The Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility should be partially returned to service starting in June, according to financial records Vistra Corp. filed with regulators May 5. Two consecutive incidents damaged batteries in different phases of the facility: the 300-MW/1,200-MWh Phase 1 in Septemb… Read MoreQuick Bites: Energy News Roundup
California energy officials are drawing a direct link between climate change and past and possible future blackouts, but a closer examination of the situation reveals that such a connection is more of a theoretical link than a technical reality. Read MoreBlaming California's Blackouts on Climate Change Is Tenuous at Best
The brakes were applied to Western energy prices during May 5 to May 12 trading, sending most natural gas and power prices skidding lower. Read MoreWestern Natural Gas Values Now Level With National Prices
A confluence of local and world events—including retiring generation, supply chain disruptions, drought and international policy—is poised to test California's grid reliability this summer and into the near future if not addressed; meanwhile, the state remains ill-prepared for an uncertain f… Read MoreReliability at Forefront of CEC Discussions; State Unprepared for Summer 2022
In the latest Energy West podcast, Clearing Up's Dan Catchpole and California Energy Markets' Jason Fordney talk about obstacles to building offshore wind in California waters, interconnection delays across the country, Washington delaying new building codes in the wake of the 9th Circuit's Berkeley decision, PacifiCorp booking a $120 million first-quarter loss due to the 2020 Labor Day weekend wildfires, and more.
We want to hear from you on energy issues and to share your thoughts with our readership. Read moreVoices From Behind the Meter
The California Independent System Operator grid is better prepared for summer than it was last year, officials said, with the number of hours of risk and the threat of load shed significantly reduced. Read MoreCAISO Says Summer Outlook Better Than in 2021, Approves Strategic Plan
Conditions in the Colorado River Basin could translate into Southern California water shortages later this year, according to a state water expert's assessment during a May 10 press call with the California Department of Water Resources and the State Water Board. Read MoreCalifornia Water-Supply Risks Increase Based on Colorado River Conditions
Utility equipment could be a factor in a brush fire that has destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11 more in a wealthy Orange County neighborhood. Read More'Circuit Activity' Reported on SCE Lines Around Time Coastal Fire Broke Out
PacifiCorp has been given the final regulatory green light to begin construction on two segments of its $8-billion Energy Gateway transmission project. Read MorePacifiCorp Gets OK for Two Sections of Energy Gateway Transmission Project
As utilities and power producers across the West consider two competing day-ahead market proposals, the Public Power Council says any market must preserve Bonneville Power Administration preference customers' access to federally marketed cost-based power. PPC's members make up the vast major… Read MorePPC: Day-Ahead Market Must Maintain BPA Preference Customers' Rights
Southwestern utilities have assured regulators they have sufficient capacity to keep the lights on and air conditioners running as the 2022 summer peak approaches, but their plans for resource adequacy in 2023 appear less secure. New global dynamics and the federal response to them have incr… Read MoreSouthwest Utilities Scramble for 2023 Resources as Capacity Challenges Rise
Environmental regulators in New Mexico on May 5 adopted rules that will make the state the 18th to implement California's vehicle emissions standards for light-duty cars and trucks. Read MoreNew Mexico Adopts California Advanced Clean Cars Rules
A fire at a utility-scale battery in Arizona that smoldered for nearly two weeks is out, but it could be months before investigators have insight into the cause. The 10-MW/four-hour storage system that provides peaking capacity to Salt River Project will remain off line during the critical s… Read MoreSRP's Dorman Battery Off Line Through Summer as AES Plans Fire Investigation
Southwest Gas Holdings and billionaire investor Carl Icahn announced late May 6 they reached a settlement, which resulted in the immediate "retirement" of CEO John Hester and postponement of the company's shareholder meeting that was to have included a contested proxy vote. Read MoreSouthwest Gas, Icahn Reach Settlement; Outcome Includes CEO 'Retirement'
Federal Power Act reforms included in an "Uncommon Dialogue" legislative framework on May 12 drew both praise and caution flags from lawmakers and hearing witnesses exploring a package that aims to streamline hydropower licensing—including adding generation at nonpowered dams—and expand trib… Read More'Uncommon Dialogue' Hydro Package Spotlighted
