In a significant shift, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has decided to abandon its transmission incentives policy, particularly the construction work in progress (CWIP) incentives. This decision marks a pivotal change in how transmission projects are financed and regulated, potentially impacting stakeholders across the energy sector.
Historically, transmission incentives, including CWIP, were designed to encourage investment in the nation's aging and overburdened transmission infrastructure. By allowing utilities to recover costs during the construction phase,...
In reports analyzing the response of power utilities to incidents such as Hurricane Sandy, or the more recent ice storms on the east coast, one item has been remarkably consistent—the conclusion that communication requires improvements. The concern is not hard to fathom. Knowing accurately when...
Fleet managers working at electric utilities know that for crews to be successful on any jobsite, they need to have access to tools that will help them work safer, smarter, more efficiently and more profitably. In the electric utility industry, a utility truck, whether an aerial device, such as a...
In Alaska, a novel approach to climate strategy is gaining traction: reducing the prison population. Advocates argue that addressing the high incarceration rates can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. This perspective reflects a broader understanding of how social justice and...
How to reduce peak load in constrained areas of the grid BY W. HUGH GAASCH, Retroficiency With an aging infrastructure, rising demand, and an increasingly stringent regulatory climate, utilities across the country face some tough decisions in the coming decade. The American Association of Civil...
A Smart substation digitizes protection and control, enabling utilities to detect faults faster, manage DER volatility, and reduce outage risk. The payoff depends on architecture, cybersecurity, and edge analytics, not just new relays. The shift toward smart substations is inseparable from broader...
In a significant shift in its renewable energy strategy, New Jersey has recently decided to cancel its plans to award a fourth offshore wind farm project. The decision marks a crucial moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its offshore wind sector, which has long been hailed as a...
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, one of the United States’ largest offshore wind developments, has encountered an increase in its projected costs, but it remains on track to meet its scheduled completion by the end of 2026. The project, spearheaded by Dominion Energy, is set...
Whales, the majestic giants of the ocean, have long captivated human imagination. Beyond their grandeur, these marine mammals are now providing scientists with invaluable insights into climate change, offering a unique perspective on the health of our planet. Whales as Climate Change...
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding to support community-led geothermal projects, aiming to enhance local energy resilience and promote equitable access to renewable energy. This initiative underscores the DOE's commitment to empowering communities in the...
In December 2024, President Joe Biden's administration set an ambitious target to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This goal aligns with the Paris Agreement's framework, which requires participating nations to update their emission reduction...
