Transmission

Transmission

How fast-tracking fossil gas could snarl the Midwest grid

MISO’s plan to let gas plants cut the interconnection line is unfair, costly, and counter to grid reliability goals, former federal regulators and advocates say.

By Jeff St. John . 6 May 2025
Clean energy

A new way to power data centers: pair clean energy and peaker plants

An RMI report finds that solar and wind energy could connect to rarely used gas plants to meet gigawatts of data center demand, and still share power with the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 18 March 2025
Transmission

After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid

State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual power plant program.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 March 2025
Transmission

How PJM can get the power that it needs — and fast

The grid operator’s plan to fast-track gas power plants won’t solve reliability woes, advocates say, but the quicker and cleaner options it’s exploring can.

By Jeff St. John . 18 February 2025
Transmission

Want larger transmission lines? Fix this regulatory gap, experts say.

Utilities are opting to build small transmission projects with less oversight instead of big ones, and consumers are paying the price, according to a recent report.

By Jeff St. John . 4 February 2025
Transmission

Illinois considers state incentives for transmission projects

Renewable energy credits, which have fueled the state’s solar boom, could now help finance new merchant transmission lines.

By Kari Lydersen . 22 January 2025
Transmission

Plans to expand the grid are finally underway. Will Trump drop the ball?

The U.S. needs to rapidly scale up the grid to bolster both clean energy and economic growth. The new administration may stall progress despite bipartisan support.

By Jeff St. John . 9 January 2025
Transmission

Lots of demand, too little grid: The state of the US power sector

An underbuilt power grid is preventing the U.S. from meeting surging demand with new clean energy. These charts show why that’s the case.

By Jeff St. John . 2 January 2025
Transmission

A new way to fix grid bottlenecks for EV charging: Flexible connection

EV charging hubs sometimes have to wait years to connect to the grid. PG&E’s Flex Connect pilot program could help break that logjam in California.

By Jeff St. John . 10 December 2024
Utilities

Data centers are driving US power demand to hard-to-reach heights

Big Tech wants massive amounts of energy to fuel their AI ambitions. That could strain utilities, ratepayers, and efforts to decarbonize the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 9 December 2024