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California Wants to Reinvent the Power Grid. So What Could Go Wrong?
Two decades ago, when California deregulated the delivery of electric power, lawmakers, regulators and even some environmentalists hailed the decision as a way to lower consumers’ bills. The strategy proved disastrous. Now the state’s leaders have a new proposal for an energy makeover, this time to create a single authority to manage the electric grid for most or all of the West. This plan, too, promises to cut costs for consumers — by as much as $1.5 billion a year — while helping to bolster use of carbon-free power sources. [ read more … ]
DOE’s Walker, Little under consideration for FERC seat, industry sources say
Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Bruce Walker and former Arizona utility regulator Doug Little are at the center of early conversations in Washington over who will fill an upcoming vacancy on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), according to more than a half-dozen industry sources close to the discussions who spoke with Utility Dive. Discussions over the replacement for Commissioner Robert Powelson, who will step down next month, are still evolving and could change over time, according to the sources, two of which said they had direct knowledge of conversations inside the administration. [ read more … ]
Policy & Politics
Dueling studies probe costs of DOE’s coal, nuke rescue plan
The Department of Energy’s draft plan to subsidize struggling coal and nuclear plants as insurance against cyberthreats and natural disasters would cost $10 billion to $17 billion a year, according to a new analysis issued by energy interests fighting the administration’s proposal. The analysis by the Brattle Group added that if the White House adopted the DOE plan and it gave at-risk coal and nuclear power operators a return on capital as well as an operating subsidy, wholesale electricity costs could increase by $20 billion to $35 billion a year. [ read more … ]
Solar projects in Utah, Oregon to power Facebook data centers
Facebook and Pacific Power said Wednesday they are teaming up to construct solar projects that will produce enough power to offset what the social media giant consumes at its data centers in Prineville, Ore. The solar projects — two near Prineville and four in Utah — will generate 437 megawatts of power when completed by the end of 2020.
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Arizona brawl over renewables ballot measure is going to court
Critics of an Arizona renewable energy ballot proposal filed suit this week and are seeking an injunction, arguing the effort didn’t attract enough valid signatures. It’s the latest response to a measure that would require regulated electric utilities to source at least 50 percent of annual power sales from renewable energy by 2030. Utilities could earn and trade credits under the plan, which wouldn’t apply to the Salt River Project, a major power and water company. Supporters hope the proposal will appear on the November ballot. [ read more … ]
In loss for Trump, court refuses to halt kids’ suit
A federal appeals court swiftly rejected the Trump administration’s latest bid to halt a lawsuit brought by young plaintiffs over climate change. The three-judge panel issued a short order today denying the administration’s July 5 request to overrule a district court’s decision to let the suit proceed. [ read more … ]
Bill shows chink in U.S. Republicans’ climate armor
A decade of inaction by the U.S. Republican Party on climate legislation will end next week when one its own offers a carbon tax bill, which is sure to fail in the House of Representatives, but is notable for winning even a little Republican support. Representative Carlos Curbelo of Florida, a member of the House tax committee, said he will unveil the bill on Monday. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.