UTILITIES: FirstEnergy has reached a deal — subject to approval — between creditors and its subsidiaries that operate power plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio. (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
TRANSMISSION: The prospect of an economic boost may win over some Maine communities along the path of a proposed transmission line, which many still oppose over concerns it will spoil wilderness areas. (Boston Globe)
***SPONSORED LINK: Northeast Renewables Summit 2018 will bring together Northeast policymakers and regulators, utilities, the renewables community, off-takers and policy advocates to share the latest information and insights on developing the Northeast renewables markets.***
WIND:
• As anticipated, a utility-led evaluation team will delay for one month a decision on bids to provide 400 to 800 MW of offshore wind in Massachusetts. (Statehouse News Service)
• The Trump administration’s support of fossil fuels has not translated into hostility toward offshore wind. (Associated Press)
NUCLEAR: There does not appear to be political support in the Pennsylvania legislature to bail out struggling nuclear plants. (Lancaster Online)
GRID:
• How energy storage could help prevent a supply/demand gap known as the “duck curve” in Massachusetts. (Greentech Media)
• Experts at a conference in Boston predict significant growth in the energy storage market in coming years. (RTO Insider)
SOLAR:
• Pennsylvania regulators last week approved a measure blocking out-of-state facilities from receiving solar energy credits. (Daily Energy Insider)
• Local officials in Vermont refuse to approve a planned solar array at a dairy farm after a neighbor raises aesthetic concerns. (Rutland Herald)
• Two new solar arrays will be part of renovations at a western Massachusetts airport. (iBerkshires.com)
• A 10 acre solar array goes online at a University of Maryland campus. (WMDT)
• A Pennsylvania nonprofit plans a workshop to help small businesses and homeowners install solar power. (Lehigh Valley Business)
OIL AND GAS:
• A federal report highlights continued growth in natural gas production in Pennsylvania. (Pittsburgh Business Times)
• The Vermont Supreme Court upholds a decision by state regulators on penalties for cost overruns for a pipeline project. (VT Digger)
EFFICIENCY: Delaware state agencies saved more than $110,000 on energy costs last year through using more efficient office equipment. (Delaware Business Now)
COMMENTARY: Why New England needs an RGGI for transportation. (Commonwealth Magazine)