Utility Dive

Artificial intelligence (AI) is arriving during a difficult time for North America’s electrical grid. The article suggests that the readiness of this grid may be critical in determining the future development and trajectory of the AI economy.

The article notes a challenge where the capital plan may outgrow engineering capacity. Separately, it advises that teams can advance projects by reducing the time spent managing internal processes.

Across the country, hundreds of wildfires are burning, leading to smoke-filled skies and evacuation orders. Addressing this crisis requires evolving infrastructure from grid hardening toward grid intelligence. Technology is noted as a tool helping to mitigate impacts on the grid.

Achieving future grid reliability requires a proactive approach rather than reacting to events. Leading utilities are focused on building resilience in distribution grids by improving infrastructure before severe storms occur.

California's DER wholesale market participation could grow by over 2 gigawatts due to a CAISO accounting change, according to an advocate. A related rulemaking at the California Public Utilities Commission may further support aggregated DERs like behind-the-meter batteries, though a final decision is not expected before next year.

The battery-eligible New Jersey VPP program is beginning to take shape, with utility-owned storage identified as a solution to mitigate grid congestion. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of customer-centric program design to reduce attrition.

The $700M microgrid bill aims to allocate grants for microgrids and distributed energy resources through state energy programs and establish grid resilience initiatives. It has received support from the state energy office and an electrical manufacturer.

The article discusses a permitting crisis at City Hall, where delays in re-reviewing already certified batteries lead to lost grid capacity and unpaid bills for families, according to Base Power COO Justin Lopas.

The Dominion offshore wind project's cost has increased by nearly $300 million due to revised network upgrade costs from PJM Interconnection, tariffs under the Trump administration, and updated turbine installation projections.

PG&E scaled home energy reports to achieve energy reduction and bill savings, supporting affordability and peak flexibility. The approach focuses on leveraging these reports to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings for consumers.

Geopolitical developments are reshaping North American energy risk, prompting leaders to adapt operations and strategies. The convergence of geopolitical and enterprise risks in energy requires proactive anticipation by organizational leaders.

The article discusses strategic priorities aimed at advancing intelligent utility operations through the transformation of the agentic grid. It highlights efforts to shape the future of utility systems with a focus on operational efficiency and innovation.

California utilities may face credit downgrades if wildfire liability reforms are not passed this year. Edison CEO Pedro Pizarro warned lawmakers might fail to enact the reforms within the four-week legislative session.

Texas has approved an AI data center to co-locate next to a wind farm, with conditions requiring rapid curtailment during grid emergencies and limiting participation in demand response programs. The final order may serve as a template for other large behind-the-meter loads.

The article discusses the need for tiered wattage definitions and export limits in plug-in solar state legislation to ensure household safety and grid reliability. CraftStrom CEO Stephan Scherer advocates for this approach to align utilities and lawmakers.

Lincoln Electric System is energizing a 3-MW /12-MWh zinc-based battery to support the Nebraska state Capitol complex and other critical infrastructure. The battery is part of a 30-MW microgrid initiative using non-lithium technology.

New York's pause on data center approvals involves legislation requiring large facilities to source a third of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The proposed rules may also affect data centers using water-intensive cooling systems.

BNEF's chip-based model predicts U.S. data center demand will reach 207 GW by 2033. A base model estimates demand at 118 GW by 2030, with analysts noting increased forecasting complexity as demand and data center sizes grow.

States are targeting utilities' return on equity amid affordability concerns. The consumer advocate in Maryland is arguing to cut Pepco's ROE in an ongoing rate case.

Former FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher argues that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should reject a proposal allowing states to share filing rights with the PJM Interconnection and its transmission owners under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act.