Renewable energy projects across the US are facing significant hurdles due to delays in grid interconnection, particularly within the PJM Interconnection region, where substantial backlogs and increasingly complex project designs are hindering the expansion of solar and wind power. The struggles of high-profile projects like the Eddystone Wind project, which have experienced costly delays and uncertainty over their long-term viability, highlight the need for urgent reforms aimed at streamlining interconnection processes by 2027. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico's electricity grid is struggling with recurring crises, including frequent outages and underfunded emergency response accounts, leaving the island vulnerable during hurricane season, prompting calls for immediate action to address these critical issues.

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The US grid is facing unprecedented challenges as it shifts towards electrification. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the increasing demand for electricity linked to industrial growth and the explosive expansion of data centers threatens to destabilize the nation's power infrastructure. To address these concerns, FERC has proposed a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term stability of the grid. The commission has announced plans to expand its staff and work closely with regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs). This cooperation will enable more accurate forecasting and monitoring of energy consumption patterns. In addition, FERC has been collecting data from various sources, including the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), RTO ISO, and metered information provided by these regional entities. These reports have consistently highlighted the need for grid modernization to keep pace with shifting energy demands. According to FERC Chairman Mark Christie, the findings presented in the annual State of the Markets report are a wake-up call for policymakers and industry leaders. The data suggests that the grid is facing significant challenges, particularly in terms of retirements of coal-fired power plants by 2025. As these aging facilities are phased out, new, cleaner energy sources must be developed to replace them. The stakes are high: if left unaddressed, the nation's grid risks becoming increasingly unreliable, leading to blackouts and economic disruption. FERC's efforts aim to mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable energy future for all Americans.

A decades-old coal-fired power plant in West Olive, Michigan, has been directed to delay its planned retirement, a decision made by the Department of Energy (DOE). The J.H. Campbell power plant was poised to cease operations, but DOE Secretary Chris Wright declared an emergency, mandating the facility's continued operation for a temporary period. The DOE's intervention stems from concerns raised in a recent assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The assessment highlights a potential shortfall in electric reserves for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which manages the power grid across 15 central U.S. states. The DOE’s action aims to bolster grid stability and mitigate potential rate increases. NERC’s 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment specifically forecasts an elevated risk of electricity shortages during peak demand periods this summer, particularly in August. The J.H. Campbell Complex, with a generation capacity of 1,560 MW, was scheduled to be retired this month, with operations ceasing on May 31. Consumers Energy and MISO had anticipated the loss of this capacity and proactively secured a 1,200 MW natural gas power plant in Covert as a replacement. Despite this mitigation, the NERC assessment still anticipates a heightened risk of reserve shortfalls. Secretary Wright’s order, issued on May 23, 2025, is effective immediately. It instructs MISO to maximize the plant’s output while minimizing costs for consumers and requires Consumers Energy to adhere to all MISO directives. The order stipulates the plant’s continued operation until August 21, 2025, although Consumers Energy has yet to announce their plans regarding the plant's eventual retirement. The decision has drawn mixed reactions. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) argues the order is counterproductive and will lead to higher prices for customers. MPSC Chair Dan Scripps stated the order will increase costs and highlighted Michigan's existing energy surplus, suggesting no actual emergency exists. Conversely, Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) lauded the order, emphasizing the plant's importance as a regional asset and the potential for widespread outages without it. He expressed gratitude for the administration's commitment to safeguarding American energy production.