Category Archives: Vermont Yankee Closing

July 19, 2019 · 2:49 pm

Energy News for week ending July 19, 2019

26 days a year | At Risk | Vows to fight

 

Happy Friday afternoon folks.

We start with a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists and a story from WBUR, “Feeling the heat this summer? Well, it’s just going to get worse. Massachusetts is going to see more hot and humid days in the coming decades, according to a new analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Days that feel like 100 degrees (or higher), which rarely happen in Massachusetts now, will occur 26 times each year by the end of the century if no action is taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the report finds. Ninety degree temperatures will likely occur in the state about one month a year by 2050 and more than two months a year by 2100. Currently, the average is seven to 10 days.” It’s not just Massachusetts that faces increased heat. From the Hartford Courant, “Hartford could see as many as 44 days a year of summer temperatures above 90 degrees by 2050 if the U.S…Currently, Hartford averages just 11 days during the year when temperatures hit the 90-degree Fahrenheit mark.”

In some other dispiriting news, CommonWealth Magazine reports that, “Vineyard Wind says its offshore wind farm could be in jeopardy if the federal government fails to approve its environmental impact statement over the next six weeks. In a carefully worded statement issued early Thursday morning, the company appeared to be prodding federal officials at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to move quickly to approve the environmental impact statement. The statement represents a shift for the company, which had earlier acknowledged delays were expected in the review of the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm.

Last for this week, just after we sent out last week’s Energy News, the MA DEP approved the air permit for the Weymouth compressor station. But the fight may not yet be over. From WATD, Ron Mariano represents the 3rd Norfolk District, which includes the Fore River Bridge, the proposed site for a natural gas compressor station. He’s saying that he’s disappointed in the DEP for their decision to approve the air quality permits after mishandled hearings, as well as with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC. Mariano says the fight is frustrating, but doesn’t end here.”

That’s the recap for this week. Here are two words for you to remember this weekend – hydrate and shade.

Stay cool and have a wonderful weekend.

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Hopkinton wants answers on ‘thermal anomaly’ at LNG tank, MetroWest Daily News

Weymouth: State Representative Vows to Fight Compressor Station Project After Air Permits Get Approved, WATD-FM

Pipeline foes choke region’s economy, Press Enterprise

Tribal Org. Blew Chance To Fight Pipeline, DC Circ. Told, Law360

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

Report: By 2100, Mass. Could Have 26 Days A Year That Feel Hotter Than 100 Degrees, WBUR

Climate, NIMBY concerns drive move to floating power plants, E&E News

Pingree’s amendment would require Pentagon to prepare for climate change, Portland Press Herald

Maryland’s highest court rules state can trump counties in deciding where solar, wind projects can go, Baltimore Sun

Study predicts more ‘extreme heat’ days in Maine as climate warms, Portland Press Herald

Climate Change Will Strain Federal Finances, Scientific American

Climate change could mean as many as 44 days with temperatures above 90 in Hartford, according to report by Union of Concerned Scientists, Hartford Courant

New York takes lead in climate change fight, Politico

Mass Audubon and Eversource Collaborate to Address Climate Change, Utility Dive

Trump officials worry warming could hurt the grid, E&E News

Millbury awarded $1 million grant as part of climate change adaptation program, Boston Globe

Maine Enacts Beneficial Electrification Law; State to Issue RFP for Pilot Projects, Mircorgrid Knowledge

How GE invested in fossil fuels, and missed the opportunity to be a clean energy giant, Fast Company

N.S. approves new attempt to harness Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides, Vancouver Courier

 

Wind

Vineyard Wind says project at risk, CommonWealth Magazine

Baker, Vineyard Wind mum on Feds’ project guidance, Southcoasttoday.com

Vineyard Wind Dealing With Potential Setbacks, WGBH

New York Awards Offshore Wind Contracts in Bid to Reduce Emissions, New York Times

Ørsted/Deepwater: We’ll Be On Time, The Independent

In Amagansett, Pushback on Offshore Wind Farm, The Easthampton Star

Freedom approves Invenergy community host agreement worth $12 million, Olean Times Herald

Maine regulators approve 22-turbine wind power project, Portland Press Herald

 

Solar

NextEra Energy Hosts Public Information Session On Large Solar Project, New Hampshire Public Radio

Rhode Island Getting Pair Of Community Solar Projects, Solar Industry

National Grid Acquires Renewables Developer Geronimo Energy, Greentech Media

Sunrun Wins Another Capacity Contract for Aggregated Home Storage, Greentech Media

 

Efficiency/Storage

NPU encourages residents to be energy efficient as heat hits region, The Bulletin

Sen. Murkowski teases prospects for storage as committee advances 22 energy bills, Utility Dive

Why Long Island Could Become New York’s First Energy Storage Hot Spot, Greentech Media

 

Nuclear

Vermont Yankee cooling towers coming down, marking the ‘end of an era,’ Vermont Digger

Bill Gates faces “daunting” nuclear energy future, Axios

Three Mile Island nuclear plant shutdown cost: $1.2 billion, The Morning Call

NRC eyes reducing inspections of nuclear reactors, The Hill

U.S. plans to extend nuclear plants’ lives to 80 years, senior energy official says, Washington Post

 

EVs

Experts: State’s goal to have 300,000 electric vehicles by 2025 will be a challenge, MetroWest Daily News

 

Market/Grid/Policy/Prices

LaFleur’s exit will leave 3 commissioners — and anxiety, E&E News

Few people show for first hearing on CMP rates in Portland, but those who did criticized the utility heavily, Bangor Daily News

Municipal utilities support House bill giving them more control, MassLive

Is a Green Future Worth Spoiling the Appalachian Trail?, Outside

New Environmental Secretary Katie Theoharides touts climate initiatives, MassLive

Nation’s Mayors Applaud House Committee Action to Renew Energy Block Grant Program, YAHOO! News

New Law Requires National Grid, Utility Companies To Fix Roads, Patch

National Grid Faces Possible Penalty on Non-Compliance of New York Safety Rules, New York Times

ConEd: Failed relay systems, not transmission equipment, caused NYC blackout, Utility Dive

 

Editorial/Opinion

Our View: Turning the page from the gas disaster, Eagle Tribune

ARENA, Weymouth: Correcting compressor station misstatements, Patriot-Ledger

YOUR VIEW: Offshore wind should not go forward until there are answers, South Coast Today

As wind energy grows, need for gas plants shrinks, Republican-American

Why did the state OK a new natural gas power plant in Killingly when the move is to renewable energy?, Hartford Courant

Clean energy comes with a high price. Lowell Sun

Holyoke Mayor Goes Full Green with Climate Change Envy, Betrays Cause, Natural Gas Now

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January 11, 2019 · 4:41 pm

Energy News for week ending January 11, 2019

Russians Hacking, Emissions Spiking, Oceans Warming, Oh My!

It’s Friday afternoon so that’s a good thing, but some of the energy news headlines this week were darn depressing.

Take these six stories for example:

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions spiked in 2018 — and it couldn’t happen at a worse time, Washington Post

Ocean Warming Is Accelerating Faster Than Thought, New Research Finds, New York Times

America’s Electric Grid Has a Vulnerable Back Door—and Russia Walked Through It, Wall Street Journal

US power sector carbon emissions jump as gas boom outpaces coal decline, Utility Dive

2018 was Earth’s fourth-warmest year, EU scientists find, Axios

Mass. Families face home heating emergency, $30 million sought, WickedLocal.com

Ugh! And if that’s not enough to make you want to crawl under the covers, the government shutdown is causing headaches everywhere (and horrible times for government workers), but here in New England it’s also slowing things down:

Gas investigation on hold amid shutdown, Eagle Tribune

Government shutdown delays Vineyard Wind meetings, South Coast Today

Jon Chesto at the Globe brings us a positive story so we’ll end our recap here Wind turbine company picks Boston for US HQ, Boston Globe.

Enjoy the weekend and stay warm – very cold temperatures are expected.

 

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Special Report: Gas leaks plague Bay State, Boston Herald

After setbacks, Weymouth compressor foes turn focus to Baker, Patriot Ledger

South Shore lawmakers urge Baker to reject natural gas station air permits, Boston Globe

Lawmaker looks to ban offshore drilling, Gloucester Times

Weymouth gas project advances, but fight’s not over yet, Boston Globe

Fossil generators ask Supreme Court to review state nuclear subsidies, Utility Dive

Ensuring fuel security for the electricity system: New England and the role of LNG, Utility Dive

Wind vs. Gas: Winter Wind Beats New Pipelines, Union of Concerned Scientists

Lockout finally over at National Grid, CommonWealth Magazine

Challenges Remain For National Grid, Union Workers Even With Contract, WBUR

National Grid union workers OK contract, ending lockout, Boston Globe

 

Merrimack Valley

Columbia Gas Offers Payment Plans For Merrimack Valley Gas Bills, USA Patch

Lawmakers push for safer gas practices, Salem News

Warren, Markey call for Columbia Gas to repair damaged roads, Boston Globe

Gas investigation on hold amid shutdown, Eagle Tribune

Charlie Baker tours Merrimack Valley to promote businesses affected by gas explosions, Boston Globe

Lawrence mayor wants Columbia Gas license revoked, Lowell Sun

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions spiked in 2018 — and it couldn’t happen at a worse time, Washington Post

Ocean Warming Is Accelerating Faster Than Thought, New Research Finds, New York Times

Warning Of Flooded Cities, Spilka Puts Climate Change Atop To-Do List, WGBH.org

US power sector carbon emissions jump as gas boom outpaces coal decline, Utility Dive

2018 was Earth’s fourth-warmest year, EU scientists find, Axios

The National Weather Service is ‘open,’ but your forecast is worse because of the shutdown, Washington Post

Ramping up renewable energy remains lawmakers’ focus in 2019, The Day

Pennsylvania commits to 26% GHG reductions amid federal inaction, US emissions increase, Utility Dive

Vagaries Of the Energy Market: A Boom In Renewables Leads To Higher Rates For Co-op, VPR Digital

Mass. Inaugurates Clean Peak Standard, RTO Insider

 

Wind

Wind turbine company picks Boston for US HQ, Boston Globe

Sununu Will Ask for Federal Offshore Wind Study, A First Step To Development, NHPR

Government shutdown delays Vineyard Wind meetings, South Coast Today

Public hearings set on Roxbury Wind Project, National Wind Watch (Maine)

Busy month ahead for Alle-Catt Wind Farm issues, Olean Times Herald

A key approval for the $2-billion off-shore project is set for Jan. 22, NewportRI.com

R.I. fishermen still without compensation deal from wind farm developer, ProJo

Court: Refund Swanton Wind developers, St. Albans Messenger

Rhode Island harvesters, wind farm developer still talking compensation, Undercurrent News

New Jersey receives three bids in largest state wind energy solicitation to date, Daily Energy Insider

Under New Management, New London Pier Looks To Capitalize On Offshore Wind, WNPR

 

 

Solar

Maine Mall 2,340-panel solar array poised to go online, Mainebiz

How Can You Take a Stand on Energy at the Local Level? Lebanon Has an Idea, New Hampshire Public Radio

Tax exemption could cut towns statewide from solar-farm revenue, Telegram.com

 

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

Energy efficiency info may be coming to Mass. residential home listings, Boston Business Journal (subscriber content)

Energy Storage Developers See Promise in Second Phase of Innovative New Hampshire Pilot, Microgrid Knowledge

California set a goal of 100% clean energy, and now other states may follow its lead, Los Angeles Times

Three Big Energy Ideas to Watch in 2019, Microgrid Knowledge

 

EVs

Before the Electric Car Takes Over, Someone Needs to Reinvent the Battery, Bloomberg

Boston transit authority adds to electric bus fleet, Utility Dive

 

Nuclear

Closed Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant Sale Complete, NHPR

U.S. to Bill Gates: Build your scrapped China nuclear reactor in America, Axios

Energy Department Initiative Aims to Keep U.S. Competitive on Nuclear-Plant Fuel, Wall Street Journal

Pilgrim Nuke Plant Back at Full Power, CapeCod.com

NRC public meeting Jan. 15 for comments on Pilgrim decommissioning, Wicked Local Plymouth

New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution to join Vermont Yankee nuclear storage conference, VTDigger

Full scholarships offered for nuclear program at Three Rivers, The Day

Experts: Nuclear power production in country just 3%, The Tribune

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

America’s Electric Grid Has a Vulnerable Back Door—and Russia Walked Through It, Wall Street Journal

New England Power Grid Operators Train For Severe Nor’Easters, New Hampshire Public Radio

Wholesale power prices were generally higher in 2018, with both winter and summer spikes, eia.gov

Regulators decide to open full investigation into CMP billing issues, Portland Press Herald

Regulators consider plan to get rebates for some electric customers, Record-Journal

Confidence Grows that Proposed Burrillville Power Plant will be Denied, ECO RI

Invenergy analyst says Burrillville plant would supplement renewables, Providence Journal

Braintree Light hopes to retire generator, Patriot Ledger

Mass. Families face home heating emergency, $30 million sought, WickedLocal.com

Activists, lawmakers rally for heating help for low-income families, WBSM.com

Data: Maine Had Longer, More Frequent Power Outages Per Customer Than Any Other State In 2017, Maine Public

 

Editorial/Opinion

Ensuring fuel security for the electricity system: New England and the role of LNG, Utility Dive

Electricity aggregation success extends beyond Newton, CommonWealth Magazine

Viewpoint: Solar power, storage poised to protect Mass. businesses this winter, Boston Business Journal

Letter to the editor: Efficiency Maine Trust a burden to needy electricity customers, Portland Press Herald

Thinking globally, but acting warily, on new gas pipelines, Boston Globe

Letter to the editor: Good to hear real story on gas companies, New Haven Register

Editorial: Industry must be part of transit carbon cap policy, Boston Business Journal

 

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December 14, 2018 · 1:27 pm

Energy News for week ending December 14, 2018

410 Million | Roasted by the sun | Substantial Completion | Lobstocracy

 

Happy Friday everyone.

Here are a few highlights from this week.

From Reuters, U.S. offshore wind lease auction ends with record $410 mln sale, “A U.S. government auction for three wind leases off the coast of Massachusetts ended on Friday with record-setting combined bids of $410 million, the agency that conducted the sale said. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) said it would announce the provisional winners of the leases on a conference call later on Friday. Combined, the three leases represent nearly 390,000 acres near the Massachusetts islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and Rhode Island’s Block Island. It was not immediately clear whether a single company claimed all three or if there were more than one winner.”

While we’re in the midst of holiday season, according to a story in the Portland Press Herald, this is what happened on Thanksgiving, Solar power achieved a New England milestone on chilly Thanksgiving “On last month’s historically cold Thanksgiving Day, New England turkeys were being roasted by the sun. For the first time, according to the region’s electric grid operator, thousands of solar panels offset the midmorning peak demand for power from millions of homes and businesses cooking the holiday birds. The renewable energy milestone was noted this week by ISO-New England. It highlights the growing role of solar energy on the grid and counters lingering myths about the technology not working in cold climates.”

This is great news out of Lawrence. From the Eagle Tribune, Governor, Columbia Gas announce ‘substantial completion’ of gas restoration; say service back to 98 percent of customers, “The work to restore service to more than 10,000 homes affected by the gas disaster is pretty much done, but the mission is not accomplished, state and local officials said at a press conference early Wednesday afternoon. With natural gas service restored to 98 percent of residential and business customers, Gov. Baker, local municipal leaders and Columbia Gas announced the substantial completion of the gas restoration efforts in the Merrimack Valley…Officials said 150 customers are still without gas service, most of whom decided to “self-mitigate,” or complete necessary assessments and installations themselves on their own timeline, independent of Columbia Gas contractors, or have extenuating circumstances such as damages to their homes.

We end this week on some it’s good now but not later climate change news. From MSN.com, ‘We live in a lobstocracy’: Maine town is feeling the effects of climate change, “The American lobster is a symbol of Maine, central to the state’s ethos and economy…Lobster attracts tourists, feeds locals and is a lifeblood for coastal towns. It’s (sic) importance has even swelled in recent years as lobsters have been caught in record numbers. Lobster landings – or the amount of lobster caught – have risen fivefold in the past three decades. Lobster has become a half-billion-dollar industry in Maine. And the reason for the boom, according to scientists, is climate change. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world’s waters, rising at three times the global average. That warming has created optimal conditions for lobsters to reproduce and survive into adulthood…But while the warming waters have resulted in a lobster bonanza, scientists say climate change will ultimately bring a bust to the boom: As the Gulf of Maine continues to warm, that temperature sweet spot for lobsters will continue to move north. That could result in a similar spike in lobsters in Canada, but leave Maine’s industry broken.

That’s it for this week. Enjoy the news below and have a wonderful weekend.

 

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Massachusetts natural gas companies would support greater engineering oversight, MassLIve

Agawam farm family protests Tennessee Gas Pipeline land-taking, MassLive

Lawmaker questions gas safety consultant’s ties to industry, Boston Business Journal (subscriber content)

Columbia Gas appoints new executive in Massachusetts, Boston Globe

Agawam farm family protests Tennessee Gas Pipeline land-taking, MassLive

Mass. Town Asks 1st Circ. To Block Enbridge Pipeline Project, Law360

Judge halts Keystone XL pipeline, citing ‘complete disregard’ for climate, MSN

The Oil Industry’s Covert Campaign to Rewrite American Car Emissions Rules, New York Times

 

Merrimack Valley

Governor, Columbia Gas announce ‘substantial completion’ of gas restoration; say service back to 98 percent of customers, Eagle Tribune

Columbia Gas Holds Community Meetings For Remaining Four Percent Of Affected Customers, WGBH

Whistleblower: Columbia Gas Cut Corners Prior to Explosions, NECN

In Wake Of Gas Disaster, Lawmakers Probe Utility Companies’ Safety Plans, WGBH

Execs back Baker gas-safety bill at fiery hearing, Lowell Sun

Sen. Barrett questions gas safety consultant’s ties to industry, Lowell Sun

 

Lockout

House, in informal session, passes Grid legislation, CommonWealth Magazine

Developers left out in the cold as National Grid lockout continues, Patriot Ledger

Lawmakers push harder to resolve labor dispute at National Grid, Boston Globe

Top senator to National Grid: end the lockout “immediately”, Sentinel & Enterprise

National Grid, unions start daily meetings next Monday, Boston Herald

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

Why greens are turning away from a carbon tax, Politico

That was awkward — at world’s biggest climate conference, U.S. promotes fossil fuels, Washington Post

Batteries could worsen CO2 emissions — study, E&E News

NYPA Announces $250 Million Commitment to Accelerate Flexibility of Electric Grid to Combat Climate Change, Energy Storage Association

‘We live in a lobstocracy’: Maine town is feeling the effects of climate change, MSN

Shaheen and Hassan warn of continued negative impact of climate change, Conway Daily Sun

Researchers: Sawdust is Next Wave in Renewable Energy, UMass Lowell News

Not So Sweet: Climate Change Means Slow-Growing Sugar Maples, Study Finds, NPR

France Will Save $44.5 Billion By Betting on Renewable Energy, Says Government Agency, Bloomberg L.P.

 

Wind

U.S. offshore wind lease auction ends with record $410 mln sale, Reuters

Baker: Fishing, offshore wind coexistence is ‘something we have to deal with,’ Salem News

390K acres up for auction today for offshore wind, South Coast Today

First major offshore wind project in jeopardy of being blocked, Boston Globe

Fishing industry says it doesn’t endorse Vineyard Wind’s ‘consensus plan’ for transit lanes, South Coast Today

Bay State Wind comes to O.B., MV Times

Turbines vs. eagles debate continues amid new science, National Wind Watch

Zero hour nears for Massachusetts offshore bonanza, reNews

Vineyard Wind Endorses Offshore Transit Corridor Plan, Cape Cod Today

More Than 680 Gigawatts Of New Wind Power To Come Online By 2027, CleanTechnica

 

Solar

Solar power achieved a New England milestone on chilly Thanksgiving, Portland Press Herald

Watertown Becomes 1st Town In New England To Require Solar Panels On New Commercial Constructions, WBUR

Rhode Island Encourages Brownfield Solar Projects, Renewable Energy World

U.S. solar takes hit from Trump tariffs but is cheaper than ever: report, Reuters

Renewables, Energy Storage, & Managing The Utility Grid Of The Future, CleanTechnica

Governor pushes for solar in low-income areas, New Hampshire Union Leader

Milford Eyeing Plans for 120-Acre Solar Farm, New Hampshire Public Radio

CleanChoice Launches MA Community Solar Program, Solar Industry

Solar project at Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District on target, Kennebec Journal

 

EVs

Massachusetts Needs More Than MOR-EV, Union of Concerned Scientists

Massachusetts extends electric vehicle rebate program, Gloucester Times

Survey: Consumers keen on EV purchases, though cost remains a barrier, Utility Dive

Why General Motors Is Ditching the Chevy Volt, Greentech Media

As More Cars Plug In, Utilities and Makers Juggle Ways to Power Them, New York Times

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

As grid operators file FERC Order 841 plans, storage floodgates open slowly, Utility Dive

New Massachusetts energy plan zeroes in on vehicles and buildings for emissions reductions, MassLive

 

Nuclear

Vermont Yankee buyer looking for quick start, VTDigger

Are Floating Reactors The Future Of Nuclear Energy?, Oilprice.com

Department of Energy to shut down Idaho nuclear waste treatment project, deemed not to be cost-effective, Los Angeles Times

Trump plan to reclassify nuclear waste alarms environmental groups, NBC News

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Eversource plans increase in winter electric rates, MassLive

Price of electricity going up in E. Mass., CommonWealth Magazine

US unprepared for ‘catastrophic’ power outage, presidential advisory report finds, Utility Dive

Most of Maine’s electricity customers will pay higher rates next year, Energy Central

A study examined why customers remain in TOU programs, and the results were terrible, Utility Dive

NERC: Winter preparedness initiatives will help keep lights on in northern US, Utility Dive

Report: Smart Grid Upgrades Offer Less Risk, More Flexibility than Power Lines, Renewable Energy World

Why are electricity prices spiking this winter?, CommonWealth Magazine

CMP standard-offer customers electric bills will rise in 2019, Mainebiz

Eversource’s Seacoast power project approved, Foster’s Daily Democrat

Several factors could affect power this winter, Journal Inquirer

Southern Maine electricity supply prices set to rise Jan. 1, Portland Press Herald

Cape Light Compact Announces Winter Electric Pricing, Cape Cod

Businesses win exemption from costly meter installations, Portland Press Herald

Eversource sues Portsmouth in tax dispute, Seacoastonline.com

 

Editorial/Opinion

Charlie Baker, Marty Walsh, and Robert DeLeo need to move on climate change, Boston Globe

Keeping Millstone humming, The Day

GOP and Dem lawmakers: Interstate gas pipelines must adhere to N.J’s tougher safety regulations., NJ.com

Viewpoint: Transportation commission report could be a holiday gift for entire region, Business Journals

Our View: Hydro-Quebec answers key climate question, Kennebec Journal

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December 7, 2018 · 4:04 pm

Energy News for week ending December 7, 2018

We are in Trouble | Transfer Approved | Plenty of Capacity

TGIF! Let’s get to it.

From the Washington Post, “Global emissions of carbon dioxide are reaching the highest levels on record, scientists projected Wednesday, in the latest evidence of the chasm between international goals for combating climate change and what countries are doing. Between 2014 and 2016, emissions remained largely flat, leading to hopes that the world was beginning to turn a corner. Those hopes appear to have been dashed. In 2017, global emissions grew 1.6 percent. The rise in 2018 is projected to be 2.7 percent…’We are in trouble. We are in deep trouble with climate change,’ United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said this week at the opening of the 24th annual U.N. climate conference, where countries will wrestle with the ambitious goals they need to meet to sharply reduce carbon emissions in the coming years.”

Some good news in what’s expected to be a trend with nuclear plants across the country, VPR reports, “State utility regulators have approved the transfer of the closed Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to NorthStar, a demolition company that has has (sic) committed to decommissioning the plant decades earlier than previously planned. The Vermont Public Utility Commission said a main benefit of NorthStar’s plan was that decommissioning will begin no later than 2021. The current owner of the Vernon plant, the Entergy Corporation, had planned to delay cleanup of the site until at least 2053.”

Last news highlight for this week comes from the north of the border. The Portland Press Herald reports, “Hydro-Quebec officials say opponents of a transmission line through western Maine are wrong when they say the company’s plan to send hydropower to Massachusetts won’t provide abundant clean energy to New England…The utility’s officials said Thursday that the company has enough capacity to ensure that the electricity sent south is clean and produced with none of the carbon emissions blamed for global warming. “We have excess (hydropower) energy in Quebec that we can’t get out,” Serge Abergel, director of public affairs for Hydro-Quebec, told the editorial board of the Portland Press Herald…But Dylan Voorhees, clean energy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, disputed Abergel’s claims. He’s concerned that Hydro-Quebec could engage in a practice called greenwashing, in which a utility buys power from highly polluting generators such as coal plants when that electricity is cheap, then uses it to fulfill their own contracts rather than using their own clean hydropower. That would negate the environmental advantages of transmitting hydropower to Massachusetts.”

That’s it for this afternoon. Have a great weekend and we’ll be back in your inboxes next Friday.

 Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Berkshire Gas agrees to half its proposed rate hike, Berkshire Gas

Changing fuel prices impact household heating market, Connecticut Post

Portland Xpress pipeline project gets FERC environmental OK, Seeking Alpha

Berkshire Gas moratoriums in Franklin and Hampshire counties to continue indefinitely, MassLive

Algonquin Power to buy Enbridge Gas New Brunswick for C$331M, Seeking Alpha

Environmentalists slam Murphy for inaction on pipelines, NJtoday.com

Coal Is On The Way Out — Natural Gas Is Next, CleanTechnica

 

Lock Out

House, in informal session, passes Grid legislation, CommonWealth Magazine

Emotions high at National Grid lockout hearing, Lowell Sun

National Grid takes pounding on Beacon Hill, CommonWealth Magazine

 

Merrimack Valley

Columbia Gas targeting last few hundred customers in Lawrence area still without service, Boston Globe

Politicians call for gas execs to resign after disaster, Western Mass News

Columbia Gas-Repaired Furnace Sends Family To Emergency Room, USA Patch

‘I Don’t Feel Safe’: Lawrence Woman Injured by Stove Issued After Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions, NECN

With more plumbers, could Lawrence have seen faster gas service?, Boston Globe

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

‘We are in trouble.’ Global carbon emissions reached a record high in 2018., Washington Post

Environment: Hot, dry summers have killed trees covering nearly 50,000 forest acres, Providence Journal

On Senate Floor: Shaheen Underscores Impact of Climate Change on Granite State Environment, Wildlife & Economy, NHLaborNews.com

The Energy 202: Carbon emissions were flat only two years ago. Not anymore., Washington Post

Connecticut Preps for Weather Extremes, Flooding Highlighted in Climate Report, Government Technology

How Climate Change Is Already Affecting Infrastructure In N.H., New Hampshire Pubic Radio

Climate change already reshaping South Shore coastline, Patriot Ledger

 

Wind

Biologist’s goal: wind turbines that kill fewer bats and birds, Boston Globe

NJ Begins Strategic Planning for Murphy’s Offshore-Wind Goals, NJ Spotlight

Feds Gathering Public Input on Vineyard Wind Environmental Impact Report, CapeCod.com

Aroostook wind power backers see opportunity if western Maine transmission line fails, The County

State reviewing application for wind farm in Hancock County, National Wind Watch

Vineyard Wind draft report released, Energy Central

Wind Farm Near Martha’s Vineyard In Jeopardy, The Independent

 

Solar

Governor pushes for solar in low-income areas, New Hampshire Union Leader

Consortium turning former brownfields into solar farms, Westerly Sun

Brushy Brook solar hearing concludes; decision in January, Westerly Sun

Watertown passes new solar requirement, Wicked Local Watertown

Salem Receives Award For Solar Efforts, USA Patch

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

Harvard Reveals Its Ultra-Energy-Efficient Center for Green Buildings and Cities, Architectural Record

Westwood’s Thomas Philbin Among “Leading By Example” Recipients, USA Patch

Eversource and Wesleyan University Announce New Energy Efficiency Partnership, NA Clean Energy

U.S. energy storage storm grows in strength, pv magazine international

What Long Duration Energy Storage Is & Why It Kills Coal, CleanTechnica

‘Sun in a box’ would store renewable energy for the grid, TechXplore.com

 

EVs

1M EVs in the US ‘a step in our journey’ to combat climate change, Utility Dive

Trump administration says it will end electric car tax credit in the strangest way, Electrek

America’s Power Grid Isn’t Ready for Electric Cars, CityLab.com

 

Nuclear

Vermont Yankee Transfer Approved, NorthStar Will Decommission Plant, VPR

PURA maintains “at risk” status for Millstone, Hartford Business Journal

Pennsylvania State Lawmakers Call to End the ‘Epidemic’ of Nuclear Power Plant Closures, Greentech Media

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Clean energy technologies threaten to overwhelm the grid. Here’s how it can adapt., Vox.com

Canadian hydropower supplier says it has plenty of capacity for N.E., Portland Press Herald

CMP Says It Won’t Pass Costs to Customers for Billing Snafu, U.S. News & World Report

Cape Light Compact Announces Winter Electric Pricing, Cape Cod

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC, Utility Dive

Seacoast Reliability Project continues to clear hurdles, Seacoastonline.com

CMP power line supporters make their case to Somerset County commissioners, Kennebec Journal

Connecticut standard electric rates to jump $12 to $16, Westport News

Eversource Energy reaches new contract with two Connecticut unions, New Haven Register

Reinventing the power grid in coastal Maine – well, sort of, Concord Monitor

FERC vacancy allows Democrats to win rare battle over ISO-NE market rules, Utility Dive

Non-Wires Alternatives: How Much, How Soon for Connecticut?, Microgrid Knowledge

My Car, Your Home, a Microgrid and the Future, Microgrid Knowledge

 

Editorial/Opinion

Hassan bears down: Good points on gas explosion, New Hampshire Union Leader

Columnist Marty Nathan: Climate change demands straight talk, Daily Hampshire Gazette

OP-ED: Nautilus would put NJ at forefront of offshore wind industry, NJBIZ

Eversource project endangers children, the environment, Seacoastonline.com

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October 5, 2018 · 2:32 pm

Energy News for week ending October 5, 2018

No Free Lunch | 8 Years in a Row | Hydrophobic

Happy Friday afternoon everyone.

Here are some highlights from the news this week.

From the AP we have, No free lunch for renewables: More wind power would warm US. “Ramping up wind power in America would also dial up the nation’s temperatures, a new study out of Harvard found. While wind energy is widely celebrated as environmentally friendly, the researchers concluded that a dramatic, all-out expansion in the number of turbines could warm the country even more than climate change from burning coal and other fossil fuels, because of the way the spinning blades disturb the layers of warm and cold air in the atmosphere…Some parts of the central United States are already seeing nights that are up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) warmer because of nearby wind farms…The researchers and other scientists stressed that climate change from greenhouse gas emissions is clearly a far bigger threat globally and over the long term than turbine-caused warming, which is temporary and stops when the blades aren’t turning. Despite the potential drawbacks, wind energy still makes more sense for the environment than fossil fuels, Keith said.”

Would we expect anything different? MassLive reports that, For 8th year, Mass. named most energy-efficient state in the nation. “For the eighth year running, Massachusetts has been named the most energy-efficient state in the nation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, which issues the annual scorecard, noted utility-led programs such as Mass Save, “stretch building codes” for cities and towns, incentives for combined heat and power, and standards for state buildings…The scorecard measures six categories, including utility programs, transportation, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government policies, and appliance standards. Massachusetts in 2016 approved a three-year energy efficiency plan. In 2017, $740 million in investments yielded $2.6 billion in savings…”

From the new energy technology file we bring you a story from Popular Mechanics, A New Hydrophobic Surface Could Turn the Ocean’s Waves Into Electricity. “There’s waterproof and then there’s the surface developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego. They’ve developed a surface so hydrophobic that it can actually be used to generate electrical voltage, turning seawater into 50 millivolts (or around 0.05 volts)…The created surface holds a negative electrical charge, so when the positive ions in salt water move over the surface an electrical potential difference is created. That difference creates a voltage…Although it’s just a proof of concept, the idea becomes impressive when deployed on a much larger scale. There’s a lot of ocean water out there, and the team hopes that it could be used for energy harvesting methods through desalination plants. From ions to waves, there’s a lot of potential energy in the water that covers 70 percent of the planet, and these hydrophobic surfaces could help tap into that energy.”

More news is below. Have a great long weekend.

 

Merrimack Valley

Disaster could be a turning point in energy debate, Eagle Tribune

State rep seeks Western Massachusetts public hearings on Columbia Gas after Merrimack Valley explosions, MassLive

After Baker tasked Eversource with Merrimack Valley response, executives cut checks to his campaign, Boston Globe

After Dozens of Gas Explosions, a Community Looks for Alternatives to Natural Gas, Inside Climate News

Longmeadow considering moratorium on Columbia Gas construction, citing recent explosions, MassLive

Columbia Gas pulling workers from other states amid tight labor market, Boston Globe

 

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

DPU presses Natl. Grid on alleged violations, CommonWealth Magazine

Northampton City Council resolves to oppose gas pipelines, Hampshire Gazette

Power plant hearings delayed as regulators consider request to cancel contract, Valley Breeze

New York Gas Plant Comes Online Despite Opposition, Power Magazine

City Council opposes Burrillville power plant, Cranston Online

Agency: Gas lines safe; State utility regulators questioned in wake of Massachusetts disaster, Journal Inquirer

Connecticut state lawmakers want review of gas pipelines, WHDH

Compressor foes warn of dangers with infomercial, Weymouthwickedlocal.com

Liberty Utilities to create natural gas from closed Bethlehem landfill, Concord Monitor

Manhole left open, failure to investigate gas leak: National Grid cited for 29 reported safety violations amid lockout, MassLive

National Grid lockout causing ‘collateral impact’, MassLive

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

Utilities have a problem: the public wants 100% renewable energy, and quick, Vox.com

A New Hydrophobic Surface Could Turn the Ocean’s Waves Into Electricity, Popular Mechanics

Carbon prices could save us … if we actually start using them, Grist

Portland hub monitors 425 solar projects, six wind farms, Portland Press Herald

Researchers to develop renewable fuel additives from sawdust, Biomass Magazine

Pellet project in Maine awarded $200,000 REAP grant, Biomass Magazine

The US Is Ready For 100% Clean Energy — 10 Cities Model How To Get There, CleanTechnica

 

Wind

No free lunch for renewables: More wind power would warm US, AP News

A new study on the side effects of wind energy is almost begging to be misused by climate change deniers, Business Insider

Baker, Gonzalez agree to offshore wind pledge, Gloucester Times

Yarmouth shellfishermen get say on wind cable hearings, Cape Cod Times

Trump’s Import Tariffs Will Make U.S. Wind Power More Expensive, Renewable Energy World

Barnstable, Vineyard Wind officials sign cable agreement, Cape Cod Times

State board to take up Vineyard Wind cable route, South Coast Today

Why this dairy farm may be the last stand for wind energy in Vermont, WindAction

Company plans to build wind turbines along Lake Ontario, Energy Central

Wind farm design calls for 47 turbines, National Wind Watch

 

Solar

CT Manufacturer Impact Plastics Goes Solar, Solar Industry

75 Attend Community Meeting on New Solar Initiative in Exeter, GoLocalProv

Eversource to hold solar open house, Wicked Local Medfield

Massachusetts Regulators Approve New ‘SMART’ Solar, Storage Program, Renewable Energy World

Con Edison proposes installing solar panels on New York City Housing Authority developments, Daily Energy Insider

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

For 8th year, Mass. named most energy-efficient state in the nation, MassLive

Make your home greener—and more resilient, Popular Science

Vermont’s energy efficiency utilities under inspection in new investigation, VTDigger

Stormy weather ahead: Federal agencies begin to roll back efficiency policy, ACEEE Blog

A tiny, beleaguered government agency seeks an energy holy grail: long-term energy storage, Vox.com

New Jersey’s Planned $4.1B Clean Energy Investment includes $180M for Storage, Renewable Energy World

 

EVs

Electric vehicle advocates urge Connecticut regulators not to forget sector in grid planning, New Haven Register

 

Nuclear

NRC issues draft safety evaluation for nuclear plant, Daily News of Newburyport

Nuclear panel elects new leaders, but future still unclear, VTDigger

Decision on Vt. Yankee sale expected soon, The Recorder

Trump Signs Legislation to Promote Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology, Greentech Media

Connecticut agencies say Millstone ‘at risk’ as Dominion seeks boost in clean energy RFP, Utility Dive

Entergy’s last layoffs by month’s end, Brattleboro Reformer

Utilities submit proposals for nuclear subsidies, NJ Spotlight

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

ISO-NE to focus on market solutions for winter energy security in 2019, Utility Dive

Demo permits obtained for Brayton Point cooling towers, Herald News

US Will Have 88 Gigawatts of Residential Demand Flexibility by 2023, Greentech Media

Foes of CMP power line gear up for protest in Skowhegan, Kennebec Journal

Connecticut residents want monitoring of new New York power plant, The Register Citizen

A device to track your energy use, right down to the toaster, Boston Globe

Eversource penalized $117,911 for environmental violations in Franklin County, The Recorder

Limited CMP customer data exposed during file transfer, Portland Press Herald

Massachusetts Microgrid Market Gets Even More Interesting with Siemens Plan to Acquire Russelectric, Microgrid Knowledge

 

Editorial/Opinion

Editorial: Loss of plant would hurt, Providence Journal

Gas pipeline review process is good idea, Lowell Sun

Letter: Safety is top priority of natural gas industry, Concord Monitor

EDITORIAL: Gas leaks, dying trees? It’s a theory worth exploring, Sentinel & Enterprise

Eliminate Carbon-Based Energy, Hartford Courant

Our view: Solar power is a key ingredient, Salem News

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March 9, 2018 · 3:15 pm

Energy News for week ending March 9, 2018

Getting Testy | Climate Bill Expected | Fusion Power

Happy Friday afternoon everyone. We’re hoping you’re all safe, warm, and have electricity. And if not, that you get it back soon. Here’s to the men and women who are out there working hard to restore power and get people back into their homes.

Now for the news.

When it comes to the pipeline debate, according to CommonWealth Magazine, things are getting testy – at least on Twitter. From the article, “It started on Tuesday when [Tim] Murray, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, retweeted a story from the Daily Hampshire Gazette raising concerns about New England’s shortage of gas in late December and early January, which forced the region to generate electricity by burning 2 million barrels of oil. ‘Underscores why we need natural gas as bridge fuel while we aggressively pursue renewable energy future…,’ Murray tweeted. The comment prompted a lot of pushback from individuals and groups who oppose the construction of new natural gas pipeline infrastructure. Some called natural gas a ‘bridge to nowhere.’”

Among those opposed to Murray’s Tweet was the Blue Mass Group that had a tweet-storm about it this morning. The Sunday Boston Globe editorial about the prospects of transporting LNG which included statements, such as “faddish anti-pipeline politics,” and “The counterproductive results of the state’s experiment with moral purity…” also resulted in pushback with blog posts by Charley on the MTA at Blue Mass Group and Craig S. Altemose of 350 Massachusetts at CommonWealth Magazine.

The recent back to back Nor’easters with their coastal flooding, high winds, and heavy precipitation have some asking for climate change mitigation measures to happen sooner rather than later. In an article from Katie Lannan of the State House News Service in the Greenfield Recorder, we have word that “Gov. Charlie Baker said he plans to file legislation next week addressing climate change…‘A lot of these places got hit pretty hard in the January 4 storm as well, and I think we’re going to have to come up with a different kind of strategy around resilience,’ Baker said during his monthly appearance on WGBH Radio.”

In our new energy technology feature for the week we have news from MIT that “Progress toward the long-sought dream of fusion power — potentially an inexhaustible and zero-carbon source of energy — could be about to take a dramatic leap forward. Development of this carbon-free, combustion-free source of energy is now on a faster track toward realization, thanks to a collaboration between MIT and a new private company, Commonwealth Fusion Systems. CFS will join with MIT to carry out rapid, staged research leading to a new generation of fusion experiments and power plants based on advances in high-temperature superconductors — work made possible by decades of federal government funding for basic research.” What’s interesting about the federal research aspect is that according to the Washington Post, the Trump administration is considering cutting the funding for the international fusion energy project.

As always you can find upcoming events at Northeast Energy News. Have a great weekend.

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Cheap fuel, stagnant demand drive down New England wholesale prices, Utility Dive

National Grid gas operations center coming to Peabody, The Salem News

The Next Standing Rock? A Pipeline Battle Looms in Oregon, New York Times

Hearings close on Woodridge Lake pipeline proposal, Torrington Register Citizen

Federal agency refutes EDF claims about gas pipeline usage, Wicked Local Dedham

Regulators OK Lebanon Gas Project, Valley News

National Grid pays $7 million for overcharging Massachusetts customers, Boston Business Journal

Gloucester again at center of drilling fight, Gloucester Times

PUC orders emergency shutdown of key natural gas pipeline, Pittsburg Business Journal

Pipeline debate gets testy on Twitter, CommonWealth Magazine

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

As Storms Batter Electric Grid, More Mainers Consider Cutting The Cable, MainePublic.org

As Storms Intensify, A Climate-Change Standoff Continues On Beacon Hill, WBUR

Climate change bill expected from Baker next week, Greenfield Recorder

Getting to green: At BCC summit, plotting the path to 100% renewable energy, Berkshire Eagle

‘Reggie’ states addressing transportation emissions, Yale Climate Connections

Climate Action Makes Business Sense – See These Recent Commitments, Energy Manager Today

Young female scientist hopes to create energy efficient biofuel from bacteria, ABC Online

Questions raised over Stored Solar’s biomass subsidy, Mainebiz

Maine island’s plan to build its own energy grid could change the game for remote communities, Bangor Daily News

 

Wind

New York Readies Environmental Impact Statement for Offshore Wind Plan, Renewable Energy World

Savoy wind project chases May deadline to begin construction, National Wind Watch

These huge new wind turbines are a marvel. They’re also the future., Vox.com

BCC, Bay State Wind will partner on new Mass. energy industry, SouthCoastToday.com

Massachusetts Could Win Big In Offshore Wind Energy, WBUR

 

Solar

Why High-Efficiency Solar is Perfect for New England, Renewable Energy World

Maine House passes solar policy fix, pv magazine USA

Northeast Automatic Sprinkler Co. Installs Rooftop Solar To Power Massachusetts Facilities, Energy Manager Today

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

Energy-efficiency gets Wilmington push, Lowell Sun

When The Heat Escapes Chilly New England Homes, So Does Money, WNPR News

Everything you need to know about making your home energy-efficient, Washington Post

The U.S. just hit a major milestone for energy storage — which is also great news for solar, Washington Post

ANALYSIS: Energy storage grows as renewables penetrate the grid, Platts

For backup power, batteries join the mix as prices come down, The Boston Globe

IRS Letter on Home Batteries Could ‘Open Floodgates for Residential Storage Retrofits,’ Greentech Media

 

Nuclear/Fusion

State strikes deal with Entergy and NorthStar on Yankee sale, Rutland Herald

Vermont Yankee deal gives state more financial peace of mind, Vermont Biz

The Energy 202: Trump administration must decide whether to back the biggest nuclear fusion project ever, Washington Post

MIT and newly formed company launch novel approach to fusion power, MIT News

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Canada approves disputed Northern Pass transmission line, Utility Dive

‘This Is On Them 100%’: Fire Chief Blasts National Grid For Storm Response, CBS Boston / WBZ

Eversource has concern about Trump tariffs, even as it cuts NH electric rates, Concord Monitor

5 things to know about your record-high CMP bill, Bangor Daily News

ISO New England issues abnormal conditions alert, Platts

New England Power Grid Operator Budgets Soaring, Hartford Courant

New England’s wholesale electricity prices in 2017 were second-lowest since 2003, Vermont Biz

Overheard at ISO-NE’s Consumer Liaison Group Meeting, RTO Insider

Officials To Discuss Multi-Municipality Energy Aggregation, WAMC

Haverhill Finalizes National Grid Streetlight Purchase, Cheaper Electricity Bills on the Way, WHAV News

DES Proposes Conditions For Burying Eversource’s Seacoast Power Line, New Hampshire Public Radio

Northampton eyes energy aggregation with Amherst, Pelham, Daily Hampshire Gazette

4 Predictions for Blockchain in Energy in 2018, Greentech Media

9% of region’s power bill incurred in one week, CommonWealth Magazine

Democrats Release Infrastructure Plan With $80 Billion for Grid Upgrades, Greentech Media

Hydro-Quebec Pursues New Strategy with Lac-Mégantic Microgrid, Microgrid Knowledge

Winter cold snap a case study for energy grid limitations, Daily Hampshire Gazette

Northeast tries to dig out, power up after latest storm, Penn Energy

At your service: How well do New York’s utilities respond to customer complaints?, Energy Central

 

Editorial/Opinion

After the Storm: Building our green and clean energy future (Guest viewpoint), MassLive.com

Our Opinion: Continuing to lead on renewable energy, Berkshire Eagle

Our View: Quebec hydro line could leverage new pipe for gas, Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel

Gas-by-train? Beacon Hill opens the door, The Boston Globe

David Brooks: An oil refinery (yes, an oil refinery) was almost built on the NH Seacoast, Concord Monitor

Christopher Kilfoyle: Solar under siege from Cape Cod to Berkshires, Berkshire Eagle

Viewpoint: Energy and the economy — let’s move forward, Boston Business Journal

We’re not absolutists, we’re realists, CommonWealth Magazine

Globe, put down the pipe, BlueMassGroup.org

Climate readiness: think big, act fast, Boston Globe

Can carbon prices fire up gas demand in electricity generation? – The effects of a carbon price on natural gas and carbon emissions, Penn Energy

A new approach to fusion energy starts today, Boston Globe

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January 26, 2018 · 3:10 pm

Energy News for week ending January 26, 2018

Northern Pass Wins it All | A Disaster | Wind to Beat Hydro

 

Happy sunny Friday.

 

Some of the biggest anticipated news this week was the selection of winning bids in Massachusetts’ Section 83D RFP. What was interesting is that there was just one winner. Eversource’s Northern Pass project to bring Canadian hydro to New England beat out dozens of other bidders. From WBUR, “’We had a lot of good options and this is the one that rose to the top,’ said Judith Judson, Massachusetts’ commissioner of energy resources. Evaluators determined the project would provide the ‘greatest overall value,’ to the state’s electric ratepayers, she added. When completed, the line is expected to deliver the equivalent of 17 percent of the state’s current electric load.” Not everyone is happy about the choice though. See below for statements released by several energy and environmental organizations. And as the Boston Globe article notes, years of litigation is possible.

 

From the Worcester Telegram, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and the Environment, Matthew Beaton speaking to the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change on Wednesday, reported that “During the frigid 15 days between Christmas and Jan. 9, power generators in Massachusetts burned about 2 million barrels of oil — more than twice the amount of oil they burned during all of 2016. ‘Economically, this is a disaster for us in New England. Equally as important, environmentally the emissions and the profiles of what occurred in this timeframe is nothing but a disaster,’ Beaton said. He added, ‘We can’t ignore this and I think this has to be part of an honest conversation of how we look at the challenges facing our system.’” One of the answers seems to be Siberian gas (Boston Globe).

The EIA released its short-term energy outlook this week and as the Daily Energy Insider reported the EIA revealed that “natural gas will hold its lead as the top supplier of electricity in the United States over the next two years.” However, as Utility Dive notes, the EIA also predicts that wind will beat hydro as leading US renewable resource in the same time frame.

We have a good number of articles below on Trump’s 30 percent solar tariff that was announced this week including one from Greentech Media that asks, Did Trump’s Solar Tariffs Just Launch a US Manufacturing Renaissance? And from the “Jetson’s” category we have a few articles on electric vehicles, including barges (The Guardian) and planes (Greentech Media) and another from Bloomberg that reveals, Off-the-Shelf Nuclear Plants Could Soon Help Power Electric Cars.

That’s it for this week. As always, be sure to check out Northeast Energy News for events. Have a great weekend.

 

83D

Mass. Taps Eversource’s Northern Pass For Hydropower Project, WBUR

Baker goes with Eversource’s Northern Pass, CommonWealth Magazine

Eversource wins big contract to build power line project through New Hampshire, Boston Globe

Northern Pass prevails in Mass. Clean Energy RFP, handing victory to Eversource and Hydro-Quebec, MassLive

Northern Pass wins entire Massachusetts clean energy bid process, Concord Monitor

Massachusetts Picks Northern Pass For Major Energy Contract, Maine Public

NEPGA Statement

NECEC Statement

RENEW Northeast Statement

CLF Statement

 

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

As Siberian gas awaits US landing, a second ship may be coming, Boston Globe

The end of natural gas is near, GreenBiz

EIA expects natural gas to hold lead as source for electricity generation through 2019, Daily Energy Insider

AG opposes gas-pipeline price break for new Back Bay high rise, Universal Hub

Pipeline advocates renew calls for expansion, MetroWest Daily News

Invenergy withdraws lawsuit challenging power-plant connection costs, The Providence Journal

Invenergy Ends Water Deal With Narragansett Indian Tribe, Rhode Island Public Radio

Invenergy Lawyer Accuses Town of Burrillville of Lying, ecoRI news

Pipeline in Holyoke stirs up conversation, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian

Massive oil burn during cold snap a ‘disaster,’ says Beaton, Worcester Telegram

New England About To Get Liquefied Natural Gas From Unusual Source, NewBostonPost

 

Renewables/Climate Change/RGGI

The trouble with Trump leaving climate change to the military, Vox.com

EPA loosens Clean Air Act rules for major pollution sources, Utility Dive

CT’s clean energy edge: Going, going . . . or coming back?, The CT Mirror

RI Environment Council Focused on Climate Change, ecoRI news

State Lawmakers Not Just Blowing Smoke About Rejoining RGGI, NJ Spotlight

City Council aims for 100 percent green, Daily Hampshire Gazette

 

Wind

EIA: Wind to beat hydro as leading US renewable resource in next 2 years, Utility Dive

A small town in SLC just got cut from a multimillion-dollar wind deal. Its reaction? “Relief.”, NCPR

Baker mentions offshore wind project in speech, Martha’s Vineyard Times

Vineyard wind takes more comment from the public, Cape Cod Times

LePage blocks new wind energy projects, creates secretive commission to study impacts, Press Herald

World’s biggest wind farm would have its own artificial island, NBCNews.com

Getting to ‘head-spinning’ low prices for US offshore wind, Utility Dive

 

Solar

Trump issues 30% tariff on solar imports, Utility Dive

Will utilities keep investing in solar after Trump’s tariffs?, Utility Dive

Mass. solar industry ‘just got a hit in the nose’ from Trump’s new tariff, (subscriber content) Boston Business Journal

Critics say Eversource’s new fee casts a shadow on solar power, Boston Globe

Will the Eversource rate design that DER advocates couldn’t stop slow the Massachusetts solar boom?, Utility Dive

Did Trump’s Solar Tariffs Just Launch a US Manufacturing Renaissance?, Greentech Media

At Davos, Gore defends Trump solar tariff: report, Fox News

Solar groups balk at DPU Eversource decision, Trump tariffs, The Recorder

Massachusetts “SMART” Rates to Boost Community Solar, (press release) Energy Central

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

A better battery? MIT researchers say discovery could improve storage of energy from wind, sun, Boston Globe

Saving Watts to Save Drops: Inclusion of Water Efficiency in Energy Efficiency Programs, (report) ACEEE

6 months after target adoption, Massachusetts sees energy storage growth, challenges, Utility Dive

Dover, Sherborn join Green Communities, Wicked Local Dover

Nissan announces energy storage solution using solar, Energy Digital

 

Electric Transportation

‘Every New Vehicle Will Be Electric’ by 2025, Disruption Expert Says, Renewable Energy World

World’s first electric container barges to sail from European ports this summer, The Guardian

How many electric cars can the grid take? Depends on your neighborhood, arstechnica.com

Electric Airplanes Could Remake Aviation, Greentech Media (Audio)

 

Nuclear

Can We Make A Nuclear Reactor That Won’t Melt Down?, Forbes.com

State Nuclear Bailout Lawsuit Moves Forward, NY Law Journal

Vermont Yankee sale settlement may be imminent, vtdigger.org

Off-the-Shelf Nuclear Plants Could Soon Help Power Electric Cars, Bloomberg

CT to move ahead with nuke power auction, Hartford Business Journal

Indian Point: Owners, workers reach tentative deal, The Journal News

Dominion’s Millstone nuclear plant could warrant subsidies, draft report says, Utility Dive

NextEra: Nuclear plant operator ‘uncompromising’ with safety, Gloucester Daily Times

Vermont Yankee fuel plan gets environmental OK, vtdigger.org

Report: Nukes should be allowed to compete with wind, solar, Penn Energy

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Milford power plant gets a boost, Milford Daily News

Attleboro area electricity collaborative renews contract, Sun Chronicle

FERC Denies New England Tx Owners ROE Rehearing, RTO Insider

FERC, RTOs: Grid Performed Better in Jan. Cold Snap vs. 2014, RTO Insider

ISO New England power study highlights fuel-security risks, Daily Energy Insider

New England Energy Grid Pushed To Brink During Recent Cold Snaps, Vermont Public Radio

Eversource customers could see another rate increase, WFSB

Advocacy groups oppose National Grid rate hike, Albany Times Union

Brayton Point sale price: $8.5 million, Herald News

State investigates National Grid’s storm response, Gloucester Times

Everett sues Baker administration to nix tax deal for power plant, Boston Globe

In Quebec, it’s power versus a people on hydroelectricity, Boston Globe

Van Welie takes energy analysis to Capitol Hill, CommonWealth Magazine

Will the New Solar Tariffs Hurt the Microgrid Industry? Yes and No, Microgrid Knowledge

 

Editorial/Opinion

Our Opinion: Unintended consequences of solar panel tariff, Berkshire Eagle

Union: Money is clouding CLF’s judgment, CommonWealth Magazine

What’s happened to CLF?, CommonWealth Magazine

CLF denies financial ties to TDI, CommonWealth Magazine

To the Editor: CLF has a conflict of interest, Foster’s Daily Democrat

Maine Compass: State has reached its limit on wind power, Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel

COLUMN-Commentary: A tale of a tanker, Russian gas, sanctions and energy politics, Reuters

Trusting industry to police industry standards leads to lasting harm, (nuclear) Commons

Editorial: Murphy says yes to RGGI and no to Christie, NorthJersey.com

How US Tariffs Will Hurt America’s Solar Industry,  New York Times

YOUR VIEW: The outrageously high cost for energy in Massachusetts is an issue that matters, SouthCoastToday.com

LETTER: Climate change demands voices be heard at State House, Wicked Local Cambridge

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January 19, 2018 · 2:42 pm

Energy News for week ending January 19, 2018

Fuel Security Risk | Climate solution | New EV infrastructure | KRUSTY

Happy Friday Afternoon.

Just when I think, “Gee it’s been a quiet week for energy news…” BOOM! ISO-New England drops its Operational Fuel-Security Analysis and the energy news board lights up. RTO Insider writes, “The report highlighted the concern that New England’s system reliability is heavily dependent on LNG and electricity imports. While dual-fuel capability for plants can provide a key contribution to reliability, permitting for construction and emissions is difficult. All but four scenarios resulted in fuel shortages requiring rolling blackouts, indicating the trends affecting the system may intensify the region’s fuel security risk.”

The report generated no shortage of opinions about what it all means and how it affects the future of New England’s energy grid. CommonWealth Magazine reported, “The two sides fighting over whether the region needs additional natural gas pipeline capacity both took comfort on Thursday from a fuel security study by the operator of the region’s power grid. The Baker administration, meanwhile, issued a statement that appeared to fall somewhere in the middle while supporting ‘additional natural gas capacity.’” According to the article, the pro- gas pipeline side says rolling black outs “would wreak havoc on the economy and New Englanders’ lives.” Those not in favor of pipeline development say, hold on, the scenarios outlined in the report “are perhaps possible but highly unlikely.” I’m sure we’ll have a lot more articles and opinion pieces on this topic in the week ahead.

Also out this week was an announcement reported by the AP in Time Magazine that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United Kingdom’s meteorological office said that 2017 was the third hottest year on record. At the same time, NASA and researchers from a nonprofit in Berkeley, California, called it the second. So what’s a state or nation to do? Utility Dive takes a long look at cap and trade initiatives in New England and California to see if those programs are having a positive effect, but ultimately decides, the jury is still out.

One way to help ease climate change is to get more EVs on the road. The New Hampshire Business Review brings us a great read titled, “New Hampshire, Northeast states mull building Quebec-to-D.C., EV charging network.” The money to pay for this 734 mile network would largely come from Volkswagen settlement funds. Journalist Liisa Rajala writes, “In New England alone, approximately $214 million was paid by Volkswagen to fund programs that reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, with up to $32 million available for investment in electric vehicle charging stations over the next 10 years, should states choose to do so.” They include some great infographics in the article as well. Check it out.

Last highlight for this week is a story from Reuters about KRUSTY and it’s out of this world! “Initial tests in Nevada on a compact nuclear power system (The Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology — KRUSTY) designed to sustain a long-duration NASA human mission on the inhospitable surface of Mars have been successful and a full-power run is scheduled for March…The technology could power habitats and life-support systems, enable astronauts to mine resources, recharge rovers and run processing equipment to transform resources such as ice on the planet into oxygen, water and fuel. It could also potentially augment electrically powered spacecraft propulsion systems on missions to the outer planets.” Wow! Now that’s cool.

That’s it for this week. As always, be sure to check out Northeast Energy News for events. Have a great weekend and Go Pats!

Natural Gas/Oil/Pipeline/Drilling

Generators burned 2m barrels of oil over 15 days, CommonWealth Magazine

Pipeline advocates renew calls for expansion as grid operator warns of future blackouts, Wicked Local Scituate

Upset over Burrillville’s opposition to proposed power plant, Invenergy withholds fee payment, The Providence Journal

RI Attorney General Speaks Out Against Proposed Burrillville Power Plant, Rhode Island Public Radio

Regunberg introduces resolution opposing Trump’s off-shore drilling plans, Uprise RI

FERC: Rhode Island tribe missed its chance to intervene in Massachusetts pipeline fight, MassLive.com

Fight is on to block Maine pipeline — ex-Texan says: Good luck with that, The Boston Globe

Rover Pipeline Spills Another 150000 Gallons of Drilling Fluid Into Ohio Wetlands, EcoWatch

Grid operator says new study shows need to expand access to natural gas in New England, New Haven Register

Compressor station foes encouraged by feds’ response to New York project, Patriot Ledger

Governor: Scrub NY from plan to expand offshore oil drilling, Penn Energy

Fixation on timing of peak oil is ‘misguided,’ Financial Times

 

Renewables Policy/Climate Change/RGGI

2017 Was One of the Hottest Years Ever, Time Magazine

Is cap and trade the climate solution? The jury’s still out, Utility Dive

Northampton officials show support for local goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy, MassLive

RGGI States Set a New Standard for Climate Action in 2017, Natural Resources Defense Council

Massachusetts agrees to slash power plant emissions under 9-state system, MassLive.com

Maryland, northeast states accelerate carbon pollution reduction, Baltimore Sun

Power generators contest state greenhouse gas rules, Boston Globe

Gov. Murphy plays to NJ environmentalists from day one, NJ Spotlight

The Force Is With Clean Energy: 10 Predictions for 2018, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

Competition Moderates Clean-Energy Costs for Ratepayers, AIM Blog

New York, Connecticut sue EPA for failing to act on smog pollution from upwind states, Utility Dive

US Utility-Scale Solar, Wind Capacity Could Double by 2020, Renewable Energy World

Global emissions ‘will plateau by 2030,’ Energy Live News

 

Wind

Turbines blow hot, cold on financial benefits for local towns, Worcester Telegram

Why Some Fishermen Are Wary Of Offshore Wind Farms, WBUR

US Working Hard to Boost Wind Energy, Adviser Says in Denmark, Bloomberg

Wind Industry Embraces Robots to Boost Safety, Cut Costs, Greentech Media

Vineyard Wind to hold open house on proposed offshore project, Cape Cod Times

 

Solar

On Haverhill landfill-solar proposal, council wants results, Eagle Tribune

CMP’s New CEO: If They Want, ‘Everyone Should Put Solar Panels On Their Roof’, Maine Public

Developer for proposed solar project in New Marlborough wants public’s input on project, Berkshire Eagle

Outer Cape Energize encourages use of solar panels, Cape Cod Times

New warehouse now biggest green energy provider in Peabody, The Salem News

 

Electric Vehicles

New Hampshire, Northeast states mull building Quebec-to-D.C., EV charging network, NH Business Review

North America’s largest transit system is the acid test for electric buses, Quartz

 

Energy Efficiency/Storage

State money helps Massachusetts towns improve energy efficiency, SouthCoastToday.com

There once was an energy storage system on Nantucket…, Utility Dive

Energy Storage Can Drive Future Tesla Growth, Not Just Autos, Seeking Alpha

 

Nuclear

U.S. tests nuclear power system to sustain astronauts on Mars, Reuters

PUC sticks with Yankee hearings postponement, Rutland Herald

Merrimac seeks NRC hearing on Seabrook plan, Gloucester Daily Times

Indian Point Utility Workers Will Strike If Contract Talks Break Down, WAMC

Offsetting Loss of Indian Pt Revenue Still Challenge One Year Later, The Examiner News

War of words over Millstone escalates as final regulatory decision nears, Litchfield County Times

 

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Energy study draws divergent reactions, CommonWealth Magazine

Report: Fuel Security Key Risk for New England Grid, RTO Insider

What Will Become of the Electric Utility in the Age of Microgrids?, Microgrid Knowledge

Oversubscribed northern Vermont power grid costing utilities millions, VT Digger

D-Day Approaches for Northern Pass, IndepthNH.org

National Grid’s Northern Pass Competitor To Talk Low-Income Benefits In Concord, New Hampshire Public Radio

Eversource Ranked Among Nation’s Greenest Companies, CapeCod.com News

Conn. Consumer Counsel, Eversource Energy strike deal to reduce size of distribution rate increase, Litchfield County Times

New Central Maine Power CEO Lays Out His Vision For The Company, Maine Public

National Grid asks for $26 million less in Rhode Island rate hikes, Electric Light & Power

Fuel banks seek $25M in state assistance, Cape Cod Times

 

Editorial/Opinion

EDITORIAL: Enviro-zealots are wrong on natural gas, Lowell Sun

A bad deal for NH, (Northern Pass) The Union Leader

Letter: Wind, solar, biofuel should power Maine, The Forecaster

Offshore drilling catastrophic for Maine economy, Biddeford – Saco – OOB Courier

Lawmakers have one more chance to fix nonsensical solar rules, Bangor Daily News

Wind And Solar Energies Could Peter Out If Transmission Grid Is Not Expanded, Forbes

Our electricity grid gives us a wake-up call in New Hampshire, Manchester Ink Link

Letter: Industrial wind turbines threaten our way of life, Dansvilleonline.com

Guest Opinion: Broken energy market leaves Mass. consumers in the cold, Herald News

Mass. needs to think bigger on offshore wind, CommonWealth Magazine

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December 15, 2017 · 4:41 pm

Energy News for week ending December 15, 2017

Profitable for decades | Surviving negotiations | Living in the shadows

Happy Friday afternoon!

A few quick news notes before we buzz into the weekend and holiday prep frenzy.

The CT Mirror is reporting that [CT] “State energy officials concluded in a preliminary report released Thursday that the Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford will be profitable through 2035, undercutting its owner’s assertion that Connecticut must change how its electricity is sold or face the early retirement of New England’s largest source of carbon-free power.”

Utility Dive reports “that the speed at which the Republican tax reform bill is being pushed through Congress makes it difficult to assess the details, but at this point it appears that some of the highest profile renewable energy incentives will survive the negotiating process intact.”

If you’re looking for a long read, check out Gatehouse Media’s piece titled, “In the Shadow of Wind Farms.” They describe the article as, “How the wind industry angers landowners and divides communities in pursuit of billions of dollars in subsidies and other incentives.”

Have a great weekend.

Natural Gas/Pipeline

Milford Power files plans for 53-megawatt upgrade to facility, Milford Daily News

New, Major Evidence That Fracking Harms Human Health, The Atlantic

Trump, Zinke to Auction Away 700000 Acres of Western Public Lands for Fracking, EcoWatch

Eversource threatens EDF with cease and desist over report on gas capacity constraints, Utility Dive

National Grid finds an electric approach to natural gas demand response, Utility Dive

Deerfield methane digester getting hooked up to grid, GazetteNET

Loose Cap Caused Blast in Austria That Rattled Energy Market, Bloomberg

Have We Reached Peak Peaker? ‘I Can’t See Why We Should Build a Gas Peaker After 2025,’ Greentech Media

Gas driller: Make homeowner pay for disparaging us, Penn Energy

Fracking sites may raise the risk of underweight babies, new study says, Washington Post

Renewables Policy/Climate Change/Etc.

Northampton Energy Commission agrees to co-sponsor resolution championing goal of 100 percent renewable energy, MassLive

Energy tax credits appear safe as GOP tax bill speeds toward a vote, Utility Dive

The Hidden History of Canadian Hydropower Headed for America’s Northeast States, Greentech Media

Some Republicans are reconsidering the tax bill’s attack on renewable energy, Vox.com

Benefits of RGGI and RPS, The Union Leader

Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Decreased in Most States from 2005 to 2015, Energy Collective

Source says GOP tax bill will preserve EV and wind tax credits, Midwest Energy News

US Sen. Ed Markey urges conference committee to cut provisions targeting clean energy sector from tax bill, MassLive.com

Wind

In the Shadow of Wind Farms, Gatehouse Media

Wind energy is supposed to help fight climate change. It turns out climate change is fighting back, Washington Post

Possible wind farm sites 17 miles off Hamptons identified, Newsday

DOE slates $18.5 million for research, development of offshore wind power, Daily Energy Insider

Global wind power market expected to reach $111.4bn by 2025, Power Technology

DOE Announces New R&D Effort for Offshore Wind, Renewable Energy World

Solar

Success shines on Solect Energy, Milford Daily News

Governor says he wants to reverse solar rule delay, Penn Energy

This utility CEO’s powerful vision reimagines solar, GreenBiz

Hartland Elementary School wins the big prize – a solar tracker!, Vermont Biz

US Solar Installs Fall to Their Lowest Level Since 2015, as Uncertainty Swirls and Prices Rise, Greentech Media

Maine Supreme Court Hears Arguments In Solar Incentives Battle, Maine Public

Solar array location raises concerns in Chesterfield, Brattleboro Reformer

Energy Efficiency

Going for the green – Smithfield competes in 2017 Rhode Island Energy Challenge, Valley Breeze

Georgetown looks to LED lights for energy savings, but weighs health concerns, Wicked Local Georgetown

Energy Efficiency Program Likely to Survive Regulatory Challenge, Public News Service

Central Mass. businesses getting creative when it comes to high energy costs, Worcester Telegram

Split opinion on Amherst’s move to zero-energy buildings, Daily Hampshire Gazette

Storage

NYISO’s Energy Storage Roadmap: A Plan to Match the State’s New Mandate, Greentech Media

The Key Trends Shaping Energy Storage in 2018, Greentech Media

Tesla and Sunrun Among Winners of Massachusetts Storage Grants, Renewable Energy World

Energy storage sees significant growth as more utilities include it in long-term plans, Utility Dive

Reading Municipal Light Department receives $1 million grant for energy storage project, Wicked Local Reading

Massachusetts Announces More Energy Storage Grants, Renewable Energy World

Nuclear

CT’s preliminary conclusion: Millstone profitable through 2035, CT Mirror

Vermont Yankee cleanup fund hitting $30M with final pay-in, vtdigger.org

Federal nuclear watchdog says licensing advanced power plants will get ‘expensive’, Washington Examiner

We’ll know this week if Diablo Canyon is going to close, The San Luis Obispo Tribune

Russian nuclear plant says it emits leaked nuclear isotope, PennEnergy

N.J. Governor Christie eyes nuclear power subsidies, sparks criticism, Reuters

N.Y. power seen sufficient after Indian Point nuclear retirement -report, Reuters

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Eversource sends cease-and-desist letter to environmental group, The Boston Globe

State energy affordability gap widens, New Haven Register

How blockchain can help solve the $3.6 trillion American infrastructure crisis, Business Insider

National Grid bills skyrocket for some in Cumberland, Lincoln, Valley Breeze

Eversource offers late holiday gift: No rate hike in January, Berkshire Eagle

Analyst: FERC Likely to Modify DOE NOPR, RTO Insider

Northern Pass hosts job fair, looking to hire 2600 people, WMUR Manchester

23 communities renew electricity aggregation program for 3 years, SouthCoastToday.com

The Top 10 Utility Regulation Trends of 2017, Greentech Media

State energy office seeking public input to develop plan, Press Herald

New FERC Chairman Requests More Time to Weigh DOE’s Coal, Nuclear Rule, Greentech Media

October Windstorm Took Down CMP’s $200 Million Smart Meter Network, Maine Public Radio

Once-promising Boston-Power cuts Westborough presence, Boston Business Journal (subscriber content)

Maine net metering battle heads to court, Utility Dive

New York Puts $3.8M Behind Large-Scale Geothermal Heating-Cooling Challenge, Renewable Energy World

Regulators Probing Utilities’ Response to Powerful Storm, US News & World Report

NY Governor Announces $3.5 Million Available to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Use, Transmission and Distribution World

New Brunswick to seek new fuel source to replace coal in major power plant, Metro News

Editorial/Opinion

Coast lawmakers push offshore wind project, CommonWealth Magazine

Meet the European Petrochemical Giant Trying to Profit from the Fracking of Pennsylvania, Common Dreams

Why Maine Lawmakers Should Support Pending Microgrid Legislation, Microgrid Knowledge

Mass. should import wind power from Canada, CommonWealth Magazine

Electric vehicle charging gets a jump, CommonWealth Magazine

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October 27, 2017 · 4:27 pm

Energy News for week ending October 27, 2017

Thorough Review | Seaweed Energy | Cow Power

Good Friday afternoon.

This week brought news from CommonWealth Magazine that the MA DPU is launching “a thorough review” of allegations in a recent report that Eversource Energy and Avangrid Inc. artificially constrained natural gas pipeline capacity in New England and drove up electricity prices by $3.6 billion over three years.

Up in Maine, Penn Energy reports that the University of New England in Maine is receiving more than $1.3 million in federal money to develop methods for the U.S. to become a leader at utilizing seaweed for uses such as energy.

And, sticking with not your average energy sources, the Berkshire Eagle says in Dalton, MA, “the town is embracing wind energy, but officials plan to chew a bit more on “cow power.” The Select Board heard a pitch Monday from Hampshire Power to buy electricity produced from cow manure and compost. Doing so would support green energy and yield credits to reduce its electric bill. The five-member board decided to hold off on a decision until its next meeting.”

Have a great weekend.

Natural Gas/Pipeline

Data shows two companies stand alone in their New England pipeline practices, Environmental Defense Fund

Gas leaks increase in Concord, Wicked Local Concord

Massachusetts regulators to review allegations Eversource, Avangrid constrained pipelines, Utility Dive

Tribal dispute provokes another call for state intervention in Burrillville power plant debate, WPRI 12 Eyewitness News

Burrillville power plant decision delayed over changes to water plan, Valley Breeze

Citizens against the Rehoboth compressor station host Newton Mayor Setti Warren in Attleboro, The Sun Chronicle

Challenge to AIM Pipeline Approval Before DC Circuit Court, Patch.com

Wind energy project off LI to be called Empire Wind, Newsday

Study: Fracking Chemicals Harm Kids’ Brains, EcoWatch

Most Resolutions Against 1 GW Burrillville Plant Suppressed, Power Engineering

Activists bring pipeline protest to downtown Northampton, Hampshire Gazette

Amherst Board of Health asks Baker for more data on natural gas pipelines, Daily Hampshire Gazette

DPU reviewing report’s pipeline claims, CommonWealth Magazine

Renewable Energy (Policy, Miscellaneous, etc.)

Miller Environmental Group Installs First Utility Based Community Geothermal System on Long Island, New York for National Grid, Business Insider

Vinal Tech students unveil Connecticut’s ninth renewable energy E-house, New Haven Register

GE Renewable Energy Continues Strong 2017 Growth, CleanTechnica

Fusion Energy: How Scientists Are Creating Plasma Hotter Than the Sun in Quest for Limitless Clean Energy, Newsweek

Google’s New Office Complex Will Use a Massive Heat Pump Instead of Fuel, Fortune

Maine university getting more than $1M for seaweed-to-energy, Penn Energy

Dalton ponders ‘cow power’ for town electrical needs, Berkshire Eagle

Wind

New Study Finds Offshore Wind May Be Haven for Sea Life, Greentech Media

Light at the end of the tunnel for US offshore wind power, Recharge

Delaware Researchers Discover How to Cut Offshore Wind Construction Costs by $1.6B, Renewable Energy World

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center releases port assessment for offshore wind industry, Windpower Engineering

Developers Plan Wind Farms Off Jersey as Christie Era Ends, Bloomberg

Offshore wind ushers in a new time on Block Island, Windpower Engineering

Distributed Wind Turbine Makers Bolstered by Energy Department Grants, Greentech Media

Deepwater commits to New Bedford for Revolution project, Recharge

Solar

Ruling leads to increased solar panel prices, MetroWest Daily News

Rhode Island Solar Program Hits Cap, Installers Irked, ecoRI news

Solar Panel Facility Eyed At Former West Haven Landfill, Patch.com

Energy Efficiency

Battery storage, smart grid and energy efficiency investment tops $1bn, Power Engineering International

I-Team: After Expensive Energy Upgrades, Consumers Struggle To Get Promised Mass Save Rebates, CBS Boston / WBZ

NH House panel to weigh energy-efficiency charge opt-out bill, New Hampshire Business Review

Simple Energy Brings Instant Utility Rebates to Retail Outlets, Greentech Media

Nuclear

Oh, another wrinkle on budget deal: Millstone’s profitability, The CT Mirror

NRC presses Seabrook nuke plant on concrete problem, Seacoastonline.com

Whistleblowers Share Insights About Vermont Yankee Doc, Seven Days

New England Coalition defends expert witnesses in NorthStar hearings, vtdigger.org

Activists mobilize on nuclear power proposals, Cape Cod Times

Cyr Files Bill to Increase Authority of Pilgrim Decommissioning Panel, CapeCod.com News

As climate change fuels fears about nuclear waste, Maine looks to Trump for solution, Bangor Daily News

Former energy secretary highlights national security, low-carbon benefits of nuclear, Daily Energy Insider

Connecticut passes bill to support Dominion’s Millstone nuclear plant, Utility Dive

DOE NOPR

Connecticut AG opposes federal Energy Department’s proposed coal, nuclear subsidies, New Haven Register

RTOs Reject NOPR; Say Fuel Risks Exaggerated, RTO Insider

DOE’s Coal, Nuclear Cost Recovery Plan Receives Onslaught of Opposition, Greentech Media

Obama discriminated against coal, nuclear: US energy secretary, Reuters

What States Told FERC About the DOE’s Grid Resiliency Rule [INFOGRAPHIC], POWER magazine

DOE NOPR opponents: No basis for expanded FPA to justify coal, nuke cost recovery, Utility Dive

FERC Commissioner Gives Perspective on the Energy Markets in Light of NOPR, Renewable Energy World

Connecticut AG opposes federal Energy Department’s proposed coal, nuclear subsidies, New Haven Register

Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.

Eversource puts tab for memberships on ratepayers, CommonWealth Magazine

Town committee proposes resolution opposing Eversource rate increase, The Recorder

Northern Pass noise claims challenged, The Union Leader

Workshop To Discuss National Grid’s Electric Rates and Rate Hike: Rep. Lancia, Patch.com

Hydro-Quebec, DOE to explore collaboration on storage, EVs, Utility Dive

New Hampshire won’t join Clean Power plan suit – at least not yet, New Hampshire Business Review

The Energy 202: Tax debate opens door for renewables to get same break as fossil fuels, Washington Post

Board kills directive to bury power lines at park, Penn Energy

Bill would allow municipalities to develop microgrids, Penn Energy

NY regulators move to protect consumers in DER market, Utility Dive

US sounds alarm over increased cyber threat to energy, other sectors, Utility Dive

Maine Legislative Committee to Consider Community Microgrids as a “Force for Good,” Microgrid Knowledge

Hydro-Quebec, DOE to explore collaboration on storage, EVs, Utility Dive

New law allows NY to restrict oil tanker Hudson anchorages, Penn Energy

Editorial/Opinion

Viewpoint: Massachusetts is investing in clean-energy tech for businesses, BBJ (subscriber content)

No, Solar Doesn’t Have a Customer Acquisition Problem, Greentech Media

The key to tackling climate change: electrify everything, Vox.com

RGGI has been effective but Rep. Vadney opposes it, The Laconia Daily Sun

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