The staff of ISO New England recently participated in various industry events throughout the region, showcasing their expertise and commitment to innovation and collaboration. From presenting potential future grid scenarios at Carnegie Mellon University to discussing electric industry restructuring at conferences hosted by the American Petroleum Institute, ISO New England's team members shared their insights on the evolving energy landscape, including the impact of changes in resource proposals, demand growth, and grid reform efforts aimed at managing resource adequacy.

The PUC approved a voluntary aggregated virtual power plant program under a settlement: a standard-offer framework, 25 MW per year cap, $79 million five-year budget allocation, performance-based compensation, and a required two-year evaluation to consider competitive solicitations and other refinements.

The Public Utilities Commission agreed that some of the Public Service Company's distribution costs should be eligible for recovery through the proposed Grid Modernization Adjustment Clause (GMAC), including 2024TCAD true-ups and VPP administrative costs, and directed further process for performance-based recovery of other spending. The panel, 3

A major construction project in Becker, Minnesota marks a significant step forward in the state's efforts to modernize its power grid and reduce its carbon footprint, with the goal of achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. However, North Dakota has taken issue with the plan, formally lodging a federal complaint that it will face increased rates as a result of funding Minnesota's transition to cleaner energy sources. As part of this effort, Great River Energy and MinnesotaPower are building new power lines to facilitate the importation of electricity from areas with greater wind and solar resources, paving the way for Minnesota to meet its renewable energy objectives.

DOER and industry witnesses told the committee that interconnection delays and up-front upgrade costs block projects; they urged flexible interconnection, payment plans for interconnection deposits and DPU action on net‑crediting to speed projects into service before federal deadlines.

Members and witnesses discussed the electricity demands of large AI models and data centers, the need to modernize the grid and options including renewables, natural gas and small modular nuclear reactors.

On Oct. 14, lawmakers, consumer advocates and renewable energy industry members joined a broad coalition of organizations urging immediate passage of the

FERC Order Nos. 2023 and 2023-A instituted interconnection process reforms that seek to address queue backlogs across the country.

Energy Impact Partners (EIP) has closed Flagship Fund III at $1.36 billion, roughly 40% larger than its predecessor and the firm’s largest fund to date. The

The rapid rise of AI data centers is testing the limits of the power grid, driving utilities to boost capital spending, overhaul tariffs, and build new flexibility into their ...

Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is undertaking strategic initiatives to address wildfire risks while contributing to California's clean energy objectives, including enhancing grid safety and resilience through significant investments in undergrounding power lines. The utility is experiencing heightened interest from data centers, which are a major driver of increasing electricity demand, and plans to accommodate this growth by conducting cluster studies and investing in grid modernization efforts aimed at improving overall performance and reducing rates for customers, with the goal of providing value for all stakeholders while supporting California's ambitious clean energy goals.

A coalition of state governors from mid-Atlantic states is launching an effort to reform PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving multiple states in the region, in response to concerns over its operational practices driving up electricity costs and slowing renewable energy integration. The initiative aims to align PJM's procedures with state-level clean energy objectives, ultimately leading to more affordable electricity rates for consumers.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that his state will consider exiting the PJM grid, a major power network serving the Mid-Atlantic region, unless substantial changes are implemented by the grid operator in response to rising electricity costs and increased strain on the grid due to factors like artificial intelligence and renewable energy growth.

As New England continues to grapple with the consequences of increasingly frequent and severe heat waves, a critical conversation is brewing about the future of its energy grid. Despite record-high temperatures this summer, misleading claims are circulating that renewable energy sources are not viable alternatives to fossil fuels, perpetuated by groups with ties to the industry. However, experts say that transitioning away from fossil fuels through clean energy solutions and energy efficiency programs can actually lead to lower prices, increased stability, and a reduced reliance on unpredictable markets, making it an urgent priority for policymakers to prioritize informed decision-making and grid modernization.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has authorized a formula rate structure for a proposed transmission project in Iowa, allowing its developers to automatically recover construction costs through adjusted electricity rates, sparking concerns among some commissioners and consumer advocates that the move could ultimately lead to increased electricity bills for consumers.