US Power Grids Face Intense Heat Stress, Prices Spike Power grid operators across the eastern United States are taking emergency measures as a severe heatwave pushes demand to record levels and wholesale electricity prices skyrocket. Grid managers are directing power plants to maximize electricity generation to avert potential outages. The strain on the system is…

Massachusetts and eight neighboring states are seeking innovative transmission infrastructure project proposals to bolster grid stability and deliver potential cost savings for consumers spanning from Maine to Maryland. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently joined the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, a newly formed group addressing gaps in regional transmission planning.…

El Paso Electric is launching a trial initiative to explore a novel strategy for minimizing peak electricity demand. This program will compensate customers for voluntarily decreasing their power usage during periods of high demand. The utility has enrolled 370 residential customers in the year-long pilot, scheduled to run from September 2024 to August 2025. Participating…

Egco has bolstered its commitment to renewable energy by acquiring a 49% stake in US clean power projects. This move accelerates the company’s ambition to have renewable energy assets represent 30% of its total assets within the next five years. Currently, renewables account for 22% of Egco’s portfolio, and the company aims to reach the…

New Hampshire lawmakers recently approved a series of bills addressing housing, carbon emissions, and energy policy, with several Democratic representatives raising concerns. Housing-related legislation, focused on zoning and housing density, received concurrence from the House after Senate approval. These changes could ease density restrictions, potentially increasing the housing supply to address affordability and shortages, though…

A recent series of discussions involving the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have focused on grid reliability and market monitoring, revealing a significant divergence in perspectives. A central point of contention revolves around the assessment of reliability risks within the MISO…

New England’s electricity supply is projected to be sufficient for the upcoming summer, but concerns are emerging regarding future winter conditions. After two decades of decreasing consumption, electricity demand in the region is poised for a rise. ISO-New England, the governing body for the six-state power grid, anticipates that the region possesses ample power generation…

New England’s electricity landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. For years, electricity consumption in the region has been on a downward trend, largely thanks to improvements in energy efficiency and a reduction in industrial activity. The proliferation of rooftop solar installations has also played a crucial role in this decline. However, this pattern is expected…

New Hampshire electricity consumers may soon notice changes to their bills. A proposal by Unitil, one of the state’s major utility companies, to broaden the scope of reconciliation charges has been rejected by state regulators. The proposal would have extended these charges to all customers, regardless of their electricity supply source. This decision marks a…