1. Arizona refuses to accept long-term plans of investor-owned utilities
Arizona regulators refused to accept the proposed integrated resource plans of the state's investor-owned electric utilities, saying they did not adequately account for the flattening of load growth that will result from energy efficiency, electricity storage, smart grid improvements and other new technologies.
2. Pipeline companies play waiting game as stock slump puzzles executives
Some oil and gas pipeline executives are frustrated that improving financial results and good corporate governance have failed to translate into higher share prices, a disconnect that experts attribute to lagging equity fund flows and depressed distributions.
3. In 'historic commitment,' New York awards $1.4B to 26 new renewables projects
New York has awarded $1.4 billion to 26 new large-scale renewable energy projects, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced March 9 at an event in Manhattan. The projects are projected to add more than 1,380 MW of zero-carbon power generation capacity by 2022, creating more than 3,000 jobs and $3 billion in private investment.
4. Battery storage, power contracts could be impacted by revenue recognition change
A new accounting rule is expected to have a relatively minimal impact on the power sector, but experts still anticipate some noteworthy changes in coming years. Publicly-traded companies have started adhering to an updated revenue recognition standard promoted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
5. New US House bill seeks tax credits for existing coal plants
A new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would provide a temporary tax credit for existing coal-fired power plants, with the goal of slowing a rising tide of retirements for generating units running on the fuel.
