U.S. Energy Developments ** The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressive move by the Republican president to roll back climate regulations. The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government …
Tag: utility rates
Oklahoma data center moratorium call copied in New York
Oklahoma Bill Proposes Data Center Moratorium Through 2029—New York does too State Sen. Kendal Sacchieri’s call for a moratorium on data centers in Oklahoma isn’t an isolated proposal when it comes to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ballooning demand for electrical power. Senate Bill 1488 Calls for Three-Year Moratorium The Republican senator …
Maryland Senator Targets Data Centers Over Grid Costs
Maryland Senator Targets Data Centers Over Grid Costs A U.S. Senator from Maryland is moving to address the growing strain data centers place on the nation’s electric grid, echoing legislative efforts now underway in Oklahoma that seek to rein in the soaring energy demands of large-scale technology facilities. Sen. Chris Van Hollen has introduced federal …
Groups challenge Biden-era natural gas restrictions
Gas groups ask Supreme Court to block furnace rule Several major natural gas industry groups are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a legal fight over federal efficiency standards that restrict the sale of certain natural gas furnaces and water heaters, arguing the rules could eliminate affordable home heating options for millions of …
Coalition demands nationwide moratorium on data centers
Environmental groups call for pause on U.S. data centers A coalition of more than 230 environmental organizations is calling for a national moratorium on new data centers in the United States, escalating a growing backlash against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and its strain on energy, water, and climate systems. According to a …
OGE creates new division for “more personalized service”
OG&E Appoints John Laws as Chief Commercial Officer Utility creates new Commercial Division to support growth and customers Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) announced the creation of a new Commercial Division and the appointment of John Laws as Chief Commercial Officer, a move the utility says will help deliver more personalized service, innovative energy solutions, …
Consumer groups say OGE is “Scrooge” over energy projects
Consumer groups challenge OG&E financing request Two consumer advocacy groups — Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers and AARP Oklahoma — are sharply criticizing OG&E over its latest effort to recover financing costs tied to the Horseshoe Lake power plant expansion. The dispute centers on financing related to Horseshoe Lake Units 14 and 15, which are part …
SWEPCO customers fight 14% rate hike
SWEPCO Rate Hike Sparks Outrage at Arkansas Hearing Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)—a utility that purchases a significant portion of its power from Oklahoma wind projects—now faces intense criticism from customers after the company attempted to raise electric rates by nearly 14%. Customers Blast SWEPCO’s Request at Public Hearing Ratepayers confronted SWEPCO officials during a …
Think tank blisters CWIP laws, urges end to them
New Report Takes Aim at CWIP Laws, Calling Them a “Hidden Tax” on Power Bills A new blistering report from the Manhattan Institute targets the growing use of CWIP — Construction Work in Progress — and takes the policy to the woodshed. The report argues that CWIP laws allow utilities to “gold plate” projects, stretch …