Dive Brief: The electric utility industry wants its workers to be designated as "first responders" during the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to the heads of the American Public Power Association (APPA), the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the industry group for investor owned utilities, Edison Electric Institute (EEI). During a Wednesday … [Read more...] about Utility industry groups push for first responder status for workers amid COVID-19 crisis
NextEra, Vistra join array of stakeholders in asking FERC to look at carbon pricing
Dive Brief: A wide group of energy stakeholders, including independent power producers, gas interests and clean energy advocates, are asking federal regulators to look more closely at the benefits of pricing carbon across wholesale electricity markets. Vistra Energy, NextEra Energy and others filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Tuesday, … [Read more...] about NextEra, Vistra join array of stakeholders in asking FERC to look at carbon pricing
COVID-19 hits clean energy jobs, but storage companies could be 'bucking the trend'
Dive Brief: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing industry-wide job losses, but many storage developers are optimistic they won't have to reduce their workforce, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Storage Association (ESA). The survey included 101 storage companies, including contractors, three-fourths of which did not expect they would reduce employment … [Read more...] about COVID-19 hits clean energy jobs, but storage companies could be 'bucking the trend'
Power shutoff bans amid pandemic may require cost recovery for utilities
Dive Brief: More than 100 members of Congress, including 15 senators, are pressing the House and Senate leadership to include language in the next COVID-19 funding package prohibiting utilities from disconnecting customers who may not be able to pay their bills now or immediately after the crisis that has closed businesses and thrown millions out of work. The unusual lobbying … [Read more...] about Power shutoff bans amid pandemic may require cost recovery for utilities
Texas utilities, DSM providers spar over smart meter data access as regulators near vote
Dive Brief: The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUC) is expected to vote Friday on new smart meter rules that would utilize on-demand data reads as opposed to real-time information sharing with home appliances and systems that can respond to price and electric usage. Demand response providers had pressed for greater data access to give customers more control over … [Read more...] about Texas utilities, DSM providers spar over smart meter data access as regulators near vote