for increasing demand from electric vehicles. Read more
One year into partnership with Xcel Energy, Boulder beginning projects, developing goals
One year into partnership with Xcel Energy, Boulder beginning projects, developing goals October 31, 2021 It’s been a year since Boulder voters approved a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, pausing its years-long quest to form its own municipally owned utility. Read more
Western U.S. could reap $2 billion in benefits from a regional electricity market
Western U.S. could reap $2 billion in benefits from a regional electricity market Energize Weekly, October 27, 2021 The American West – one of only two regions in the country without a regional electricity market – could see benefits of as much as $2 billion a year by creating a…
NYPA, New York Transco Submit Transmission Proposals For Delivery Of Renewable Energy
NYPA, New York Transco Submit Transmission Proposals For Delivery Of Renewable Energy October 18, 2021 The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York Transco recently submitted proposals for new transmission solutions to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that will inject renewable energy into the statewide energy grid.…
Entergy’s post-Ida restoration efforts prove success of resiliency investments
Entergy’s post-Ida restoration efforts prove success of resiliency investments October 14, 2021 Massive restoration efforts by Entergy Corp. continue as the New Orleans-headquartered power company repairs, rebuilds and strengthens its electric system in hard-hit coastal communities devastated by Hurricane Ida, a situation that could have been even worse were it…
DOE Invests $61 Million for Smart Buildings that Accelerate Renewable Energy Adoption and Grid Resilience
DOE Invests $61 Million for Smart Buildings that Accelerate Renewable Energy Adoption and Grid Resilience October 14, 2021 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $61 million for 10 pilot projects that will deploy new technology to transform thousands of homes and workplaces into state-of-the-art, energy-efficient buildings. These Connected…
Climate-driven weather disasters threaten global energy infrastructure, IEA says
Climate-driven weather disasters threaten global energy infrastructure, IEA says Energize Weekly, October 20, 2021 Energy and infrastructure systems built over the last century are becoming more vulnerable to the ravages of climate change-driven extreme weather events, according to a series of reports. “Extreme weather events over the past year have…
Consultants offer ways to improve US power transmission planning in FERC comments
Consultants offer ways to improve US power transmission planning in FERC comments 11 Oct 2021 Stakeholders and power market participants have begun submitting responses to federal regulators regarding an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on transmission improvements, with one group contending transportation and space heating electrification will increase power demand…
CMP, public power backers locked in war to weaken each other’s 2022 referendum bids
CMP, public power backers locked in war to weaken each other’s 2022 referendum bids October 11, 2021 Supporters and opponents of establishing a consumer-owned utility in Maine both made changes to their ballot initiatives in the past week in attempts to render the other ineffective ahead of a possible referendum fight…
Lynn Good projects $100B in spending on ‘clean energy transition’ at Duke Energy in the next 10 years
Lynn Good projects $100B in spending on ‘clean energy transition’ at Duke Energy in the next 10 years Sep 30, 2021 Touting Duke Energy Corp.’s sustainability goals at a presentation an S&P Global Inc. conference, CEO Lynn Good said the company will spend close to $100 billion on its transition to clean…
N.J. advances grid plan seen as national model for renewables
N.J. advances grid plan seen as national model for renewables 10/05/2021 New Jersey is weighing a novel approach to developing electric transmission projects that observers say could soon be explored by other states and help drive renewables. New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities announced Sept. 24 that it had closed…
Liberty upgrading downtown infrastructure
Liberty upgrading downtown infrastructure Sep 26, 2021 An upgrade to some of Liberty’s oldest electric infrastructure in Joplin is now fully underway as the utility works to replace lines, poles and add new substations downtown that officials said will improve reliability. Read more
Massachusetts utilities propose plans to ramp up electric vehicle infrastructure
Massachusetts utilities propose plans to ramp up electric vehicle infrastructure September 21, 2021 Clean transportation advocates are declaring measured support for Massachusetts electric utilities’ proposals to spend $470 million on programs to help the state reach its ambitious goals for electrifying transportation over the next decade. Read more
Anterix scores $30M lease with Evergy for 900 MHz spectrum
Anterix scores $30M lease with Evergy for 900 MHz spectrum Sep 20, 2021 Anterix is building steam with utility companies, notching a third long-term lease for use of its 900 MHz spectrum in a 20-year $30 million agreement with power company Evergy. Evergy gets exclusive access to 6 MHz of…
System Monitors Transmission Lines for Faults and Damage
System Monitors Transmission Lines for Faults and Damage SEP 14, 2021 Prisma Photonics Ltd and Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) have signed a pilot agreement to supply monitoring services for IEC’s electrical power transmission grid. The collaboration has started as a part of Israel’s Innovation Authority’s program to run pilots in governmental companies and national infrastructure.…
Solar could power 45 percent of U.S. electricity by 2050 with multi-billion dollar investment, DOE says
Solar could power 45 percent of U.S. electricity by 2050 with multi-billion dollar investment, DOE says Energize Weekly, September 15, 2021 The U.S. could get 40 percent of its electricity from solar installations by 2035 and 45 percent by 2050 – through $225 to $560 billion in the power grid…
Why Hurricane Ida crippled the New Orleans power grid
Why Hurricane Ida crippled the New Orleans power grid September 4, 2021 Hurricane Ida’s 150-mph winds crippled a Louisiana electric grid already vulnerable from aging transmission lines, electricity bottlenecks and $2 billion worth of damage caused by three hurricanes that hit last year. Read more
Los Angeles City Council approves transition to clean, carbon-free energy by 2035
Los Angeles City Council approves transition to clean, carbon-free energy by 2035 September 3rd, 2021 In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles City Council yesterday (September 1) approved a motion introduced by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Mitch O’Farrelll requiring that 100 percent of the city’s electricity come from clean, zero carbon energy by 2035. Read…
Hurricane Ida damage to Louisiana’s power grid expected to take weeks to repair
Hurricane Ida damage to Louisiana’s power grid expected to take weeks to repair August 30, 2021 Rescuers set out in hundreds of boats and helicopters to reach people trapped by floodwaters Monday, and utility repair crews rushed in, after a furious Hurricane Ida swamped the Louisiana coast and ravaged the…
Texas power demand to hit record high during Tuesday heat
Texas power demand to hit record high during Tuesday heat August 24, 2021 The Texas power grid operator forecast demand would reach a record high on Tuesday as homes and businesses crank up their air conditioners to escape another heat wave. Read more
NM could get billions in new federal funding
NM could get billions in new federal funding August 23, 2021 Congress is gearing up to approve the largest federal investments in infrastructure and social programs since the Great Depression in the 1930s, and New Mexico could reap huge benefits. Read more
Chicago consortium forges smart city agreement with lighting and pole provider
Chicago consortium forges smart city agreement with lighting and pole provider 16 Aug 2021 A consortium of 21 cities throughout suburban Chicago, Illinois, has reached a final 20-year agreement with Viper Networks to build and operate a variety of smart city projects. Read more
Utilities are struggling to keep the lights on as fires, drought plague California
Utilities are struggling to keep the lights on as fires, drought plague California AUG 1 2021 The electric grid in the West is being tested like never before amid extreme-weather events, including raging wildfires and severe droughts fueled by climate change. Read more
Bipartisan $1T Senate infrastructure bill focuses on nuclear, carbon capture, transmission
Bipartisan $1T Senate infrastructure bill focuses on nuclear, carbon capture, transmission Aug. 3, 2021 A bipartisan group of senators on Sunday unveiled its nearly $1 trillion infrastructure bill, formalized into text following a 67-32 consensus to advance the legislation. The vote to advance the bill included the support of 17 Republicans. Read…
Texas power grid overcomes problems to meet record June demand
Texas power grid overcomes problems to meet record June demand June 25, 2021 Peak electricity demand in Texas broke June’s record on Thursday and was expected to do so again on Friday, the power grid operator said, but there was no repeat of last week’s problems when a significant amount…
Hawai’i Microgrid Tariff Framework Could Become Model for Other States
Hawai’i Microgrid Tariff Framework Could Become Model for Other States June 28, 2021 Last month Hawai’i become only the second state with a formal microgrid services tariff, and its framework could become a model for other states, according to Microgrid Knowledge, a national publication. Read more
Energy chief cites risk of cyberattacks crippling power grid
Energy chief cites risk of cyberattacks crippling power grid June 6, 2021 Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Sunday called for more public-private cooperation on cyber defenses and said U.S. adversaries already are capable of using cyber intrusions to shut down the U.S. power grid. Read more
The $7 Trillion Cost Of Upgrading The U.S. Power Grid
By Leonard Hyman & William Tilles – Feb 25, 2021 We have just witnessed the damage caused by poorly designed energy grids—rolling blackouts, skyrocketing electricity prices, people sleeping in their cars and in one insulated room to keep warm. At the same time a weaponized right wing media swings into action blaming…
Hitachi ABB Power Grids Drives Power Sector Upgrades with Smart Digital Substations
FEB 23, 2021 The Smart Digital Substation answers rising demand and complexity from distributed energy resources. Read more
New reports affirm cybersecurity war is not being won
By Phil Hall, February 16, 2021 Despite the best efforts by technology experts, the cybersecurity war continues to rage and digital miscreants still have the upper hand in their assaults on corporate, government and individual targets. Read more
Rural communities to get $865 million in infrastructure aid from USDA programs
Energize Weekly, August 26, 2020 The Trump administration, in the last three weeks, has announced $865 million in loans and grants to upgrade rural infrastructure – electric grids, water systems and broadband internet. The two largest programs are for water and wastewater systems – $462 million – and rural electrification…
U.S. market for ‘smart home’ devices to triple to $75 billion by 2025
Energize Weekly, September 25, 2019 The U.S. market for “smart home” devices will more than triple by 2025, reaching $75 billion, according to data analytics company GlobalData. The growth will be driven by the increased use of smart thermostats, which consumers see as an energy-saving device and utilities as one…
Seattle’s grid could be overwhelmed by ambitious plans for electric trucks and buses
Energize Weekly, September 18, 2019 Seattle’s ambitious plans for electrifying the city’s transportation sector could destabilize the metropolitan area’s electric grid by the addition of large numbers of electric trucks and buses, a study finds. The study by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in collaboration with Seattle City Light offers…
Dominion Energy launches a program to swap diesel school buses for electric ones
Energize Weekly, September 4, 2019 Dominion Energy has launched a program to replace diesel school buses in Virginia with electric buses starting with 50 vehicles in 2020 and then a second phase – adding 200 buses each year through 2025 – with the ultimate goal of replacing all diesel buses…
