Governors in PJM Interconnection Demand Change
Governors from both Democratic and Republican states within the PJM Interconnection region are calling for reforms to address skyrocketing power prices and a clogged interconnection queue. Analysts warn that while leaving PJM might sound like a fix, it could actually cost customers more in the long run.
PG&E Unveils $73 Billion Transmission Plan
California-based PG&E Corp. announced plans to invest $73 billion by 2030 into transmission upgrades. The utility said the expansion is critical to meet the surge in electricity demand fueled by AI data centers and industrial growth.
Arizona Attorney General Pushes Back on Rate Hike
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes blasted Tucson Electric Power’s proposed 14% rate increase, calling it “blatant corporate greed.” Mayes argued the utility should focus on consumer affordability instead of pushing through steep hikes that disproportionately burden working families.
Empire Wind Project Gets a Boost
Empire Wind is moving forward after a 23-day federal stop-work order slowed construction. New York regulators have now relaxed restrictions on laying underwater cable during October and November, a decision aimed at protecting endangered sturgeon. Officials said the adjustment should help Empire Wind regain lost time on its offshore wind project.
New York Accelerates Renewable Energy Projects
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new solicitation for large-scale renewable projects. She also directed agencies to move shovel-ready clean energy initiatives quickly, to ensure they qualify for expiring federal tax credits.
Blue Origin Expands New Shepard Fleet
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin confirmed development of three new suborbital New Shepard launch systems. The company is also considering expanding commercial flight services beyond West Texas, signaling renewed ambitions for space tourism and research missions.
Maine Residents Protest Rate Hike
Maine consumers are flooding regulators with opposition to Central Maine Power’s proposed $35 monthly rate hike. Regulators said they have never seen this volume of public comments on a utility proposal, reflecting widespread frustration.
NRC Extends Wisconsin’s Point Beach Nuclear Plant Operations
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved license renewals for Point Beach Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2, allowing them to operate through 2050 and 2053. Regulators said the approval followed a rigorous, multi-year review and will help secure Wisconsin’s energy supply.
🌍 World Energy Briefs
Brazil Oil Production Reaches New High
Brazil continues to break records as Latin America’s largest oil producer. Output surpassed 3.5 million barrels per day in mid-2023, and analysts expect production to hit 5 million barrels per day by 2030, making Brazil a global top-five producer.
US Sanctions Hit Indian Port Project in Iran
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on India’s investment in an Iranian port project, signaling Washington’s continued strategy of leveraging sanctions to pressure Tehran — even at the cost of frustrating a long-term ally like New Delhi.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Power Station
Footage from Belgorod, Russia shows a missile attack on a local power station. The strike caused outages and injured at least three civilians, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian energy infrastructure in recent weeks, forcing backup systems online.
📌 More Energy News