SPP stakeholders support $7.7B of new transmission projects 10.23.2024 Last week, SPP stakeholders voted in favor of the plans proposed by its Integrated Transmission Planning (ITP) process, asserting that studies show the transmission investments will pay for themselves in a matter of years and return benefits at a rate of…
Georgia Power awarded $160 million from Department of Energy to enhance Georgia’s power grid
Georgia Power awarded $160 million from Department of Energy to enhance Georgia’s power grid Oct 21, 2024 Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility serving 2.7 million customers, has been awarded more than $160 million in funding by the Department of Energy (DOE) through its Grid Deployment Office. As Georgia…
CenterPoint unveils Phase 2 of grid resilience plan, with 25K stronger power poles
CenterPoint unveils Phase 2 of grid resilience plan, with 25K stronger power poles Sep. 30, 2024 CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) +1% in Monday’s trading after unveiling plans to overhaul its power grid infrastructure in the next eight months before the start of the 2025 hurricane season, including adding 25K stronger power…
Power Grid Under Pressure: Is U.S. Transmission Infrastructure Ready for the Surge in Energy Demand?
Power Grid Under Pressure: Is U.S. Transmission Infrastructure Ready for the Surge in Energy Demand? Sept. 23, 2024 The demand for power is growing, but is the bulk transmission’s infrastructure ready for it? This past summer saw peak demands setting records followed by next-day power prices setting their own records,…
Smart Grid Technology Prevents Nearly 5,000 Power Interruptions for Customers So Far in 2024
Smart Grid Technology Prevents Nearly 5,000 Power Interruptions for Customers So Far in 2024 Aug. 27, 2024 DTE Energy’s smart grid technology has enabled prevention of nearly 5,000 power interruptions and more than 1.8 million minutes without power for customers so far in 2024 “We’re dedicated to reducing power outages…
Idaho Gov. Little unveils new wildfire plan that includes less liability for companies
Idaho Gov. Little unveils new wildfire plan that includes less liability for companies August 23, 2024 A new plan Idaho Gov. Brad Little unveiled Friday to mitigate wildfire risk had more than just policies aimed to protect areas from widespread blazes. A list of top priorities had a broad scope…
ERCOT successfully navigates heat wave, new peak demand record
ERCOT successfully navigates heat wave, new peak demand record Aug 26, 2024 Despite record temperatures last week and a new peak demand record, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said it was able to maintain service without conservation requests, which it required last summer. Large additions of renewables and battery…
Entergy Louisiana breaks ground on phase one of grid resilience plan
Entergy Louisiana breaks ground on phase one of grid resilience plan August 20, 2024 Entergy Louisiana LLC recently marked the start of phase one of its comprehensive grid resilience plan during a groundbreaking ceremony in Lake Charles, reports Daily Energy Insider. “We harden the grid throughout each year; however, the…
Cybersecurity threats escalate in the energy sector
Cybersecurity threats escalate in the energy sector Aug 19, 2024 Six individuals working for Russian intelligence were charged in Pennsylvania in October 2020 for their role in ‘Sandworm’. In addition to hacking into chemical laboratories in the UK and the Netherlands, and targeting victims at the 2018 Winter Olympics in…
Texas launches new investigation into Houston’s power utility following deadly outages after Beryl
Texas launches new investigation into Houston’s power utility following deadly outages after Beryl August 12, 2024 Texas’ attorney general launched an investigation Monday into Houston’s electric utility over allegations of fraud and waste following Hurricane Beryl, adding to the mounting scrutiny after widespread power outages left millions without electricity for…
CenterPoint Energy sees up to $1.3 bln in restoration costs after Hurricane Beryl
CenterPoint Energy sees up to $1.3 bln in restoration costs after Hurricane Beryl July 30, 2024 Electric and gas utility CenterPoint Energy (CNP.N), opens new tab said on Tuesday it expects total costs to restore facilities damaged by Hurricane Beryl to be in the range of $1.2 billion to $1.3…
Hawaiian Electric nears completion of $1.7M weather station project to help prevent wildfires
Hawaiian Electric nears completion of $1.7M weather station project to help prevent wildfires July 26, 2024 Hawaiian Electric Co. expects to fully complete its $1.7 million weather station project by the end of the month to help the company better predict and respond to weather conditions that could spark wildfires.…
Hurricane Beryl Ravages Texas Coast, Leaving Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Hurricane Beryl Ravages Texas Coast, Leaving Widespread Damage and Power Outages July 8, 2024 Tropical Storm Beryl has unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds along the Texas coast, leading to widespread power outages affecting nearly 3 million homes and businesses. Streets are inundated with rapidly rising waters, prompting urgent rescue…
Entergy Texas announces resiliency plan to strengthen the Southeast Texas power grid
Entergy Texas announces resiliency plan to strengthen the Southeast Texas power grid 07/01/2024 Extreme weather has become more frequent and severe in Texas. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, there have been 179 extreme weather events in Texas from 1980 to June 2024, including hurricanes and winter storms.…
Despite bad weather and forced power plant outages the nation’s grid was reliable in 2023
Despite bad weather and forced power plant outages the nation’s grid was reliable in 2023 Energize Weekly, July 3, 2024 Even in the face of extreme weather events and higher rates of forced outages at generating facilities, the U.S.-Canadian electric grid remained “reliable and secure” in 2023, according to the…
Con Edison begins five-year plan to install interrupters to improve reliability
Con Edison begins five-year plan to install interrupters to improve reliability June 24, 2024 Over the next five years, Con Edison plans to install 100 new “interrupters” on underground electric delivery equipment in Brooklyn and Queens. An interrupter is a device that swiftly detects and “interrupts” problems within underground electrical…
To Beat the Summer Heat and Support the Transition to Clean Energy, Con Edison Puts $2.3 Billion Plan In Action
To Beat the Summer Heat and Support the Transition to Clean Energy, Con Edison Puts $2.3 Billion Plan In Action June 10, 2024 Con Edison is investing $2.3 billion in infrastructure projects across New York City and Westchester County to keep its service safe and reliable and support the clean…
Dominion Energy finishes burying 2,000 miles of power lines ahead of hurricane season
Dominion Energy finishes burying 2,000 miles of power lines ahead of hurricane season Jun 03, 2024 Just ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, Dominion Energy Virginia has finished burying 2,000 miles of previously-overhead power lines as part of its Strategic Underground Program. Launched in 2014 to reduce storm-related power outages…
Cybersecurity experts sound alarm over US power grid vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity experts sound alarm over US power grid vulnerabilities June 2, 2024 The White House announced efforts last week to upgrade the country’s aging energy infrastructure in a move to reduce power outages and make improvements to the grid amid soaring demand, but threats from nefarious forces continue to pose…
Idaho regulators reject utility’s bid to limit liability for wildfire damages
Idaho regulators reject utility’s bid to limit liability for wildfire damages May 23, 2024 The Idaho Public Utilities Commission turned down a request last week from an electric company that wanted to limit its responsibility for future wildfire damages. Portland-based PacifiCorp, which serves about 90,000 Idaho customers through Rocky Mountain…
FirstEnergy Using Helicopters and Infrared Technology for Vegetation Management Inspections
FirstEnergy Using Helicopters and Infrared Technology for Vegetation Management Inspections May 14, 2024 To keep power flowing safely and reliably, FirstEnergy Corp. is conducting proactive aerial inspections of nearly 7,000 miles of transmission lines in its service territory using helicopters equipped with infrared technology. This work helps ensure that high-voltage…
New cybersecurity center to protect grids integrated with renewables, microgrids
New cybersecurity center to protect grids integrated with renewables, microgrids 23-Apr-2024 Bringing renewable energy to the power grid raises all kinds of “internet-of-things” issues, said Iowa State University’s Manimaran Govindarasu. That’s because “everything is connected,” said the Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering. Solar inverters are connected to the internet.…
The U.S. is facing an “unprecedented” shortage of electric transformers, NREL says
The U.S. is facing an “unprecedented” shortage of electric transformers, NREL says Energize Weekly, March 27, 2024 The U.S. is facing an “unprecedented” shortage of electric distribution transformers creating challenges for the nation’s utilities, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (NREL). The nation’s grid faces…
SRP, City Of Phoenix To Begin Removing Trees That Threaten Overhead Power Lines
SRP, City Of Phoenix To Begin Removing Trees That Threaten Overhead Power Lines March 12, 2024 In an effort to increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks, SRP and the City of Phoenix are scheduled to begin removing trees growing too close to power lines. For every tree removed,…
Maine’s Versant Power proposes changes to its distribution rates
Maine’s Versant Power proposes changes to its distribution rates March 08, 2024 Maine’s Versant Power has filed a plan with regulators to change its distribution rates in 2025. If approved, the average residential customer using 500 kilowatt-hours per month would see an increase of about $12 per month. A customer…
Xcel says big reason it needs to spend millions on new projects is regional grid’s reliability risks
Xcel says big reason it needs to spend millions on new projects is regional grid’s reliability risks MARCH 4, 2024 The growing risk of unreliability and potential expense of buying energy on the open market is a big reason why Xcel Energy wants to make significant investments in its infrastructure.…
Western Maryland Electric Grid Stronger and More Resilient Following Smart Enhancements
Western Maryland Electric Grid Stronger and More Resilient Following Smart Enhancements 13 Feb, 2024 FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Potomac Edison has completed service reliability projects that will enhance electric service and minimize the impact of power outages for nearly 5,000 customers in Allegany, Frederick and Garrett counties. The two…
Oak Ridge public-private partnership looks to advance quantum tech for the power grid
Oak Ridge public-private partnership looks to advance quantum tech for the power grid FEBRUARY 1, 2024 A new cooperative endeavor based at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory unites public and private sector players to push forward advancements in the quantum sciences field, particularly for solutions to further secure the U.S.…
Texas’ grid has gone 3 years without a crisis. Will it last?
Texas’ grid has gone 3 years without a crisis. Will it last? 01/30/2024 In the three years since deadly blackouts paralyzed Texas, two major winter storms have hit the electricity grid without plunging the state into blackouts. Texas has touted its success during those two events — Elliott in December…
TVA reaches its highest weekend power demand during the cold temperatures
TVA reaches its highest weekend power demand during the cold temperatures Jan 21, 2024 Icy temperatures followed us into the weekend, and the Tennessee Valley Authority broke another peak power record along the way. The peak power demand on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Easter Time was 34,284 megawatts, with…
Hawaii completes assessment of Oahu energy system and critical infrastructure
Hawaii completes assessment of Oahu energy system and critical infrastructure December 29, 2023 The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) recently concluded work on an initiative called the O‘ahu Energy System and Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Resiliency Assessment. The assessment involved a comprehensive hazard and risk assessment of O’ahu’s critical energy…
FirstEnergy Subsidiaries Awarded More Than $800 Million in Transmission Upgrades
FirstEnergy Subsidiaries Awarded More Than $800 Million in Transmission Upgrades 12 Dec. 2023 FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiaries Potomac Edison and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT) have been awarded transmission projects totaling more than $800 million in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia by regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection. The projects…
NARUC establishes new gas-electric working group to tackle grid-related reliability
NARUC establishes new gas-electric working group to tackle grid-related reliability November 28, 2023 At its annual meeting and education conference last week, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) launched a new 15-month gas electric working group to improve reliability for both the gas and electric industries. “The safety…
PG&E bills to soar next year after regulators approve 13% rate increase Thursday
PG&E bills to soar next year after regulators approve 13% rate increase Thursday Nov 16, 2023 Monthly bills for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers will climb even higher next year after California regulators on Thursday unanimously approved allowing the utility giant to increase its rates for electricity and natural…
Security researchers raise concerns regarding electric vehicle chargers
Security researchers raise concerns regarding electric vehicle chargers November 13, 2023 Security researchers have found voltage vulnerabilities while putting home electric vehicle chargers to the test. Consumer Adviser Clark Howard delves into why they want more regulation for manufacturers to keep the power grid safe. Read more
PacifiCorp now wants protection from fire victims
PacifiCorp now wants protection from fire victims November 10, 2023 Oregon’s second-largest electricity provider wants state regulators to protect it from the costs of future lawsuits seeking reimbursement from destructive wildfires. The Oregonian reported that PacifiCorp’s request to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) was made just months after the utility…
U.S. DOE awards $3.5 billion for 58 projects to make electric grids safer and more resilient
U.S. DOE awards $3.5 billion for 58 projects to make electric grids safer and more resilient Energize Weekly, October 25, 2023 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made $3.5 billion in grants to utilities in 44 states to improve grid reliability and to take measures to meet the risks…
PG&E to Pay $45 Million for Second-Largest California Fire
PG&E to Pay $45 Million for Second-Largest California Fire October 9, 2023 PG&E Corp. will pay a $45 million penalty for its role in starting the second-largest wildfire in California history under a settlement proposal issued by state regulators. The California utility giant agreed to the shareholder-funded penalty proposed by…
Hawaiian Electric begins restoration work in Lahaina at request of Maui Emergency Operations Center
Hawaiian Electric begins restoration work in Lahaina at request of Maui Emergency Operations Center September 21, 2023 Hawaiian Electric reports that replacement of poles and electrical equipment damaged in last months windstorms and wildfires in Lahaina will get underway at the request of Maui emergency management officials. This work will…
China-Linked Hackers Breached a Power Grid—Again
China-Linked Hackers Breached a Power Grid—Again SEP 12, 2023 The loose nexus of Chinese-origin cyberspies collectively called APT41 is known for carrying out some of the most brazen hacking schemes linked to China over the past decade. Its methods range from a spree of software supply chain attacks that planted…
CMP accused of overspending $53.6 million in storm recovery efforts
CMP accused of overspending $53.6 million in storm recovery efforts Sep 8, 2023 Maine’s advocate for utility customers wants state regulators to withhold more than $50 million that it says Central Maine Power Co. overspent in violation of staffing guidelines when restoring power to customers during a dozen storms in…
Hawaii power utility takes responsibility for first fire on Maui, but faults county firefighters
Hawaii power utility takes responsibility for first fire on Maui, but faults county firefighters August 28, 2023 Hawaii’s electric utility acknowledged its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have a second wildfire break out…
State power grid operator calls on Texans to conserve energy late Sunday
State power grid operator calls on Texans to conserve energy late Sunday AUG. 20, 2023 The state’s electric grid operator is asking Texans to limit their power use on Sunday between 7 and 10 p.m., the second such request in three days as extreme heat continues to grip the state.…
Experts eye ways to mitigate physical assaults on US power grid
Experts eye ways to mitigate physical assaults on US power grid 11 Aug, 2023 Industry experts offered a range of ideas for how power system planners can help bolster physical grid security during an Aug. 10 technical conference hosted by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff. The gathering, held jointly with…
Hawaiian Electric shares plummet 40% after Maui wildfires lawsuit
Hawaiian Electric shares plummet 40% after Maui wildfires lawsuit August 15, 2023 Shares of Hawaiian Electric have plummeted nearly 40% since trading opened Monday over concerns that the utility company could be held liable for damage wrought by the Maui wildfires. A class-action lawsuit filed against Hawaiian Electric on Saturday…
How a grid rule change could derail Texas renewables
How a grid rule change could derail Texas renewables 08/04/2023 In the midst of a sweltering summer when renewable energy has helped Texas avoid grid outages despite record demand, wind and solar companies are warning that a proposed rule may cripple their industry. The state’s main grid operator is reviewing…
Cyberattacks on the power grid are on the rise as utilities seeking security play catch-up
Cyberattacks on the power grid are on the rise as utilities seeking security play catch-up Energize Weekly, August 9, 2023 In the summer of 2022, the Colorado Springs Utilities alerted its customers that their data from its system had been hacked. Several months later, 2,000 wind turbines in Germany were…
Probe Into 2022 Attack on Kern County PG&E Facility Hits Dead End
Probe Into 2022 Attack on Kern County PG&E Facility Hits Dead End Jul 10 Investigators have hit a dead end in their investigation of a July 2022 incident in which gunfire caused nearly $6 million in damage to a PG&E substation near Bakersfield. It’s one of a string of unsolved…
Penelec Boosts Service Reliability with Summer Preparations in Pennsylvania
Penelec Boosts Service Reliability with Summer Preparations in Pennsylvania June 26, 2023 Penelec, a FirstEnergy subsidiary, is enhancing service reliability by inspecting and maintaining equipment across its 31-county northern and central Pennsylvania service area for the upcoming hot summer months. Crews are completing inspections of the local energy delivery system…
FERC finalizes new rules to improve reliability in extreme weather conditions
FERC finalizes new rules to improve reliability in extreme weather conditions June 20, 2023 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) finalized two new rules last week that are designed to help improve reliability of the bulk power system against threats of extreme weather. The first rule directs the North American…
