Author: Graham Foster

Itron, a major provider of critical infrastructure equipment, recently announced a cybersecurity breach that affected its computer networks. The company discovered the intrusion on April 13 and took immediate steps to address the situation, ensuring that unauthorized activities were removed. According to Itron, there have been no signs of further unauthorized access to its systems, and no customer data appears to have been compromised. The company, based in Liberty Lake, Washington, is well-known for its smart-meter devices, which are widely used in the electric, gas, and water sectors. Itron has partnerships with numerous local governments on smart city initiatives, aiming…

Key Takeaways: A coalition of various business groups visited Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal permitting reforms ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. During discussions with lawmakers, the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) highlighted that improved permitting processes could stimulate investments necessary for energy infrastructure, as noted by their policy director, Rob Bradham. CICE and allied organizations are aiming to reignite support for permitting reforms following delays faced by the SPEED Act, which has not progressed in recent months. In-Depth Insight: The SPEED Act found initial support in the House of Representatives last December, securing votes from 11…

Key Takeaway: The PJM Interconnection’s market monitor is against Constellation Energy’s request for exemptions from certain rules as the company works to reactivate the Crane nuclear power plant, previously known as Three Mile Island Unit 1, in connection with a deal involving Microsoft. Overview: To ensure the Crane unit can fully deliver power when it restarts, potentially next year, Constellation seeks to shift Capacity Interconnection Rights (CIRs) from a fossil-fueled plant set for retirement. This request requires approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The independent monitor, Monitoring Analytics, stated that Constellation’s application does not satisfy FERC’s criteria for…

Dive Brief: A new partnership between Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) and Base Power will bring 50 MW of battery capacity to South Texas. The companies announced this expansion last week. This follows a successful 2-MW pilot project that showed how distributed batteries can improve system flexibility, according to Darren Schauer, GVEC’s General Manager and CEO. Tim Pianta, from Base Power, noted that the industry is shifting toward quick-deploy resources, which are vital for reliability in Texas and beyond. Dive Insight: GVEC plans to have 20 MW of distributed battery capacity by the end of 2026, aiming to add an…

Two utilities in Kentucky, Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, are working on a significant pumped storage project estimated to cost $1.3 billion. This initiative aims to enhance the state’s power supply as demand continues to climb. Rye Development, which has several pumped storage projects underway, received preliminary approval for the Lewis Ridge project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) back in 2022. They filed for a license application in June, marking a notable moment as it’s been decades since a large-scale pumped storage plant was built in the U.S. John Crockett III, president of LG&E and KU,…

On April 1, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) officially joined the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), marking a significant shift in how electricity is managed across the Western U.S. This move is part of a larger trend where utilities are transitioning from localized operations to more coordinated regional systems. Traditionally, the Western grid has been divided into numerous balancing authorities, each managing its own supply and demand. While this gave local control, it limited the efficiency of sharing resources and optimizing transmissions to meet system-wide challenges. In contrast, organized markets like those operated by regional transmission organizations allow for better coordination…

Lightshift Energy Partners with Blue Ridge Power Agency for Battery Storage Projects Lightshift Energy and the Blue Ridge Power Agency (BRPA), a power wholesaler in Virginia, have joined forces to roll out about 25 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage. This initiative will take place across five locations owned by three of BRPA’s member utilities. The projects, each providing 5 MW, are expected to become operational this year. These battery systems will harness energy during low-demand times and release it during peak demand periods. This strategy aims to address the increasing energy load in Virginia and the surrounding PJM region.…

Dive Brief: Ava Community Energy recently introduced an impressive $11.25 million incentive program aimed at helping homeowners install solar and battery storage systems. Based in Oakland, California, the community choice aggregator offers a SmartHome Battery program, which allows customers to share up to 80% of their home batteries. For those qualifying based on income, Ava will provide rebates of $500 per kWh shared, while others will receive $90 per kWh. This announcement follows California lawmakers advancing a bill to update the state’s energy capacity rules, allowing distributed energy resources like home batteries to count as energy capacity. Dive Insight: According…

By the end of this decade, quantum computers are expected to significantly impact the energy sector, much like artificial intelligence did recently. This article recalls a moment from 2032, two years after quantum computing has begun to show its potential in real-world energy challenges. Quantum Fever is Here Brisbane, Summer Olympics 2032. At a rooftop party overlooking the harbor, I encounter several startup founders eager to discuss their plans to transform the power grid with quantum computing. Each new conversation adds to the excitement surrounding this technology. As remarkable as the Olympic opening ceremonies were, with Australia’s Prime Minister Rachel…

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a “request for information” focused on energy generation and storage projects that may qualify for state support in a proposed fast-track grid connection by PJM Interconnection. The DEP is keen to partner with a variety of developers who can present large-scale energy projects in Pennsylvania. They are also open to hearing from developers with large projects that might not meet PJM’s proposed requirements, seeking insights into potential future opportunities. This initiative aligns with PJM’s plan to introduce an Expedited Interconnection Track by August, which is currently under review by the Federal…