All articles tagged with #energy regulation
The Trump administration's Energy Department plans to amend rules to facilitate faster connection of large energy-consuming data centers, including AI infrastructure, to the electrical grid, aiming to boost AI innovation and domestic manufacturing, amid a booming data center industry.
FERC approved cost recovery pathways for Consumers Energy and Constellation Energy to cover expenses incurred from DOE-mandated operations of power plants planned for retirement, affecting regions served by MISO and PJM, amidst ongoing legal and regulatory debates about fossil fuel plant retirements and emergency orders.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel plans to intervene in DTE Energy's $456 million rate hike request, criticizing it as "absurd" and questioning the need for such a substantial increase. DTE argues the hike is necessary for grid improvements and service reliability, but Nessel's office contends that the company has failed to justify previous cost increases. The Michigan Public Service Commission will consider the request, with a history of approving lower rate increases than initially sought by utilities.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel intervened in DTE Electric Company's request for a $450 million rate increase, criticizing the timing and lack of accountability. Just four months ago, DTE was approved for a $368 million rate hike, costing the average residential customer $100 or more annually. Nessel aims to prevent residents from bearing additional costs without quantifiable benefits and has also raised concerns about DTE's five-year distribution plan lacking utility accountability.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is recommending a significant reduction to CenterPoint Energy Indiana’s proposed $118.8 million (16%) base rate increase, suggesting an increase of $33.1 million (4.5%) instead. The recommendation follows testimonies from thirteen OUCC witnesses and extensive community engagement, with specific proposals to maintain customer service charges, decrease the utility’s authorized return on equity, and implement consumer protections. CenterPoint Energy's rebuttal testimony is due on Apr. 9, 2024, with a final order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission expected in the fall.
President Biden has appointed Willie L. Phillips, Jr. as the Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, electricity, and other energy projects. Phillips, who has served as a FERC Commissioner since November 2021 and as Acting Chair since January 2023, brings over 20 years of legal expertise in utility regulation, bulk power system reliability, and corporate governance. His appointment comes as the Biden Administration aims to address the climate crisis and achieve a clean electricity grid by 2035, with FERC playing a crucial role in advancing these goals.
The February 2024 Commission Meeting will cover topics such as electric power sales, oil industry charges, market assessments, hydropower licensing, natural gas safety, and FERC staff reports. The meeting will also address public participation through the Office of Public Participation, providing resources on how to effectively participate in FERC events and educational materials on energy markets and projects. Additionally, the meeting will discuss enforcement matters such as investigations, audits, and compliance in the energy industry.