Nov 17, 2022
NRECA’s Matheson: NERC Winter Reliability Assessment ‘Clear and Constant Warning’ to Policymakers
Source: NRECA
Click here to view the full article.
Industry News
| Nov 9, 2023 |
Much of North America Faces 'Elevated Risk' of Winter Blackouts |
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Much of the U.S. bulk power system faces an elevated risk of blackouts in extreme winter weather, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. warned in its 2023–2024 Winter Reliability Assessment. Source: Utility Dive Click here to view the full article. |
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| Nov 3, 2023 |
NRECA Supports Legislation to Curtail EPA and DOE Overreaches |
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NRECA supported provisions in two House bills that preserve and promote affordable and reliable electricity. The Energy and Water Bill contains language that would stop the proposed EPA power plant rule, the ozone transport rule, and the Waters of the U.S. rule, which all threaten the electric grid. Source: NRECA Click here to view NRECA's letter to congressional leadership. |
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| Oct 31, 2023 |
The Inflation Reduction Act Could Turn Electricity Markets into Subsidy Clearinghouses |
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Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of wholesale electricity markets could be diminished from that of the guarantor of an efficient industry to that of a subsidy clearinghouse. Source: CATO Institute Click here to view the full article. |
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| Oct 27, 2023 |
Co-op Leaders Warn Delegation of Negative Impacts on Cleaner Energy Transition |
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Members of Congress, electric cooperative leaders, and energy analysts recently warned that escalating demand for electricity is threatening to outpace supply as the federal government pushes to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy. Source: NRECA Click here to view the full article. |
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| Oct 25, 2023 |
Texas Public Policy Foundation Unveils True Cost of Electric Vehicles |
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A sweeping first-of-its-kind analysis published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) concludes that electric vehicles would cost tens of thousands more if not for generous taxpayer-funded incentives. Source: Fox News Click here to view the full article. |
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| Oct 3, 2023 |
Texas Grid Solicits Power Reserves to Avoid 'Unacceptable' Winter Risk |
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The Texas grid operator is seeking to secure an extra 3,000 megawatts of power reserves this winter to avoid an "unacceptable" risk of an emergency (shortage of power) in extreme conditions. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimates that there is an almost 20% probability that the state grid it manages will enter into an emergency alert this winter. Source: BNN Bloomberg Click here to view the full article. |
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| Aug 23, 2023 |
NERC Identifies New Risk to Grid Reliability: Energy Policy |
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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) identified energy policy as one of the most significant evolving and interdependent risks to grid reliability. Source: Utility Dive Click here to view the full article. |
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| Aug 10, 2023 |
Independent System Operators Jointly Oppose EPA Rules |
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Several of America’s grid operators joined the chorus of power industry pressure against the Environmental Protection Agency’s New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Source: Grid Brief Click here to view the full article. |
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| Aug 8, 2023 |
NRECA Files Public Comments Opposing EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules |
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The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) filed public comments opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation. Source: NRECA Click here to view the full comments. |
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| Aug 3, 2023 |
Regional Transmission Organization Reform is Needed |
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In its most recent Mandate for Leadership, Bernard McNamee, former commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), calls for the President to have FERC “re-examine the premise of Regional Transmission Organizations.” Source: Grid Brief Click here to view the full article. |
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| Aug 2, 2023 |
Carroll Electric Files Public Comments on EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules |
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Carroll Electric Cooperative and a host of other utilities wrote in opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0072. Source: Regulations.gov Click here to view the full correspondence. |
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| Aug 1, 2023 |
Members of the U.S. Senate Request EPA to Withdrawal Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules |
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Arkansas Senators, John Boozman and Tom Cotton, joined several colleagues in opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation. Source: Washington Post Click here to view the full correspondence. |
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| Jul 13, 2023 |
2023 OMS-MISO Survey Results Indicate Grid Reliability Concerns |
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The 2023 OMS-MISO survey results reinforce the need for continued reforms to MISO’s resource adequacy construct to manage a portfolio transition reliably. Source: misoenergy.org Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jun 28, 2023 |
Two-thirds of North America is At Risk of Energy Shortfalls in High Summer Heat |
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The United States Energy Information Administration highlights continued reliability concerns from NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment. Source: eia.gov Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jun 8, 2023 |
Members of Congress Express Concern over EPA's Clean Power Plan |
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Members of Congress, including Arkansas Senator John Boozman, express concerns about the Clean Power Plan 2.0 recently announced by the EPA and its limited opportunity for public input. Source: Senate.gov Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jun 6, 2023 |
Ohio Cooperative CEO Claims Proposed EPA Rule Threatens Reliable Power |
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The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas-fired power plants threatens electric cooperatives’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their members. Source: NRECA Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jun 1, 2023 |
Co-op Leader to Congress: Rolling Blackouts Cannot Become the New Normal |
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Cooperative leaders warn that the push to rapidly replace always-available energy sources could spark rolling blackouts across America. Source: NRECA Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jun 1, 2023 |
Is the U.S. Power Grid Ready for Summer? |
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Power grid watchdog warns of widespread blackouts this summer after the release of NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment. Source: Fox News Click here to view the full article. |
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| May 30, 2023 |
Federal Appeals Court Stays EPA's Rejection of Arkansas' Ozone Plan |
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The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of the EPA's decision to reject Arkansas' plan to comply with federal rules to ensure that the state's coal-fired power plants and industrial sites don't pollute the air in other states. Source: Arkansas Business Click here to view the full article. |
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| May 17, 2023 |
NERC Issues 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment |
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Two-thirds of North America faces reliability challenges in the event of widespread heatwaves this summer. Generator retirements continue to increase risks associated with extreme summer temperatures. Source: North American Electric Reliability Corporation Click here to view the full article. |
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| May 16, 2023 |
NERC Urges Power Plant and Transmission Owners to Prepare for Winter in Highest-Level Alert Issued |
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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued its highest alert level ever, urging generators and transmission owners to take measures to prepare for winter. Source: Utility Plant Click here to view the full article. |
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| May 9, 2023 |
Texas House Weighs Plan to Incentivize New Glas Plants as Grid Faces Challenges |
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The Texas Senate on Thursday voted 27-4 to advance a plan to provide incentives, including 20-year, zero-interest loans to companies building gas-fired power plants, as grid operators continue to raise concerns about rolling blackouts. Source: Utility Dive Click here to view the full article. |
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| May 8, 2023 |
FERC Commissioners Warn of Threats to Reliable Electricity |
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Mark Christie, echoing concerns expressed to Congress by NRECA, said the transition to cleaner energy is happening too fast and could have disastrous consequences. Source: NRECA Click here to view the full article. |
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| Apr 18, 2023 |
Congressman Westerman Emerges as Pivotal Player in Energy |
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House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) is a pivotal player in shaping America's energy policy and permitting for future infrastructure projects. Source: E&E News Click here to view the full article. |
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| Apr 17, 2023 |
NRECA Urges White House to Withdraw Greenhouse Guidance |
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New interim guidance for federal agencies when assessing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions goes beyond the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act and stands to delay critical electric infrastructure projects for small, rural communities. Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Click here to view the full article. |
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| Mar 15, 2023 |
EPA's Rule That Aims To Reduce Emissions Will Have Consequences |
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EPA is bolstering regulation of smog-forming emissions from power plants and more than a half-dozen other industries in the latest move to reduce dependency on coal. Meanwhile, industry trade groups are continuously stressing concerns of grid reliability problems and other potentially severe economic consequences. Source: E&E News - Greenwire Click here to view the full article. |
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| Mar 12, 2023 |
Texas Power Grid May Need 'Breath of God' to Keep Cool in Summer |
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The Texas electric grid’s ability to provide enough summertime energy may hinge on whether renewable sources can meet growing demand that’s already sapped fossil fuel and nuclear power supplies. Source: Bloomberg News Click here to view the full article. |
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| Mar 10, 2023 |
EPA and DOE Issue Framework for Maintaining Grid Reliability |
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The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy said they will have least semi-annual meetings to discuss policies, programs, and activities affecting electric reliability and share information and talk about monitoring and outreach activities. Source: Utility Dive Click here to view the full article. |
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| Feb 17, 2023 |
Arkansas Takes Legal Action Against EPA State Air Quality Plan |
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Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a lawsuit on Thursday opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rejection of a proposed state air quality plan. The petition officials filed in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals came after the EPA issued its final disapproval Monday of a plan Arkansas submitted to address updated federal ozone standards. By discarding the state's plan, the EPA triggered a process that could result in Arkansas falling under a federally mandated plan. Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Click here to view the full article. |
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| Feb 8, 2023 |
The Last Coal Unit and Seldom-Run Oil Plants Keep New England Grid Stable |
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To help meet demand, grid operators called on power plants that aren’t typically used, including more than 5,000 megawatts (MW) of oil-fired power plants as well as the region’s last remaining coal-fired power plant that sends all of the electricity it generates to the grid, Merrimack Station in New Hampshire. These plants ran during the entire cold weather event. Generation at these plants was phased out on Sunday, February 5, once temperatures warmed. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jan 27, 2023 |
NRECA: Policymakers Should Prioritize Reliability Amid Energy Transition |
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NRECA CEO Jim Matheson continues to tell industry leaders in Washington that policymakers must prioritize reliability to safeguard a successful energy transition. Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jan 20, 2023 |
The Balance of Power 2.0 |
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Buddy Hasten, the President and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, outlines why a diverse portfolio of generation resources is important to sustaining reliable and affordable electric service in Arkansas. Source: Arkansas Living Magazine Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jan 15, 2023 |
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Wrestle with Factors to Maintain Reliability, Affordability |
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Buddy Hasten, the President and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, outlines various factors and challenges with delivering on the ability to maintain the reliable and affordable delivery of electricity in Arkansas. Source: Talk Business & Politics Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jan 3, 2023 |
Are We Headed for a Reliability Trainwreck? |
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Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO of America's Power, has strong concerns about America's ability to maintain the reliable delivery of electricity as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency try to eliminate America's coal fleet. Source: America's Power Click here to view the full article. |
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| Jan 3, 2023 |
FERC, NERC to Investigate Grid Operations During Recent Winter Storm |
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) announced that they would open a joint inquiry into the operations of the bulk power system during the extreme winter weather conditions that occurred during Winter Storm Elliott. The severe cold weather during the storm in December contributed to power outages affecting millions of electricity customers across the country. Source: American Public Power Association Click here to view the full article. |
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| Dec 30, 2022 |
Duke Energy: Customer Demand, Less Power than Forecasted Led to Rolling Blackouts |
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Duke Energy had less power available over the Christmas weekend than it had originally estimated, which led to the decision to instate rolling blackouts. Source: Yahoo!News Click here to view the full article. |
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Dec 24, 2022
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TVA Ordered Rolling Blackouts for First Time in 90 Years Amid Freezing Temps |
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The Tennessee Valley Authority called for temporary energy load reductions, or rolling blackouts as some call them, to stabilize the regional power grid for the first time in its 89-year history amid subzero temperatures Friday morning. Source: The Tennessean
Click here to view the full article. |
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Dec 24, 2022
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Maryland One of 13 States Warned of Rolling Blackouts, Consumers Asked to Conserve |
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The operator of the mid-Atlantic electricity grid for 65 million people called for utility customers to conserve electricity into Christmas morning, warning of rolling blackouts because power plants were having difficulty operating in the freezing cold. Source: CBS Baltimore
Click here to view the full article. |
Nov 17, 2022
FERC Proposes IBR Standards, Registration to Improve Grid
FERC took several actions today focused on inverter-based resources (IBRs), including proposing that new mandatory standards be developed to enhance the reliability of the bulk electric system.
Source: FERC.gov
Click here to view the full report.
Nov 17, 2022
NERC 2022-2023 Winter Assessment
NERC’s 2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment warns that a large portion of the North American bulk power system is at risk of having insufficient energy supplies during severe winter weather. NERC advises the industry to be ready to implement operating plans to manage potential supply shortfalls and to ensure fuel supplies are secured, and generators and natural gas facilities are weatherized.
Source: NERC.com
Click here to view the announcement and full report.
Nov 7, 2022
Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy
The Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy (Western Assessment) examines resource adequacy through an energy-based probabilistic approach, looking broadly across the entire Western Interconnection and more specifically within each of five subregions over the next 10 years. This analysis
Source: wecc.org
Click here to view the full report.
Oct 25, 2022
2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment
A staff report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provides an outlook for energy markets and electric reliability, focusing on the period of December 2022 through February 2023.
Source: FERC.gov
Click here to view the full report.
Aug 31, 2022
California asks residents not to charge electric vehicles, days after announcing gas car ban
With California’s power grid under strain due to extreme heat and high demand, the utility grid operator is asking residents to avoid charging their electric vehicles. This comes days after the state announced a plan to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.
Source: mystateline.com
Click here to view the article
Aug 17, 2022
Governors Express Concerns over EPA's Good Neighbor Plan
Several governors from states whose electric utilities participate in Southwest Power Pool (SPP) have expressed concerns over the U.S. EPA's "Good Neighbor" Plan and the impact it might have on both utilities and ratepayers. Governors have argued these efforts will impose additional threats to the reliable and affordable delivery of electricity.
Source: South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem
Click here to view the full letter addressed to SPP.
May 18, 2022
NERC Announces "Extreme Weather Heightens Reliability Risks this Summer."
NERC's 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment warns that several parts of North America are at elevated or high risk of energy shortfalls this summer due to predicted above-normal temperatures and drought conditions over the western half of the United States and Canada. These above-average seasonal temperatures contribute to high peak demands as well as potential increases in forced outages for generation and some bulk power system equipment.
Source: NERC Public Announcement
Click here to view the full article.
May 17, 2022
Grid Operators Release Mixed Reports to Meet Summer Electricity Demand
Regional transmission organizations operating in Arkansas recently released projections for electricity generation this summer, and one expects insufficient resources to cover peak demand.
Source: Talk Business & Politics
Click here to view the full article.
May 08, 2022
Electricity Shortage Warnings Grow Across U.S.
Power-grid operators caution that electricity supplies aren’t keeping up with demand amid the transition to cleaner forms of energy.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Click here to view the full article.
Apr 29, 2022
MISO Heads Into Summer with Insufficient Generation
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is projecting a 5 GW shortfall in firm generation to meet the projected demand this summer, and it is working with member companies to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
Source: Utility Dive
Click here to view the full article.
Feb 10, 2022
NERC Focused on the Future, Enhancements to Stay Ahead of Urgent Risks
Given the complexities of the rapidly changing grid, NERC continues to place focus on enhancing its processes to ensure timely risk mitigation to the changing industry ecosystem.
Source: NERC Public Accouncement
Click here to view the full article.