PG&E Announces Plan to Underground 10,000 Miles of Power Lines in Highest Fire-Threat Areas JUL 27, 2021 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) recently announced a major initiative to expand the undergrounding of electric distribution power lines in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD) to further harden its system and help prevent…
Growing Oregon Wildfire Threatens California Transmission Lines, State Issues Grid Warning
Growing Oregon Wildfire Threatens California Transmission Lines, State Issues Grid Warning July 10, 2021 Southern Oregon’s Bootleg Fire has grown to more than 143,000 acres as of Sunday morning, doubling in size from Saturday, when California energy officials warned it was encroaching on power transmission lines to the state. Read…
PG&E wants to propose an 18% rate hike during a heat wave. Here’s why
PG&E wants to propose an 18% rate hike during a heat wave. Here’s why Jul 9, 2021 PG&E is asking the state to raise rates by 18%. The utility presented a proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission saying the money is needed for critical investments- specifically, on work to…
CPUC issues proposal establishing independent safety monitor over PG&E
CPUC issues proposal establishing independent safety monitor over PG&E 15 JUNE 2021 As part of the continuing efforts to hold Pacific Gas and Electric Co. accountable for its safety performance, the California Public Utilities Commission has issued a scope of work for an independent safety monitor. Read more
U.S. nuclear regulator approves fuel for next-generation reactors
U.S. nuclear regulator approves fuel for next-generation reactors June 15, 2021 The U.S. nuclear power regulator has approved production of uranium fuel that is far more enriched than fuel for conventional nuclear power plants, the company aiming to make the material said on Monday. Read more
Green push presents cybersecurity problems of its own
Green push presents cybersecurity problems of its own May 17, 2021 The shift to cleaner energy forebodes greater cybersecurity challenges as the economy adds new technologies and relies increasingly on electricity to fuel vehicles and heat homes. Read more
NRC to grant waivers for work-hour limits at nuclear units to meet pandemic staffing needs
Energize Weekly, April 8, 2020 Faced with the risk of not being able to meet the rigorous staffing requirement for operating nuclear power plants during the ongoing pandemic, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said it is prepared to grant exemptions from work-hour controls. The NRC in a March 28 letter…