Industry News

Feb 26, 2024

Joint Energy Committee Hears Areas of Concern

Michael Nasi, the founder and chair of Jackson Walker's Climate Change and Carbon Management group, recently spoke to the Joint Energy Committee of Arkansas regarding electricity supply, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, and public policy concerns. 

 

Source: Arkansas Legislature 



Feb 21, 2024

EPA Ignores Agency Warnings Regarding New Energy Rule

The House Oversight Committee has found that various federal agencies have provided critical feedback of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s new Clean Air Act, which allows the EPA to regulate pollutants from power plants through the use of carbon-capture technology, which is neither feasible nor cost-effective. 

Source: Wall Street Journal

Click here to view the full article.



Feb 16, 2024

NRECA Weighs in with House Panel on Budensome EPA Regulations

Prior to the House Small Business Committee's meeting regarding the impact of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on small businesses, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson sent a letter to committee leaders underscoring the numerous EPA rules that will further burden American power generation. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view NRECA's letter to congressional leadership.



Jan 30, 2024

Snake River Dams are Vital to Power Supply in Northwest

Efforts to breach the four lower Snake River dams in Washington state threaten the future of the region’s power supply, putting dozens of Northwest electric cooperatives and their consumers at risk.

 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article. 



Jan 25, 2024

Reliable, Affordable Electricity Hinges on Rational Public Policy

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson claims electric cooperatives want to develop and sustain resources for enduring reliable and affordable energy, but federal policy poses a risk. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full video.  



Jan 4, 2024

NRECA CEO Highlights Areas of Concern

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson recently joined Bret Baier at Fox News on "Special Report" to discuss a handful of topics impacting electric cooperatives, including increased electricity demand for new electric vehicle infrastructure, intermittent technologies, and hyperscale data centers. 

 

Source: Fox News 



Dec 21, 2023

Electric-Gas Coordination Vital to Grid Recovery after Blackouts

The electric and gas sectors should collaborate on a “blackstart system restoration plan” to bring the grid back online in the event of a system collapse, a new FERC report concludes.

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article.  



Dec 14, 2023

US Grids Face Greater Risks of Blackouts as Generators Retire and Demand Rises

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) stated in its most recent Long Term Reliability Assessment, U.S. power grids will face more vulnerability than previously thought in coming years as peak demand increases and old generators retire.

Source: Reuters

Click here to view the full article. 



Nov 20, 2023

NRECA Continues to Fight for Reliability Electricity

"Policymakers like to simplify issues, but electric reliability is one that just can be simplified."

NRECA CEO - Jim Matheson

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article. 



Nov 9, 2023

Much of North America Faces 'Elevated Risk' of Winter Blackouts

Much of the U.S. bulk power system faces an elevated risk of blackouts in extreme winter weather, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. warned in its 2023–2024 Winter Reliability Assessment

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article. 



Nov 3, 2023

NRECA Supports Legislation to Curtail EPA and DOE Overreaches

NRECA supported provisions in two House bills that preserve and promote affordable and reliable electricity. The Energy and Water Bill contains language that would stop the proposed EPA power plant rule, the ozone transport rule, and the Waters of the U.S. rule, which all threaten the electric grid. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view NRECA's letter to congressional leadership.



Oct 31, 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act Could Turn Electricity Markets into Subsidy Clearinghouses

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of wholesale electricity markets could be diminished from that of the guarantor to that of a subsidy clearinghouse. 

Source: CATO Institute

Click here to view the full article.



Oct 27, 2023

Co-op Leaders Warn Delegation of Negative Impacts on Cleaner Energy Transition

Members of Congress, electric cooperative leaders, and energy analysts recently warned that escalating demand for electricity is threatening to outpace supply as the federal government pushes to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.

 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article.



Oct 25, 2023

Texas Public Policy Foundation Unveils True Cost of Electric Vehicles

A sweeping first-of-its-kind analysis published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) concludes that electric vehicles would cost tens of thousands more if not for generous taxpayer-funded incentives. 

Source: Fox News

Click here to view the full article.



Oct 3, 2023

Texas Grid Solicits Power Reserves to Avoid 'Unacceptable' Winter Risk

The Texas grid operator is seeking to secure an extra 3,000 megawatts of power reserves this winter to avoid an "unacceptable" risk of an emergency (shortage of power) in extreme conditions. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimates that there is an almost 20% probability that the state grid it manages will enter into an emergency alert this winter. 

Source: BNN Bloomberg

Click here to view the full article.



Aug 23, 2023

NERC Identifies New Risk to Grid Reliability: Energy Policy

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) identified energy policy as one of the most significant evolving and interdependent risks to grid reliability. 

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article.



Aug 10, 2023

Independent System Operators Jointly Oppose EPA Rules

Several of America’s grid operators joined the chorus of power industry pressure against the Environmental Protection Agency’s New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Source: Grid Brief

Click here to view the full article.



Aug 8, 2023

NRECA Files Public Comments Opposing EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) filed public comments opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full comments.



Aug 3, 2023

Regional Transmission Organization Reform is Needed

In its most recent Mandate for Leadership, Bernard McNamee, former commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), calls for the President to have FERC “re-examine the premise of Regional Transmission Organizations.” 

Source: Grid Brief

Click here to view the full article.



Aug 2, 2023

Carroll Electric Files Public Comments on EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

Carroll Electric Cooperative and a host of other utilities wrote in opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0072.

Source: Regulations.gov

Click here to view the full correspondence.



Aug 1, 2023

Members of the U.S. Senate Request EPA to Withdrawal Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rules

Arkansas Senators, John Boozman and Tom Cotton, joined several colleagues in opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations affecting existing and new power generation.

Source: Washington Post

Click here to view the full correspondence.



Jul 13, 2023

2023 OMS-MISO Survey Results Indicate Grid Reliability Concerns

The 2023 OMS-MISO survey results reinforce the need for continued reforms to MISO’s resource adequacy construct to manage a portfolio transition reliably.

Source: misoenergy.org

Click here to view the full article



Jun 28, 2023

Two-thirds of North America is At Risk of Energy Shortfalls in High Summer Heat

The United States Energy Information Administration highlights continued reliability concerns from NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment. 

Source: eia.gov

Click here to view the full article



Jun 8, 2023

Members of Congress Express Concern over EPA's Clean Power Plan

Members of Congress, including Arkansas Senator John Boozman, express concerns about the Clean Power Plan 2.0 recently announced by the EPA and its limited opportunity for public input. 

Source: Senate.gov

Click here to view the full article



Jun 6, 2023

Ohio Cooperative CEO Claims Proposed EPA Rule Threatens Reliable Power

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas-fired power plants threatens electric cooperatives’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their members.

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article



Jun 1, 2023

Co-op Leader to Congress: Rolling Blackouts Cannot Become the New Normal

Cooperative leaders warn that the push to rapidly replace always-available energy sources could spark rolling blackouts across America.

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article



Jun 1, 2023

Is the U.S. Power Grid Ready for Summer?

Power grid watchdog warns of widespread blackouts this summer after the release of NERC's 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment.  

Source: Fox News

Click here to view the full article



May 30, 2023

Federal Appeals Court Stays EPA's Rejection of Arkansas' Ozone Plan

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of the EPA's decision to reject Arkansas' plan to comply with federal rules to ensure that the state's coal-fired power plants and industrial sites don't pollute the air in other states. 

Source: Arkansas Business

Click here to view the full article



May 17, 2023

NERC Issues 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment

Two-thirds of North America faces reliability challenges in the event of widespread heatwaves this summer. Generator retirements continue to increase risks associated with extreme summer temperatures. 

Source: North American Electric Reliability Corporation

Click here to view the full article



May 16, 2023

NERC Urges Power Plant and Transmission Owners to Prepare for Winter in Highest-Level Alert Issued

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued its highest alert level ever, urging generators and transmission owners to take measures to prepare for winter. 

Source: Utility Plant

Click here to view the full article



May 9, 2023

Texas House Weighs Plan to Incentivize New Glas Plants as Grid Faces Challenges

The Texas Senate on Thursday voted 27-4 to advance a plan to provide incentives, including 20-year, zero-interest loans to companies building gas-fired power plants, as grid operators continue to raise concerns about rolling blackouts.

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article



May 8, 2023

FERC Commissioners Warn of Threats to Reliable Electricity

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Mark Christie, echoing concerns expressed to Congress by NRECA, said the transition to cleaner energy is happening too fast and could have disastrous consequences. 

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article



Apr 18, 2023

Congressman Westerman Emerges as Pivotal Player in Energy

House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) is a pivotal player in shaping America's energy policy and permitting for future infrastructure projects.  

Source: E&E News

Click here to view the full article



Apr 17, 2023

NRECA Urges White House to Withdraw Greenhouse Guidance

New interim guidance for federal agencies when assessing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions goes beyond the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act and stands to delay critical electric infrastructure projects for small, rural communities.  

Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Click here to view the full article



Mar 15, 2023

EPA's Rule That Aims To Reduce Emissions Will Have Consequences

EPA is bolstering regulation of smog-forming emissions from power plants and more than a half-dozen other industries in the latest move to reduce dependency on coal. Meanwhile, industry trade groups are continuously stressing concerns of grid reliability problems and other potentially severe economic consequences.  

Source: E&E News - Greenwire

Click here to view the full article



Mar 12, 2023

Texas Power Grid May Need 'Breath of God' to Keep Cool in Summer

The Texas electric grid’s ability to provide enough summertime energy may hinge on whether renewable sources can meet growing demand that’s already sapped fossil fuel and nuclear power supplies. 

Source: Bloomberg News

Click here to view the full article



Mar 10, 2023

EPA and DOE Issue Framework for Maintaining Grid Reliability

The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy said they will have least semi-annual meetings to discuss policies, programs, and activities affecting electric reliability and share information and talk about monitoring and outreach activities.

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article



Feb 17, 2023

Arkansas Takes Legal Action Against EPA State Air Quality Plan

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a lawsuit on Thursday opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rejection of a proposed state air quality plan. The petition officials filed in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals came after the EPA issued its final disapproval Monday of a plan Arkansas submitted to address updated federal ozone standards. By discarding the state's plan, the EPA triggered a process that could result in Arkansas falling under a federally mandated plan. 

Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Click here to view the full article



Feb 8, 2023

The Last Coal Unit and Seldom-Run Oil Plants Keep New England Grid Stable

To help meet demand, grid operators called on power plants that aren’t typically used, including more than 5,000 megawatts (MW) of oil-fired power plants as well as the region’s last remaining coal-fired power plant that sends all of the electricity it generates to the grid, Merrimack Station in New Hampshire. These plants ran during the entire cold weather event. Generation at these plants was phased out on Sunday, February 5, once temperatures warmed. 

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Click here to view the full article



Jan 27, 2023

NRECA: Policymakers Should Prioritize Reliability Amid Energy Transition

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson continues to tell industry leaders in Washington that policymakers must prioritize reliability to safeguard a successful energy transition. 

Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Click here to view the full article



Jan 20, 2023

The Balance of Power 2.0

Buddy Hasten, the President and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, outlines why a diverse portfolio of generation resources is important to sustaining reliable and affordable electric service in Arkansas.  

Source: Arkansas Living Magazine

Click here to view the full article



Jan 15, 2023

Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Wrestle with Factors to Maintain Reliability, Affordability

Buddy Hasten, the President and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, outlines various factors and challenges with delivering on the ability to maintain the reliable and affordable delivery of electricity in Arkansas. 

Source: Talk Business & Politics

Click here to view the full article



Jan 3, 2023

Are We Headed for a Reliability Trainwreck?

Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO of America's Power, has strong concerns about America's ability to maintain the reliable delivery of electricity as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency try to eliminate America's coal fleet.

Source: America's Power

Click here to view the full article



Jan 3, 2023

FERC, NERC to Investigate Grid Operations During Recent Winter Storm

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) announced that they would open a joint inquiry into the operations of the bulk power system during the extreme winter weather conditions that occurred during Winter Storm Elliott. The severe cold weather during the storm in December contributed to power outages affecting millions of electricity customers across the country.

Source: American Public Power Association

Click here to view the full article



Dec 30, 2022

Duke Energy: Customer Demand, Less Power than Forecasted Led to Rolling Blackouts

Duke Energy had less power available over the Christmas weekend than it had originally estimated, which led to the decision to instate rolling blackouts.

Source: Yahoo!News

Click here to view the full article



Dec 24, 2022
TVA Ordered Rolling Blackouts for First Time in 90 Years Amid Freezing Temps
 

The Tennessee Valley Authority called for temporary energy load reductions, or rolling blackouts as some call them, to stabilize the regional power grid for the first time in its 89-year history amid subzero temperatures Friday morning.

Source: The Tennessean

Click here to view the full article.



Dec 24, 2022
Maryland One of 13 States Warned of Rolling Blackouts, Consumers Asked to Conserve
 

The operator of the mid-Atlantic electricity grid for 65 million people called for utility customers to conserve electricity into Christmas morning, warning of rolling blackouts because power plants were having difficulty operating in the freezing cold.

Source: CBS Baltimore

Click here to view the full article.



Nov 17, 2022

NRECA’s Matheson: NERC Winter Reliability Assessment ‘Clear and Constant Warning’ to Policymakers

Source: NRECA

Click here to view the full article. 


Nov 17, 2022

FERC Proposes IBR Standards, Registration to Improve Grid

FERC took several actions today focused on inverter-based resources (IBRs), including proposing that new mandatory standards be developed to enhance the reliability of the bulk electric system.

Source: FERC.gov

Click here to view the full report. 


Nov 17, 2022

NERC 2022-2023 Winter Assessment

NERC’s 2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment warns that a large portion of the North American bulk power system is at risk of having insufficient energy supplies during severe winter weather. NERC advises the industry to be ready to implement operating plans to manage potential supply shortfalls and to ensure fuel supplies are secured, and generators and natural gas facilities are weatherized.

Source: NERC.com

Click here to view the announcement and full report. 


Nov 7, 2022

Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy

The Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy (Western Assessment) examines resource adequacy through an energy-based probabilistic approach, looking broadly across the entire Western Interconnection and more specifically within each of five subregions over the next 10 years. This analysis

Source: wecc.org

Click here to view the full report. 


Oct 25, 2022

2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment

A staff report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provides an outlook for energy markets and electric reliability, focusing on the period of December 2022 through February 2023.

Source: FERC.gov

Click here to view the full report. 


Aug 31, 2022

California asks residents not to charge electric vehicles, days after announcing gas car ban

With California’s power grid under strain due to extreme heat and high demand, the utility grid operator is asking residents to avoid charging their electric vehicles. This comes days after the state announced a plan to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.

Source: mystateline.com

Click here to view the article 


Aug 17, 2022

Governors Express Concerns over EPA's Good Neighbor Plan

Several governors from states whose electric utilities participate in Southwest Power Pool (SPP) have expressed concerns over the U.S. EPA's "Good Neighbor" Plan and the impact it might have on both utilities and ratepayers. Governors have argued these efforts will impose additional threats to the reliable and affordable delivery of electricity.

Source: South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem

Click here to view the full letter addressed to SPP. 


May 18, 2022

NERC Announces "Extreme Weather Heightens Reliability Risks this Summer."

NERC's 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment warns that several parts of North America are at elevated or high risk of energy shortfalls this summer due to predicted above-normal temperatures and drought conditions over the western half of the United States and Canada. These above-average seasonal temperatures contribute to high peak demands as well as potential increases in forced outages for generation and some bulk power system equipment. 

Source: NERC Public Announcement

Click here to view the full article. 


May 17, 2022

Grid Operators Release Mixed Reports to Meet Summer Electricity Demand

Regional transmission organizations operating in Arkansas recently released projections for electricity generation this summer, and one expects insufficient resources to cover peak demand.

Source: Talk Business & Politics

Click here to view the full article. 


May 08, 2022

Electricity Shortage Warnings Grow Across U.S.

Power-grid operators caution that electricity supplies aren’t keeping up with demand amid the transition to cleaner forms of energy.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Click here to view the full article. 


Apr 29, 2022

MISO Heads Into Summer with Insufficient Generation

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is projecting a 5 GW shortfall in firm generation to meet the projected demand this summer, and it is working with member companies to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.

Source: Utility Dive

Click here to view the full article. 


Feb 10, 2022

NERC Focused on the Future, Enhancements to Stay Ahead of Urgent Risks

Given the complexities of the rapidly changing grid, NERC continues to place focus on enhancing its processes to ensure timely risk mitigation to the changing industry ecosystem.

Source: NERC Public Accouncement

Click here to view the full article.