Author: Cozzy
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US Department of Energy Directs Michigan Power Plant to Continue Operations Amid Grid Reliability Concerns
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently issued an order mandating that Constellation, the owner of the 760 MW Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan, postpone its planned retirement. The DOE cited concerns about grid reliability, asserting an “emergency” situation that necessitated the plant’s continued operation to prevent potential power supply shortages. This action, however,…
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FERC Announces Upcoming Agenda for Pipeline Infrastructure, Hydroelectric Projects, and Jurisdictional Matters
FERC’s upcoming agenda includes several key items related to pipeline infrastructure, hydroelectric projects, and jurisdictional matters. The proceedings, structured around Certificates, Hydroelectric, and Miscellaneous sections, involve various applications and petitions requiring the Commission’s consideration. Regarding Certificates, items C-1 through C-3 primarily address natural gas transportation. Texas Connector Pipeline, LLC, is seeking modifications to its existing…
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Crane Clean Energy Center Revitalization Project Moves Forward
A significant revitalization effort is underway at the former Three Mile Island site in Pennsylvania, now rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center. Led by Constellation, the project focuses on restarting Unit 1, which was previously decommissioned in 2019. This initiative marks a collaborative effort involving Microsoft and receiving strong support from the Pennsylvania state…
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Secretary of Energy Visits NETL Champions Energy Innovation
Secretary of Energy Visits NETL, Champions Energy Innovation U.S. Secretary of Energy recently toured the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facility, focusing on the progress and future direction of energy technologies. The visit underscored a commitment to accelerating innovation across the energy landscape. A central theme of the Secretary’s message was a call for a…
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Eastern US Power Grid Struggles Under Scorching Temperatures
Scorching temperatures across the eastern United States put immense strain on the nation’s power grid Tuesday, forcing grid operators to take emergency measures to prevent widespread blackouts. With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, several regional grid operators faced critically low power generation margins. Transmission lines experienced congestion and overheating, leading to drastically inflated wholesale electricity…
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New England’s Electricity Grid Shifts Away from Fossil Fuels with Behind-the-Meter Solar
New England’s electricity grid faces considerable challenges during periods of high demand, especially during hot weather. Historically, grid operators have responded to these peaks by relying on older “peaker plants” – facilities often powered by oil or coal – which are costly to operate and contribute to environmental pollution. This dependence on peak demand drives…
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Tuesday’s Intense Heat Strains Massachusetts Electrical Grid, Leaving Thousands Without Power
Tuesday’s intense heat significantly strained the electrical grid in Massachusetts, leaving thousands without power. Eversource reported approximately 13,000 customers experienced outages due to the extreme temperatures. Since Monday, Eversource crews have restored power to roughly 28,000 customers, with over 5,000 restorations occurring overnight. Currently, about 800 customers remain without power, concentrated in the Metro Boston…
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MISO Region Faces Growing Power Project Backlog Amid Louisiana’s Robust Growth
A substantial power project backlog is impacting the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region, particularly affecting Louisiana. Currently, approximately 100 gigawatts of new power generation projects are awaiting connection to the MISO grid, a vast amount of potential energy capacity held back. MISO oversees the electricity grid for 15 U.S. states and a portion of…
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New Jersey Unveils $430 Million Relief Package to Mitigate Rising Energy Costs
New Jersey is implementing a $430 million relief package to address rising energy costs for residents, anticipating utility rate increases slated to take effect in June 2025. These increases are driven by record-high wholesale electric prices, projecting a 20% rise in bills compared to the previous year. All 3.9 million ratepayers will receive at least…