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Recently in Public Power Current
To find earlier stories in Public Power Current, browse by popular topics or contact us at News@PublicPower.org.
Generation
A siting certificate for a 2,060-megawatt natural gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine power generating facility was approved on April 29 by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.
Reliability
As operational challenges multiply, some utilities have found drones to be an effective tool to optimize limited resources and maintain safe and reliable service. Many utilities have either hired drone service providers that use professional pilots or started dedicated aviation units with their utility. In contrast, Skydio uses artificial intelligence to interpret the visual data coming from the fisheye cameras that serve as a drone’s “eyes.”
Customer Service
With Message Broadcast’s communications platform, utilities can create and send personalized emergency messages through its Enterprise Omnichannel Notification System.
Environment
The Board of Commissioners of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power approved a motion that will result in the integration of biodiversity initiatives and nature-based solutions throughout the Department’s operations.
Grid Modernization
The American Public Power Association’s Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments program recently approved funding for various grants and scholarships. The DEED program approved $909,041 in funding for 31 projects. The action took place at DEED’s Spring 2024 meetings held in New Orleans, La
Electricity Markets
Participants in the Western Resource Adequacy Program published a letter on April 22 in which they said they will not elect to move to a binding program in summer 2026. Instead, participants will propose a revised WRAP transition plan with the goal of beginning a binding program in 2027.
Bonds and Financing
Final energy tax credit transferability rules released last week by the Treasury Department make clear that a partnership made up of one or more applicable entities, including public power utilities, can elect to transfer certain energy production tax credits they could also claim through elective payment.
Generation
Georgia Power on April 29 declared that Plant Vogtle Unit 4 has entered commercial operation. Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023. Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are two 1,100-megawatt nuclear reactors.