Maryland PSC Calls for Smart Metering Options
Posted on Jan 10, 2013 in Innovation/Efficiency, Regulation & Policy, Technology | Comments Off on Maryland PSC Calls for Smart Metering Options
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) will require Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), among other electricity providers, to provide customers with additional smart metering options. Customers cited health-related concerns about certain smart metering technology and now will have the option of opting out of smart meter installations for an increased price. Click...
NRECA Speaks Out Against EPA Turbine Plan
Posted on Jan 8, 2013 in Climate Change, Environmental, Grid & Infrastructure, Innovation/Efficiency, Project Development, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on NRECA Speaks Out Against EPA Turbine Plan
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to back off on its proposed revisions to New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary gas turbines and stationary combustion turbines. According to the NRECA, the revisions are flawed because the revised standards would be made retroactive to February 2005 and...
SMECO Looks to Expand Solar
Posted on Jan 3, 2013 in Financing, Land Use, Project Development, Regulation & Policy, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on SMECO Looks to Expand Solar
A 5.5-MW solar farm developed by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has proved worthwhile, and the coop is now looking to build a second solar facility. SMECO’s efforts will help it satisfy a Maryland state law, which requires utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2022, with two percent of that portion coming from solar energy produced in...
Alaskan Gas Shortages Call for Conservation
Posted on Jan 3, 2013 in Energy Savings Programs, Regulation & Policy, Reliability | Comments Off on Alaskan Gas Shortages Call for Conservation
Due to anticipated natural gas shortages in the Cook Inlet area of Alaska, local coops, utilities and regional governments are banding together to raise public awareness about the problem and to promote demand-side conservation efforts. Chugach Electric Association, Homer Electric Association and Matanuska Electric Association are three coops involved in the Energy Watch effort. ...
New Reliability Compliance Opportunities in 2013
Posted on Jan 2, 2013 in Grid & Infrastructure, Legislative & Politics, Regulation & Policy, Reliability | Comments Off on New Reliability Compliance Opportunities in 2013
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) closed out 2012 with several orders affecting reliability compliance. FERC adopted a revised definition of the “bulk electric system,” authorized FERC access to e-Tags used to schedule power transmission, and affirmed the authority of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to assess monetary penalties against federally...
Vermont’s Second Largest Utility Seeks Moratorium on Renewable Energy Projects
Posted on Jan 2, 2013 in Corporate Governance, Environmental, Legislative & Politics, Regulation & Policy, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Vermont’s Second Largest Utility Seeks Moratorium on Renewable Energy Projects
The board of directors of Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) has approved a resolution calling for a two-year moratorium on renewable energy projects following a large controversial wind project. VEC has several large wind projects in its portfolio, including the Lowell wind project, which has been the source of some complaints because of the noise created by the wind turbines. ...
Commission Suspends Planned Rate Increase for New Mexico Electric Coops
Posted on Dec 26, 2012 in Rates, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on Commission Suspends Planned Rate Increase for New Mexico Electric Coops
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has suspended a planned rate increase for several New Mexico electric cooperatives that are part of the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State). Tri-State will likely file suit protesting the decision, arguing that the New Mexico PRC has no jurisdiction over interstate wholesale power sales. During the pendency...
USDA Announces $6.1 Million in Rural Project Funding
Posted on Dec 20, 2012 in Financing, Project Development, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on USDA Announces $6.1 Million in Rural Project Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced its most recent series of grants and loans designed to boost economic development in rural communities. This latest round of funding will serve communities in seven Midwestern and Southern states and involves more than $6.1 million. See the press release for further details.
Report Finds Renewables on the Rise
Posted on Dec 20, 2012 in Project Development, Regulation & Policy, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Report Finds Renewables on the Rise
A preliminary version of the Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook Report finds that renewable energy production, particularly wind and solar, is expected to rise over the next 30 years. The increase is largely attributed to state renewable energy requirements and heightened environmental regulations The final version of the annual report is scheduled to be released...
Judge Denies Sierra Club’s Challenge to $3 Billion Mississippi Coal Plant
Posted on Dec 19, 2012 in Environmental, Legislative & Politics, Litigation, Permitting, Project Development, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on Judge Denies Sierra Club’s Challenge to $3 Billion Mississippi Coal Plant
A Mississippi judge has ruled against the Sierra Club’s attempt to invalidate the licensing for a $3 billion coat plant granted to Mississippi Power Co. Inc. and South Mississippi Electric Power Association by the Mississippi Public Service Commission. The court held that policy decisions on long-term solutions for fuel diversity and price stability of fuels used in electric...
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