Power generation emissions drop in New England

EMISSIONS: Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in New England dropped 4% last year, due to mild weather, lower natural gas prices, and increases in solar and wind energy, the region’s grid operator reports. (Maine Public)

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EFFICIENCY: Massachusetts utilities submit their latest three-year energy efficiency plan for regulatory approval, with the goal of installing heat pumps in more than 119,000 homes and creating $13.7 billion in benefits for consumers. (Utility Dive)

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GRID:

• Colocating data centers with nuclear plants in places like Pennsylvania and Maryland could raise power costs and compromise grid reliability in a region with already tight supply, stakeholders say. (Utility Dive)
• In New Jersey, however, spare generating capacity at nuclear plants and a new tax break program mean the state is well positioned to host data centers, utility PSEG says. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• Increased peak demand and lack of new resources coming online could leave New York City facing grid reliability problems by 2033, says a NYISO report. (RTO Insider, subscription)

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FOSSIL FUELS: Despite burgeoning power demands from cryptocurrency and AI operations, New York state may have built its last fossil fuel power plant, some clean energy advocates say. (New York Focus)

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OFFSHORE WIND:

• Industry leaders are concerned that progress in offshore wind development could stall out if outspoken opponent Donald Trump wins the presidential election. (E&E News, subscription)
• Commercial fishing operations that rely on low-flying spotter planes argue proposed offshore wind development off Maryland would prevent them from working in some areas. (Chesapeake Bay Magazine)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Vermont electric aircraft startup tops $1 billion in equity capital, but questions remain about the climate benefits of the technology. (Canary Media)

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SOLAR:

• A Connecticut state board overrules local opposition and approves a 1.93 MW solar project on unused farmland. (Stamford Advocate)
• Maryland launches a $5 million grant program to support solar projects that benefit low-income, overburdened, and underserved communities. (news release)

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COMMENTARY: New York should delay implementation of rules requiring more electric truck sales to allow charging infrastructure and technology to improve, says a spokesperson for the retail lumber industry. (Long Island Press)

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