The evolving demands of modern power grids necessitate the adoption of advanced technologies that can provide enhanced efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. Smart transformers are at the forefront of this technological revolution, offering a range of capabilities that significantly improve the management and operation of electrical grids. This article explores the latest advancements in smart transformer technology, their key features, benefits for real-time monitoring, load management, and fault detection, integration with smart grids and IoT devices,...
The electrical grid in the United States comprises all of the power plants generating electricity, together with the transmission and distribution lines and systems that bring power to end-use customers. The “grid” also connects the many publicly and privately owned electric utility and power...
Duke Energy has received approval from North Carolina regulators to deploy a significant amount of new power generation capacity in the state, including new natural gas plants, as part of its long-term energy transition strategy. The decision, which is expected to have a major impact on the...
As the solar energy sector continues to expand rapidly, the conversation around domestic manufacturing capabilities has gained urgency. With ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting global trade, the idea of establishing a fully domestic solar supply chain in the United...
Examining the foundational elements in architecture decision BY TOM WILSON, Itron In recent years, the utility industry has seen a diverse set of use cases for Smart Grid deployments emerge. North American electric utilities are carefully considering architecture decisions to ensure that the...
The "Solar For All" program, which was designed to bring affordable solar energy to low-income communities across the United States, is now facing significant challenges after a pause in funding imposed by the Trump administration. This program, which was part of the Biden administration’s...
In a strategic move to tackle the growing electricity demand and bolster energy security, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), under Secretary Chris Wright, has announced plans to focus on expanding baseload and dispatchable power generation. This shift in priorities, outlined on January 5, 2025,...
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major utility serving Northern and Central California, has secured a conditional $15 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office. This funding aims to enhance PG&E's hydropower generation, battery storage...
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...
Novonix, an Australian battery materials and technology company, has secured a conditional commitment for a $754.8 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to construct a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This facility is poised to become the first...
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has unanimously decided to shelve the proposed $1 billion Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM) for power generators, concluding that it would not deliver the anticipated grid reliability benefits. The PCM was conceived as a means to incentivize power...
