Grid Modernization
Improving Grid Cyber Security
Estimating Transmission Costs for New Generation Technologies
Grid Modernization
Bills Threaten Renewable Growth and Raise Costs
Texas is at a pivotal crossroads in its energy policy, with legislative actions that could significantly reshape the state's electricity landscape. A recent report by Aurora Energy Research, commissioned by the Texas Association of Business, warns that proposed restrictions on renewable energy development could lead to higher electricity prices and increased reliability risks.
The Impact of Renewable Energy Restrictions
Aurora's April 2025 report projects that limiting wind and solar development in Texas could result in...
Related Articles
Estimating Transmission Costs for New Generation Technologies
Often when project developers talk about the cost of a new power plant, wind farm, or solar installation, they’re referring to the capital cost of building a facility. Certainly those development costs have dropped over time—especially for wind and solar. But developers overlook the...
The Evolution / Revolution of Overhead Conductors... and why it matters
Brief Background: In the early 1900’s Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) conductor was developed to replace copper wires, due to the war effort when copper was needed for munitions. In the 1970’s growing demand for electricity inspired the development of higher capacity...
Internet of Things Phenomenon
The introduction of wearable smart watches was a major step forward for Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the consumer electronics arena, and the next major step for computing. The Guardian News, a U.K.-based national newspaper, calls this next era a “programmable world” where multiple...
Changing the Utility Business Model
Currently, the power industry is experiencing profound changes that pose a number of uncertainties for electric utilities. Now, utility executives must consider new business models, become acquainted with new industry participants, and understand the new roles emerging for technology, customers,...
Grid Communications Infrastructure: Fiber, Wireless, and Networking Technologies
Reliable and secure communication infrastructure is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the modern power grid. As utilities transition to digital substations, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), and deploy real-time monitoring systems, the need for robust, scalable grid...
Smart Substations and Their Role in the Evolving Smart Grid
The power industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by grid modernization, renewable integration, and increasing demands for resilience and efficiency. At the heart of this evolution lies the smart substation—a next-generation facility equipped with advanced sensors, digital...
Alliant Energy Launches Iowa's Largest Solar Facility
Alliant Energy has officially brought Iowa’s largest solar facility online, marking a significant milestone in the state's renewable energy landscape. The 200-megawatt (MW) Pleasant Creek Solar project, located in Linn County, is now operational and supplying clean electricity to Alliant...
Bills Threaten Renewable Growth and Raise Costs
Texas is at a pivotal crossroads in its energy policy, with legislative actions that could significantly reshape the state's electricity landscape. A recent report by Aurora Energy Research, commissioned by the Texas Association of Business, warns that proposed restrictions on renewable energy...
Duke Energy Florida Adds 300 MW with Four New Solar Projects
Duke Energy Florida has announced plans to build four new utility-scale solar energy facilities across the state, aimed at adding 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to the grid. This expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to increase its solar generation capacity and...
FERC Reviews PJM Colocation Rules for Data Centers and Large Energy Loads
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has launched a review of the rules surrounding the colocation of large energy consumers, such as data centers, with power plants within the PJM Interconnection region. This review follows concerns raised by stakeholders, including major energy...