May 8, 2024

It’s first-quarter earnings season, and NetZero Insider found more than a few utilities telling analysts that they expect their load to continue to grow exponentially because of data center construction. That’s especially true of Dominion, which serves Data Center Alley in Northern Virginia, but also of PSEG, which is looking to use excess capacity at its three nuclear generators to power them as well as artificial intelligence development projects that could be sited in New Jersey in the future.

Eversource said it will reduce its investments in Connecticut by about $500 million over the next five years because of the “negative regulatory environment” at the PURA, an apparent shot at Chair Marissa Gillett, who has been tough on the utility. That prompted Gov. Ned Lamont to say he would reappoint Gillett, whose term ended March 1, to her position. 

And the Biden administration continues to issue rules ahead of the elections in November (remember those?), with EPA updating its methane emissions reporting requirements for oil and natural gas systems; the IRS laying out which vehicles are eligible for the $7,500 tax credit for new EVs from the Inflation Reduction Act; and DOE announcing 10 proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. 

Here’s what else happened this past week: 

• 2023 Flat for Wind Turbine Makers in West, Huge in China 

• ACP: Clean Energy Construction Increases in 1st Quarter 

• Audit Faults NY Renewables Office on Speed of Reviews 

• NC Residents Criticize Duke’s Pace of Coal Retirements, Reliance on Gas in Carbon Plan 

• NJ Senator: Failing State Grid Can Stymie Clean Energy Efforts 

• Report: Small Nuclear Reactors not the Answer 

• Ørsted Reports Steadier Course as US Market Stabilizes 
  

See you next week!