Distributed Energy Resources
Renewable energy provider Pivot Energy on Aug. 8 announced a five-year framework agreement with Microsoft to develop up to 500 megawatts alternating current (MWac) of community-scale solar energy projects across the United States between 2025 and 2029.
Electricity Markets
The PJM Interconnection’s Board of Managers has authorized changes to its Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. The Board on Aug. 7 approved several new baseline reliability projects; scope and cost changes to four existing projects; and the cancellation of three baseline projects that are no longer required.
Reliability
Nebraska-based Richard’s Electric of North Platte has been awarded a $2.3 million bid for the upgrade of two Dawson Public Power District substations.
Bills and Rates
A roundup of examples of how public power is developing, piloting, and connecting with customers on new rate designs.
How will administrative agencies, Congress, and litigants navigate the changes to agency authority following the Supreme Court’s decisions this term? Join the public power community to discuss the Supreme Court decisions and their implications with two legal experts.
Generation
Nebraska Public Power District has reached phase two of a feasibility study assessing preliminary siting options for advanced nuclear reactors in Nebraska.
LS Power on Aug. 9 said it has reached an agreement with Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. to acquire Algonquin’s renewable energy business. Algonquin will sell the business for a total consideration of up to $2.5 billion.
Generation
Troy Adams, General Manager of Wisconsin public power utility Manitowoc Public Utilities, recently met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Peter Buttigieg. Among other things, Adams shared with Buttigieg the status of MPU’s project to convert two coal-fired power plants to run on densified biomass fuel derived from clean industrial waste.
Generation
The Florida Municipal Power Agency on Aug. 9 announced it has taken ownership of natural gas combined cycle generation plant, operated in Bartow, Florida. The facility is immediately available and ready for dispatch.
Customer Service
Power outages, wildfires, rooftop solar systems, and demand response programs create a need for utilities to communicate with customers quickly and clearly. Utilizing omnichannel communication systems can help ensure customers stay in the know and also help utilities respond to the many outage-related calls and emails from customers.