From the time Thomas Edison’s Pearl Street Station began generating electricity to light up lamps across 1880s Manhattan, the culture, outlook and strategies of the utility industry have been conservative. Entrusted with delivering the key ingredient that makes modern life possible, utilities and the regulators that oversee them have understandably approached their work … [Read more...] about Why utilities can't do what they've always done: And why that's a good thing
As extreme weather spurs billions in utility resilience spending, regulators struggle to value investments
The clarity of hindsight has shown policymakers the value of investments against a pandemic or a Fukushima, but debates continue over extreme weather preparedness. Hurricane flooding in the East and South and wildfire mayhem in the West have taught electric utilities they must invest billions in resilience, but it is still not clear which investments are the best use of … [Read more...] about As extreme weather spurs billions in utility resilience spending, regulators struggle to value investments
Houston unveils first Climate Action Plan
Dive Brief: The City of Houston on Wednesday unveiled its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide residents and businesses in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The CAP focuses on four areas, each with three key goals: Focus Area Goals Transportation Shift … [Read more...] about Houston unveils first Climate Action Plan
Bipartisan senators ask Mnuchin to extend safe harbor deadlines for wind, solar projects
Dive Brief: A group of bipartisan senators on Thursday asked the Department of Treasury to extend safe harbor deadlines to ensure renewable energy developers are able to secure the tax credits they need to finance their projects. In order to qualify for the production tax credit (PTC) or the investment tax credit (ITC), project developers have to meet certain construction … [Read more...] about Bipartisan senators ask Mnuchin to extend safe harbor deadlines for wind, solar projects
Duke, IPL face Indiana scrutiny as NGOs detail coal plant practices costing ratepayers millions
Indiana utilities will have to answer tough questions about their coal operations this year, as scrutiny over the practice of self-scheduling and its environmental and economic costs mounts. Duke Energy and Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) Company are both facing heightened inquiries from the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC) over how often their coal plants … [Read more...] about Duke, IPL face Indiana scrutiny as NGOs detail coal plant practices costing ratepayers millions