Industry News

Natural Gas Supply is a Bulk Power Reliability Risk This Winter: NERC

In its annual Winter Reliability Assessment, NERC warned that many areas of the bulk electric power system still face a risk of energy shortfalls under extreme cold conditions. NERC's Manager of Reliability Assessments, Mark Olson, acknowledged that the gas industry "is taking steps to improve... but it's just very different, the way electric reliability and gas reliability is managed."

Source: Utility Dive

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Gas-Fired Generation Likely Needed to Maintain Reliability for Years: SPP, Black Hills

During a panel discussion at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' annual meeting in Anaheim, California, SPP and Black Hills Energy executives shared that gas-fired generation will likely be needed to maintain grid reliability for years. Mark Lux, Vice President for Power Delivery at Black Hills Energy, and Bruce Rew, Senior Vice President of Operations for SPP, shared the challenges associated with heavy reliance on non-dispatchable power sources and emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse portfolio to "keep the lights on."

Source: Utility Dive

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ERCOT, SPP and 3 US Regions Need 'Significant Investment' in New Generating Capacity: BofA

BofA Global Research projects the U.S. could need up to 300 GW of incremental effective capacity by 2035. Given that capacity factors vary between resource types, the report notes that the installed capacity needs "will be well in excess of that amount." The report also notes that demand growth "is not linear or universal." The report indicates that ERCOT, SPP, and the U.S. Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest "will all need significant investment in new effective capacity."

Source: Utility Dive

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NRECA Fights Latest Attempt to Breach Lower Snake River Dams

NRECA is fighting the Biden administration's latest action to move toward breaching the Lower Snake River dams that provide clean, carbon-free hydropower to 55 electric cooperatives in eight states. On September 20, the Department of Energy announced that it would launch a study to explore how to "replace the power and services provided by the four Lower Snake River Dams" in southeast Washington. NRECA CEO Jim Matheson stated that "it's difficult to imagine why anyone would want to breach the four dams on the Lower Snake River - 3,000 megawatts of always-available, carbon-free capacity." Matheson vowed that "NRECA will be very aggressive in advocating for the dams."

Source: NRECA

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House Panel Passes Resolution to Block EPA Power Plant Rule

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a resolution to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its Power Plant Rule. Representative Troy Balderson, the lead sponsor of the resolution, claimed the rule would "place unachievable mandates on existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants." In a recent letter to members of Congress, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson encouraged them to support the resolution, which was offered under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) which enables Congress to overturn actions by federal agencies within a certain time limit after the regulations are finalized. 

Source: NRECA

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NERC Sounds Alarm Over Winter Gas Supplies, Potential Grid Impacts

Almost two years after Winter Storm Elliott forced the largest recorded manual load shed in the Eastern Interconnection's history, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) states that it "remains concerned about maintaining sufficient natural gas supplies to address extreme winter conditions." NERC's statement on the "criticality of natural gas supply this winter" follows other warnings the reliability watchdog has issued regarding the need for greater coordination between the gas and electric sectors. Grid operators and gas producers claim they are heeding these warnings and are working to weatherize their systems and improve mechanisms to keep energy flowing.

Source: Utility Dive

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Grid Operators Back Legal Fight Over EPA Power Plant Rule

MISO and SPP (along with other major regional grid operators) have joined the legal battle over the Environmental Protection Agency's Power Plant Rule. In a news brief, MISO stated that if compliance deadlines and other provisions aren't modified, the EPA rule is "destined to trigger an acceleration in the pace of premature retirements" of power plants needed to support "ever-increasing" demand for electricity. Carroll Electric applauds SPP and MISO for their efforts toward maintaining reliable and affordable electricity by fighting the premature closure of reliable generation sources.

Source: E&E News

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NERC Wary of 100 GW in Possible Plant Retirements and Other Takeaways from CEO Jim Robb

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) CEO Jim Robb recently spoke on the challenges for the North American energy system, including blackout risks associated with rising peak demand accompanied by the planned retirement of 83 GW of fossil fuel and nuclear generation over the next 10 years. An additional 100 GW of capacity is at risk of retirement across North America, increasing the challenges.

Source: Utility Dive

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NRECA Files Application with U.S. Supreme Court to Stay EPA Power Plant Rule

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) filed an application with the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) power plant rule following the rejection of the stay request by the D.C. Circuit Court. If implemented, this rule would force the premature closure of power plants and greatly jeopardize grid reliability. NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said "This rule poses a signification threat to affordable and reliable electricity for millions of Americans, especially as power demand skyrockets across the nation."

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full press release.

EIA Expects Record-High Power Consumption This Year

The Energy Information Administration (EIA)'s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook predicts that energy demand will reach a new high in the second half of 2024 and increase even higher in 2025. Among other things, the development of data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations is driving high demand. These demand spikes are expected to increase natural gas prices by 36% in the second half of 2024 compared to the first half.

Source: NRECA

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Supreme Court Blocks Enforcement of EPA's 'Good Neighbor' Rule

The U.S. Supreme Court placed a hold on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Ozone Transport ("Good Neighbor") Rule to reduce emissions from power plants and industrial sources while challenges to the rule play out in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said, "Today's Court decision directly speaks to the gravity of EPA's unlawful Ozone Transport Rule, which directly threatens the American economy and way of life."

Source: Utility Dive

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NRECA Seeks Immediate Halt to EPA's Mercury and Air Rule for Power Plants

NRECA has joined with four of its member cooperatives to urge a federal appeals court to halt implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s new mercury and air rule. The new rule requires coal plants to reduce their mercury emissions and filterable particulate matter without identifying any new cost-effective technologies to meet the goals. If these standards can't be met, plants will be forced to shut down, threatening reliability at a time when electricity demand is growing.

Source: NRECA

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MISO Faces Possible Capacity Shortfall Next Summer in Northern, Central Regions

MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) has indicated a potential capacity shortfall for its Northern and Central Regions beginning next summer. In a press release, John Bear, MISO CEO, said, "There is an urgent need to continue and increase collaboration with our state regulators to ensure the evolving generation fleet can meet the growing demands across our footprint."

Source: Utility Dive

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Co-ops Discuss Risks, Opportunities of Demand Surge from AI, Data Centers

An expected surge in U.S. power demand from AI, data centers, and other sources will be an "engine of growth" for electricity providers, but will also pose major reliability risks. This unprecedented growth in demand reiterates the importance of replacing not only the energy from retiring dispatchable generation facilities, but also the reliability benefits that are provided to the grid.

Source: NRECA

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Lawmakers Introduce Bill in Congress to Overturn EPA's Power Plant Rule

Lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced a resolution to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency's finalized power plant rule. The agency's rule will jeopardize affordable and reliable electricity by forcing premature plant closures and increasing the difficulty of building new power plants. The Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval will allow members of Congress the opportunity to protect America's energy future.

Source: NRECA

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NERC Issues 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment

NERC's 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment finds that a large part of North America remains at a risk of supply shortfalls, while other areas show a reduced risk due to resource additions. Expected wide-area heat events that will affect generation, wind output, or transmission systems, alongside demand growth, contribute to adequacy risks for recourses and transmission.

Source: North American Electric Reliability Corporation

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23 States, Rural Co-Ops Sue EPA Over 'Unlawful, Unreasonable' Power Plant Rules

A coalition of 23 states and NRECA filed separate lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Appeals, petitioning for a review of power plant rules finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would require the deployment of unproven technology to coal and natural gas generation plants in an attempt to lower emissions. Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA, stated that the "EPA's power plant rule is unlawful, unreasonable and unachievable. It exceeds EPA's authority and poses an immediate threat to the American electric grid."

Source: Utility Dive

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'Unlawful, Unrealistic, Unachievable': EPA Releases 'Barrage' of Power Plant Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released four major regulations for the electric industry, including a rule aimed to cut emissions from power plants by requiring the deployment of technology that is not yet proven or commercially available to existing coal and natural gas generation plants. Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA, calls the path outlined by the EPA "unlawful, unrealistic, and unachiveable" and notes that "it undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already stressed electric grid."

Source: NRECA

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The Coming Electricity Crisis

While President Biden and the media continue to raise alarms regarding a climate crisis, they are ignoring the looming electric-grid crisis that is more urgent and easier to avoid. Projections for U.S. electricity demand over the next five years have doubled from a year ago; however, renewable subsidies make it more difficult for dispatchable (capable of increasing and decreasing supply to meet demand) plants to compete in wholesale power markets, alongside increasing regulations, power plants are being forced into retirement at a pace that is not sustainable.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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Navigating Arkansas' Energy Landscape: Solar Grows, Nuclear Shines

Buddy Hasten, CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, discusses the future of energy generation in Arkansas, including the growth in solar generation, the need for dispatchable (capable of increasing and decreasing supply to meet demand) power sources, and the role that nuclear generation can play in maintaining reliability and slowing climate change.

Source: Arkansas Business

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Joint Energy Committee Hears Areas of Concern

Michael Nasi, the founder and chair of Jackson Walker's Climate Change and Carbon Management group, recently spoke to the Joint Energy Committee of Arkansas regarding electricity supply, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, and public policy concerns. 

EPA Ignores Agency Warnings Regarding New Energy Rule

The House Oversight Committee has found that various federal agencies have provided critical feedback of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s new Clean Air Act, which allows the EPA to regulate pollutants from power plants through the use of carbon-capture technology, which is neither feasible nor cost-effective. 

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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NRECA Weighs in with House Panel on Budensome EPA Regulations

Prior to the House Small Business Committee's meeting regarding the impact of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on small businesses, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson sent a letter to committee leaders underscoring the numerous EPA rules that will further burden American power generation. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view NRECA's letter to congressional leadership.

Snake River Dams are Vital to Power Supply in Northwest

Efforts to breach the four lower Snake River dams in Washington state threaten the future of the region’s power supply, putting dozens of Northwest electric cooperatives and their consumers at risk.

Source: NRECA

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Reliable, Affordable Electricity Hinges on Rational Public Policy

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson claims electric cooperatives want to develop and sustain resources for enduring reliable and affordable energy, but federal policy poses a risk. 

Source: NRECA

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NRECA CEO Highlights Areas of Concern

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson recently joined Bret Baier at Fox News on "Special Report" to discuss a handful of topics impacting electric cooperatives, including increased electricity demand for new electric vehicle infrastructure, intermittent technologies, and hyperscale data centers. 

Source: Fox News 

Electric-Gas Coordination Vital to Grid Recovery after Blackouts

The electric and gas sectors should collaborate on a “blackstart system restoration plan” to bring the grid back online in the event of a system collapse, a new FERC report concludes.

Source: Utility Dive

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US Grids Face Greater Risks of Blackouts as Generators Retire and Demand Rises

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) stated in its most recent Long Term Reliability Assessment, U.S. power grids will face more vulnerability than previously thought in coming years as peak demand increases and old generators retire.

Source: Reuters

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NRECA Continues to Fight for Reliability Electricity

"Policymakers like to simplify issues, but electric reliability is one that just can be simplified."

NRECA CEO - Jim Matheson

Source: NRECA

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Much of North America Faces 'Elevated Risk' of Winter Blackouts

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

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NRECA Supports Legislation to Curtail EPA and DOE Overreaches

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.

The Inflation Reduction Act Could Turn Electricity Markets into Subsidy Clearinghouses

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of wholesale electricity markets could be diminished from that of the guarantor to that of a subsidy clearinghouse. 

Source: CATO Institute

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Co-op Leaders Warn Delegation of Negative Impacts on Cleaner Energy Transition

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

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Texas Public Policy Foundation Unveils True Cost of Electric Vehicles

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

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Texas Grid Solicits Power Reserves to Avoid 'Unacceptable' Winter Risk

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

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NERC Identifies New Risk to Grid Reliability: Energy Policy

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

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Independent System Operators Jointly Oppose EPA Rules

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

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NRECA Files Public Comments Opposing EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

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.

Regional Transmission Organization Reform is Needed

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

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Carroll Electric Files Public Comments on EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

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

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Members of the U.S. Senate Request EPA to Withdrawal Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

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

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2023 OMS-MISO Survey Results Indicate Grid Reliability Concerns

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

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Two-thirds of North America is At Risk of Energy Shortfalls in High Summer Heat

The United States Energy Information Administration highlights continued reliability concerns from NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment. 

Source: eia.gov

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Members of Congress Express Concern over EPA's Clean Power Plan

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

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Ohio Cooperative CEO Claims Proposed EPA Rule Threatens Reliable Power

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

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Co-op Leader to Congress: Rolling Blackouts Cannot Become the New Normal

Cooperative leaders warn that the push to rapidly replace always-available energy sources could spark rolling blackouts across America.

Source: NRECA

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Is the U.S. Power Grid Ready for Summer?

Power grid watchdog warns of widespread blackouts this summer after the release of NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment.  

Source: Fox News

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Federal Appeals Court Stays EPA's Rejection of Arkansas' Ozone Plan

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

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NERC Issues 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment

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

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NERC Urges Power Plant and Transmission Owners to Prepare for Winter in Highest-Level Alert Issued

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

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Texas House Weighs Plan to Incentivize New Glas Plants as Grid Faces Challenges

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

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FERC Commissioners Warn of Threats to Reliable Electricity

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

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Congressman Westerman Emerges as Pivotal Player in Energy

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

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NRECA Urges White House to Withdraw Greenhouse Guidance

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

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EPA's Rule That Aims To Reduce Emissions Will Have Consequences

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

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Texas Power Grid May Need 'Breath of God' to Keep Cool in Summer

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

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EPA and DOE Issue Framework for Maintaining Grid Reliability

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

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Arkansas Takes Legal Action Against EPA State Air Quality Plan

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

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The Last Coal Unit and Seldom-Run Oil Plants Keep New England Grid Stable

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

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NRECA: Policymakers Should Prioritize Reliability Amid Energy Transition

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

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The Balance of Power 2.0

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

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