A Call for Consolidation
Electric utility mergers loom as the next step in restructuring.
The electric utility industry is inefficient: the firms are too small, lacking economies of scale achievable through mergers and acquisitions.
Intelligent Protection
Local network security in the age of microgrids and distributed generation.
With the local grid infused with distributed generation, static relay settings must yield to a more dynamic approach to ensure network security.
China's Leap Forward
China has invested billions in developing reactor prototypes.
China is currently the world leader in investment in and development of new nuclear power facilities.
Peril at Home
We could see 11-22GW of nuclear facing early retirement in the next 10 years.
The existing U.S. nuclear fleet, representing 100GW or 20% of our electric generation, is in economic peril and in danger of declining even more rapidly than expected.
Nuclear At a Crossroads
Wind, nuclear, and gas resources must work together – not at cross-purposes.
Why the U.S. must maintain current levels of nuclear energy production to achieve carbon reduction goals.
Enforcement Times Two
FERC and CFTC begin sharing information to target market manipulation in the energy industry.
Closer coordination between FERC and CFTC (and perhaps also with DOJ) will increase enforcement risk for energy industry traders.
Transactions (July 2014)
First Solar sold the 50-MW Macho Springs Solar Power Plant to a Southern Company subsidiary. DTE Energy purchased one of the Pheasant Run wind parks. Dominion acquired two stand-alone solar energy developments in southwest Tennessee. With asset sales by Suzlon Group, NextEra Energy Resources, and Strata Solar, and debt offerings by ITC Holdings and SunEdison.
People (July 2014)
Calpine named former CEO Jack Fusco as executive chairman and president Thad Hill as president and CEO. CenterPoint Energy appointed Carla Kneipp v.p. and treasurer. ITC Holdings promoted Daniel J. Oginsky to executive v.p. and general counsel. CMS Energy elected 11 members to its board of directors, including John G. Russell, president and CEO of CMS Energy. And others.
Wind Power Subsidies
Today, tomorrow, forever?
NREL contradicts AWEA, finds wind power not competitive, and favors extending the production tax credit (PTC), but that won’t aid economic growth.
Reliability vs. Resiliency
Prevent problems, or wait and respond when something happens?
FERC holds conference on electric reliability, asks about standards for resiliency – not just to prevent problems, but how to respond once they occur.