Tag

Utility Companies

All articles tagged with #utility companies

weather1 year ago

"Tornado Watch and Severe Storms Expected in Kansas City Tonight"

Severe storms with high winds have caused widespread power outages in the Kansas City area, affecting over 100,000 customers at the peak. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with assistance from neighboring utility crews. As of the latest updates, power has been restored to a significant portion of affected customers, but thousands still remain without electricity. Local authorities have also set up storm debris drop-off sites to aid in cleanup efforts.

weather1 year ago

"Severe Weather Strikes New Jersey: Power Outages, Flooding, and Rainfall Totals"

Gusty winds have caused power outages for thousands of homes and businesses across New Jersey, with the potential for more outages due to a statewide wind advisory in effect until 8 p.m. The largest clusters of outages are in East Orange, Stillwater, and Lawrence. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph, reaching up to 50 mph, are expected before diminishing in the evening. As of Monday morning, over 5,600 utility customers are without power, and the National Weather Service reports gusts of 58 mph at High Point Monument and 50 mph in the Fortescue section of Downe Township.

weather2 years ago

"Portland Metro Area Residents Brace for Extended Power Outages After Winter Storm"

More than 96,000 Portland area residents were without power due to a winter storm, leading to challenges in staying warm and accessing essential services. Some residents lacked backup heating options and struggled to navigate icy roads, while others faced uncertainty about when power would be restored. Utility companies faced criticism for their response to the outages, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of information and support. The situation prompted concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations, including those with medical devices and young children, and led some residents to seek shelter in area hotels.

environment2 years ago

"Colorado Gas Utility's Battle Against Local Climate Change Action"

The mayor of Crested Butte, Colorado, Ian Billick, led a successful push to ban natural gas hookups in new construction as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, the town's natural gas provider, Atmos Energy, fought against the ban, claiming it would restrict consumer choice and increase living costs. Similar battles between local gas companies and climate-friendly building codes have been observed across the country, with utilities using their influence and lobbying power to block such policies. Colorado and other states are attempting to limit utility lobbying activities, but the fight for all-electric standards may continue at the local level.

energy2 years ago

Michigan Takes Bold Steps Towards Clean Energy Future with Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate

Local utility company Cherryland Electric Cooperative expresses concerns over two new energy bills in Michigan that give the state authority over local governments in choosing clean energy projects and require utility companies to provide 100% renewable energy by 2040. CEO Rachel Johnson questions the manageability and potential impact on electric reliability and affordability. DTE has already announced a rate increase, and Johnson is unsure if her company will have to do the same. The bills mandate utility companies to produce increasing percentages of renewable energy by certain years. Some environmentalists are optimistic about the laws, while others argue they will hurt local communities and families on tight budgets.

natural-disasters2 years ago

"Storm aftermath: BWL, DTE, and Consumers provide electric service restoration estimates"

Power restoration efforts in the Lansing area are expected to continue through the weekend and possibly into early next week, following a severe storm that left thousands of customers without electricity. The Lansing Board of Water & Light has restored service to about half of its affected customers, with approximately 17,000 homes and businesses still in the dark. The utility expects to restore power to another 10,000 customers on Saturday, with remaining repairs to be completed over the coming days. Other utility companies, such as Consumers Energy and DTE Energy, are also working to restore power to their affected customers in the region.

local-news2 years ago

"20 Years Later: Metro Detroiters Reflect on the Historic Blackout that Shook North America"

Monday, Aug. 14, marked the 20th anniversary of the 2003 blackout, the worst in North American history, which affected over 50 million people across Michigan, seven other states, and parts of Canada. The blackout was triggered by a power line failure in Ohio, leading to a cascade of failures and costing an estimated $6 billion. While utility companies have made improvements to prevent similar incidents, concerns remain about weather-related outages and the need for investments in vegetation management. Additionally, utility companies are increasing efforts to address emerging cybersecurity threats.

social-issues2 years ago

Advocates Push for Further Changes Following Arizona Woman's Fatal Heat Death

Stephanie Pullman, a 72-year-old woman in Arizona, died after her power was cut off due to a $51 debt, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat in the region. Her death prompted advocacy efforts to prevent power shutoffs during the hottest months. The Arizona Corporation Commission issued a moratorium on summertime shutoffs and later permanently banned electricity cutoffs during the hottest months. Electric utilities in Arizona have implemented measures to pause disconnections during extreme temperatures. Efforts to protect vulnerable populations and provide assistance for cooling systems have also increased.

finance2 years ago

Top Dividend Plays: Reliable Stocks with High Yields and Safety

Jim Cramer warns investors about Annaly Capital Management Inc., a high-yield stock with a 14% annual yield, calling it a trap due to its poor performance. Instead, he suggests three dividend plays that Wall Street finds attractive: Realty Income Corp., a REIT with a 5.1% annual yield; FirstEnergy Corp., an electric utility with a 4% annual yield; and Energy Transfer LP, which owns a large portfolio of energy assets and offers a 9.7% annual yield.

business2 years ago

Summer Electric Rates Soaring Across the US

Starting Thursday, electricity prices in Ohio will significantly rise due to wholesale market factors, potentially causing double-digit increases in electric bills. However, customers have options to choose from dozens of PUCO-certified suppliers listed on the Energy Choice Ohio website. Utility companies like FirstEnergy and AES Ohio have already selected suppliers for their customers who have not opted to select their own. Customers can continue to shop for suppliers and change at any time during this next year. Assistance programs are also available to help people stay current with their utility bills.

finance2 years ago

Republican pushback against BlackRock's ESG initiatives

A group of Republican-led states, including Indiana, Utah, Alabama, and Texas, have filed a motion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prevent BlackRock from imposing ESG investing priorities on utility companies. The states argue that such practices will raise prices for consumers in pursuit of a "woke" agenda. BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, responded by saying it is focused on providing the best financial outcome for clients. This move follows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing a bill into law that bars state and local businesses from considering ESG factors when deciding whether to invest or contract with businesses.

finance2 years ago

Republican AGs challenge BlackRock's ESG investments in utilities

Republican attorneys general from 17 states filed a motion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to block BlackRock from imposing its environmental, social and governmental (ESG) policies on utility companies. BlackRock is a signatory to the Climate Action 100+ and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives that seek to use the shareholder voting power of members to influence how utilities operate by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions linked to climate change. The attorneys general argue that BlackRock's ESG priorities could raise utility bills for regular Americans and diminish the value of their investment accounts.

business2 years ago

California Utility Companies Consider Income-Based Customer Charges

Three major utility companies in California have proposed a new billing structure that would charge customers based on their income. The plan would include a fixed-income rate and a reduced usage charge based on consumption, with low-income households paying as little as $15 a month and households making over $180,000 a year paying up to $85 more per month. The proposal is part of the companies' compliance with California state legislation and would need approval from the California Public Utilities Commission.

personal-finance2 years ago

California Utility Companies Propose Income-Based Fees on Power Bills

Three major utility companies in California have proposed a new billing structure that would charge customers based on their income. The plan would include a fixed-income rate and a reduced usage charge based on consumption, with low-income households paying as little as $15 a month and households making over $180,000 a year paying up to $85 more per month. The California Public Utilities Commission would need to approve the proposal, with the fixed rate potentially appearing on bills as soon as 2025.

local-news2 years ago

Michigan Boosts Power Outage Credits for Residents

The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved changes that will increase power outage credits for eligible customers to $35 plus $35 more each additional day the power is out, and make the credits automatic. The credit kicks in after 96 hours during catastrophic conditions, 48 hours during gray sky conditions, and 16 hours during normal conditions. The outage credits will also be indexed to the rate of inflation. The order also shortens the required times for utilities to restore long-duration outages, reduces the amount of time first responders must guard downed wires, updates reliability standards, and establishes annual reporting requirements for rural electric cooperatives and all investor-owned utilities.