Grid operators define resilience, seek FERC review of national security threats
Since Energy Secretary Rick Perry proposed a sweeping grid resilience rule to protect coal and nuclear generators from retirement, the nation's grid operators have been contemplating what resilience is and how it differs from reliability.
'Unintended consequences': Tariffs may boost US coal use but threaten exports
Grid operators respond to FERC's grid resilience inquiry
Regional grid operators, including the one in Texas, have begun letting federal regulators know their views on a number of resilience-related issues in response to a review launched in early January. Regional transmission organizations and independent system operators had until the end of the day March 9 to submit comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the proceeding. The agency's investigation is aimed at identifying possible resilience and reliability concerns as the bulk power system shifts more toward natural gas-fired and renewable energy and becomes less reliant on coal-fired and nuclear generation.
Fed plan for small coal plants puzzles some but hits on coal company priority
A federal plan to support the development of small-scale coal-fired power plants has puzzled some in the energy sector but may move the administration closer to fulfilling one coal producer's list of political priorities. The U.S. Department of Energy plans to help companies develop smaller, higher-efficiency coal plants, according to remarks made by government officials at a recent industry conference. The proposal was met with skepticism from some, as economic factors in the U.S. have increasingly pushed coal out of the market.
Va. lawmakers agree to extend moratorium on coal ash cleanup permits
Virginia regulators and utilities would have another year to evaluate the "clean closure" of coal ash ponds and the potential for beneficial reuse under legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly. The Virginia House of Delegates voted unanimously on March 6 to approve a substitute version of S.B. 807. The Senate on March 7 agreed to the substitute, which now is in the hands of Gov. Ralph Northam.
