Get the News in Your Inbox

Wake up to breaking news that impacts you. Get Public Power Current — published every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday — with exclusive news and features on federal policy, regional and state initiatives, and stories from public power utilities across the country. All employees and board members of APPA member organizations can sign up.

Recently in Public Power Current
To find earlier stories in Public Power Current, browse by popular topics or contact us at News@PublicPower.org.
power lines
Generation
A total of 36 GW of new data center capacity was added to the U.S. pipeline in Q1 2026, down 19% from Q4 2025 additions, as established developers shift attention to their existing project pipelines amid a more challenging development and regulatory environment, according to a new analysis from Wood Mackenzie.
solar panels
Distributed Energy Resources
Texas public power utility CPS Energy is expanding access to solar power for thousands of customers through its Community Solar Program, selecting Big Sun Solar to build and operate up to 50 megawatts of new solar generation, marking another milestone in the utility’s Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan.
power lines
Electricity Markets
The Southwest Power Pool is extending a Conservative Operations Advisory for the West Balancing Authority Area (BAA) through an anticipated end time of Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12 a.m. CT.
person texting
Customer Service
In 2020, after South Carolina’s Rock Hill Utilities implemented texting, the public power utility saw speedy results. The utility's operations include water, electric and sanitation.
power lines
Transmission
After several months of evaluation, ISO New England on July 31 said it has selected the preliminary preferred longer-term transmission solution for a 2025 request for proposals to address needs that the New England States Committee on Electricity identified in connection with a 2050 Transmission Study.
helmet
Safety
At Washington State’s Cowlitz PUD, safety is clearly communicated and reinforced as a core value, which has resulted in recognition from the American Public Power Association and the Northwest Public Power Association.
power lines
Electricity Markets
The PJM Interconnection began accepting applications July 31 for large generation projects that are backed by a primary siting authority and can commence operation within three years.
wildfires
Reliability
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), joined by fourteen of his Republican colleagues, on July 30 sent a letter to the secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior urging action to reduce wildfire risk.