utilities
Newsletter
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Utilities charging premiums for "certified gas" face greenwashing accusations
A report by climate advocates claims that the fossil fuel industry’s “certified gas” programs are ineffective and misleading.
In short:
- Gas utilities promote certified gas as low-carbon but climate groups call it greenwashing.
- Methane detection systems often fail to identify emissions, undermining certification claims.
- U.S. senators urge the FTC to investigate deceptive environmental claims by gas certification programs.
Key quote:
“Certified gas is a greenwashing scam. There is not nearly enough evidence from the certifiers or the oil and gas industry itself that this gas is actually indeed [associated with] lower methane emissions.”
— Dakota Raynes, researcher, Earthworks
Why this matters:
Critics argue that certified gas still involves the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, which inevitably releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants. They emphasize that any fossil fuel use perpetuates dependence on non-renewable energy sources and delays the transition to truly clean energy alternatives like wind and solar.
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Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas forecasts that power demand in Texas could almost double by 2030 due to new demand calculation methods and a surge in large power users.
In short:
- ERCOT’s new prediction considers company requests for grid connections before finalization and an influx of large power users like data centers and hydrogen production facilities.
- Texas’s population growth and increased electrification in the oil and gas sector are major factors driving the expected surge in power demand.
- State officials are concerned about the potential strain on the grid and are considering more oversight and new infrastructure to meet the demand.
Key quote:
“All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how we’re looking at planning ... ”
— Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of ERCOT
Why this matters:
ERCOT’s forecast raises concerns about the state's ability to meet this demand without compromising environmental standards or public health. As Texas continues to attract businesses with its favorable economic conditions, the pressure mounts on the existing infrastructure, potentially leading to increased carbon emissions and higher pollution levels if fossil fuel usage is ramped up to meet the growing energy needs.
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A simple upgrade could expand the US electricity grid
A straightforward solution could double the capacity of the U.S. electricity grid, enabling a more efficient transition to renewable energy.
In short:
- Replacing old steel power lines with new carbon-fiber ones can double the power capacity without building new infrastructure.
- The new wires, which sag less under heat, could handle increased electricity demands from renewable sources.
- Regulatory changes and federal goals aim to expedite these upgrades, addressing grid congestion.
Key quote:
“This is something that could be a triple win. A win for the electricity system, a win for utilities and a win for consumers.”
— Brian Deese, innovation fellow at MIT
Why this matters:
Upgrading existing power lines with advanced materials is a cost-effective and rapid solution to enhance the electricity grid's capacity. This approach supports the integration of renewable energy sources, crucial for combating climate change and meeting growing energy demands.
Related EHN coverage:
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US energy department selects sites for major electric transmission projects
The Department of Energy has identified 10 key areas for building high-capacity electric transmission lines to boost clean energy distribution across the U.S., as part of President Biden's climate strategy.
In short:
- The DOE's plan aims to expand the power grid via multistate ultra-high-capacity lines, enhancing nationwide clean energy accessibility.
- These corridors are intended to connect major renewable power sources to the grid, leveraging a $2 billion investment from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
- Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized that the initiative would modernize the grid and support the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.
Key quote:
"To meet our climate goals we have to more than double our transmission capacity."
— John Podesta, White House clean energy adviser
Why this matters:
This initiative is geared toward enhancing the distribution of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power across vast distances, which is important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. Building these transmission lines is a step toward stabilizing energy prices and boosting economic growth through job creation in the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure. For communities, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, the enhanced infrastructure can lead to more reliable energy access and potentially lower electricity costs.
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Utility-caused wildfires spread beyond California, driven by climate change
Utility equipment sparks wildfires across the U.S., signaling the need for adaptation in the face of escalating risks from climate change.
In short:
- Climate change exacerbates the risk of wildfires ignited by utility equipment, with incidents reported in Texas, Hawaii and Oregon, expanding beyond traditionally fire-prone California.
- A jury recently awarded $42 million to families affected by a wildfire in Oregon, highlighting the growing legal and financial challenges utilities face.
- Efforts to mitigate these risks include burying power lines and implementing technology to cut power quickly, but critics argue utilities need to do more.
Key quote:
"There’s this unwillingness in this industry to adapt. It’s criminal incompetence."
— Cody Berne, lawyer representing wildfire survivors
Why this matters:
As wildfires become more common in unexpected places, there's a clear signal that the traditional ways of managing utilities and preparing for natural disasters are inadequate.
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Photo by Nuno Marques on Unsplash
Republicans and Democrats want community solar. Why won’t Michigan legislators enable it?
Advocates say big utilities wield their influence in Lansing to maintain control over renewable energy.
Louisiana consultant spent 13 years drafting energy efficiency rules
“After 13 years, we can’t call it Quick Start anymore”: Utility opposition to proposed efficiency rules is part of the reason consultants have delayed work for years.
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