SNL Energy presents the most read stories for the week ended Feb. 2.
1. Coal's 'aging out' problem: Most US customers operating older power plants
U.S. coal production paused a yearslong, sharp decline through most of 2017, but the sector still faces the challenges of a rapidly aging customer base.
2. Pipeline private equity faces credit handicap even as firms enter hot markets
Privately held midstream energy companies are outbidding master limited partnerships and corporations for assets in some of the most active U.S. oil and natural gas plays, but public entities are likely to have the upper hand in credit markets until their smaller competitors scale up.
3. New York offshore wind plan adds pressure on utilities to procure renewables
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Jan. 29 released its Offshore Wind Master Plan, a two-phase plan to develop and procure 2,400 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
4. SC House overwhelmingly passes bill halting VC Summer cost recovery
The South Carolina House of Representatives voted 119-1 on Jan. 31 to pass a bill that temporarily halts South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.'s ability to charge ratepayers for the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear reactors.
5. Rejected transmission projects forge ahead after Massachusetts picks Eversource
Several transmission developers are going forward with permitting for projects to deliver low-carbon energy into New England after their bids failed to be selected in Massachusetts' solicitation for Canadian hydropower and renewables.
