UTILITIES:
Critics contend Duke Energy manipulates how much reserve power it needs in Florida over the next 15 years to justify new power plants. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

ALSO:
• A former Florida regulator challenges the credibility of NextEra Energy in the company’s bid for Hawaiian Electric. (Pacific Business News)
As conservation and solar energy cut ratepayers’ usage, electric utilities turn to fees for fresh revenue, riling consumer advocates. (The Wall Street Journal)

NUCLEAR:
• The Florida PSC grants Florida Power & Light’s request to charge customers $34 million to help cover costs of building a nuclear plant. (Florida Politics)
• A faulty generator shuts down a Dominion Virginia Power reactor after a companion reactor is shut for a scheduled refueling. (The Daily Press)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: West Virginia is seeking public input on the in-state impact of federal carbon emissions regulations. (The Exponent Telegram)

BIOFUELS: A Duke University professor is awarded a $5 million federal grant to explore how to make algae a cost efficient fuel source. (The Chronicle, Duke University)

HYDROPOWER: A hydropower industry group is encouraging Congress to pass bills to speed up the permitting process for new projects. (The Hill)

BLANKENSHIP TRIAL: A key question facing the judge and jury is whether Massey Energy coal miners worked deliberately to give their bosses plausible deniability. (Public Utilities Fortnightly)

TRANSPORTATION: When gasoline prices are low, U.S. consumers buy more and at higher grades. (The New York Times)

VOLKSWAGEN EMISSIONS VIOLATIONS:
Some legal experts say the automaker could be forced to buy back affected diesel vehicles. (Associated Press)
• The expanding investigation by state attorneys general could last years and will likely end in a negotiated settlement. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: Florida’s utility commission is failing to protect consumers by approving the pass-through of nuclear plant construction costs. (Southern Alliance for Clean Energy)

Jim Pierobon

Jim Pierobon, a policy, marketing and social media strategist, was a founding contributor to Southeast Energy News. He passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer in 2018.

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