You can read my energy and environment coverage at S&P Global Market Intelligence, ARLnow and more.
MUNI MOVEMENT: Pueblo, Colo., voters to decide whether to ditch Black Hills Energy
MUNI MOVEMENT: Voters in Pueblo, Colo., decide to keep Black Hills Energy
MUNI MOVEMENT: Public power movements march on despite pandemic hiccups
MUNI MOVEMENT: Study finds Maine ratepayers may eventually benefit from municipalization
MUNI MOVEMENT: Maine’s push to take over investor-owned utility moves forward
MUNI MOVEMENT: Across the US, municipalization efforts take steps forward
WORKERS: US utilities divided on plans to sequester essential employees; Utility workers push for ‘first responders’ classification; As hurricane season approaches, utility response to heed pandemic protocols
DISASTERS: Puerto Rico utility CEO: 990-MW Central Costa Sur power plant ‘is a disaster’; Violent Hurricane Laura batters La., Texas energy infrastructure; Fierce winds, heat, wildfires trigger blackouts across western US power grid
Maine Supreme Court bats down transmission line challenge from NextEra
Maine Supreme Court allows transmission line ballot initiative to proceed
Transmission line in Maine moving forward despite ongoing dispute
Avangrid sues Maine to stop transmission line referendum
Judge rules Maine transmission line citizens referendum can proceed
Anti-transmission-corridor activists take 2nd swing at Central Maine Power
Activists file 2nd volley of signatures against CMP transmission project
Maine official certifies 2nd transmission line referendum for Nov. ballot
My coverage of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line
VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES: In America, Black families pay more for energy than white families, says study; Energy burdens of some minorities higher than those of white people – study
CONSUMER PROTECTION: Conn. draft bill seeks to have utilities pay for spoiled food, medication; State lawmakers suggest storm-related food, housing funding for OG&E customers; Utilities halt customer disconnections as coronavirus threatens jobs; Despite expanding coronavirus crisis, some utilities may continue disconnections; As pandemic-related disconnection moratoriums end, talk turns to unpaid bills
In their pandemic response, public power execs eye unessential expense deferral; Research ties lack of utility shut-off moratoria to COVID-19 infections, death; Some utilities offer incentives encouraging workers to get COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 features
Consumer advocates suggest forgiveness for unpaid utility bills
Xcel Energy seeks early termination of Colo. solar power purchase agreement
RENEWABLES: 200-MW NextEra wind farm approved after wildlife impact mitigation concessions; Maine governor announces plan for floating offshore wind research array; Federal assessment of Vineyard Wind highlights commercial fisheries concern; Report finds behind-the-meter solar saved New England over $1B in 6 years; In South Dakota, $115M solar project on Native American land receives permit
GRID: Generation, transmission siting challenges hold back Northeast renewable plans – photo credit –
COAL: Colstrip coal plant operator shuts 2 of 4 units, aims to avoid major layoffs
COAL: NM utility regulator approves abandonment of San Juan coal-fired units
COAL: Tri-State to add 1 GW of renewables by 2024, will not pursue Holcomb expansion
COAL: Retired 420-MW coal plant may reopen in Texas
INVESTMENTS: US Southeast electric vehicle manufacturing investment outpaces adoption
INVESTMENTS: Analysts question COVID-19 assumptions in NorthWestern earnings guidance
INVESTMENTS: Black Hills touts rural customer base for limited COVID-19 impact
Bridget Reed Morawski 