More coal, less climate action

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Northeast Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

FOSSIL FUELS

• Two Pennsylvania coal-fired power plants slated for retirement would make upgrades to reduce pollution and remain in operation until 2032 under the terms of an agreement with regulators. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

• Massachusetts’ attorney general files a complaint claiming that the state’s natural gas utilities latest climate compliance plans were ​“completely inadequate” and urging regulators to impose penalties if they don’t improve. (CommonWealth Beacon)

OFFSHORE WIND

• The Trump administration indicates that a recent order stopping enforcement of anti-renewables policies could affect the government’s attempts to withdraw a key permit for a planned offshore wind project near Massachusetts. (E&E News)

• A plan to build a port facility serving offshore wind projects in East Providence, Rhode Island, has been set aside as the once-promising industry falters. (Ocean State Media)

NUCLEAR

• The market monitor for the PJM Interconnection opposes Constellation Energy’s request for waivers to fast-track the restart of a nuclear reactor at the Three Mile Island plant. (Utility Dive)

• Some neighbors of the Three Mile Island facility worry about a plan to draw up to 73 million gallons of water from the Susquehanna River. (ABC27)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Vermont’s largest public transit provider will use a $22.5 million federal grant to buy hybrid buses instead of the originally planned electric buses, after the Trump administration changes the terms of the award. (VTDigger)

DATA CENTERS

• Delaware electricity prices could go up 80% if currently proposed data centers double demand on the grid as forecast, a new analysis finds. (Spotlight Delaware)

STORAGE

• Neighbors of a planned battery project that would be Rhode Island’s largest aren’t reassured by promises that safety measures will be put in place to avoid fires. (Providence Journal)

AFFORDABILITY

• Connecticut residents will save an average of $30 to $34 a month on their electric bills, after regulators approve a change removing fees that pay for state-mandated programs such as clean energy procurement and assistance for low-income customers. (CT Mirror)

• Electricity prices are spiking on a remote Maine island with only 20 year-round residents, as the small, on-island power company attempts to recoup the money it recently spent on upgrading its diesel generation unit. (Bangor Daily News)

SOLAR

• New York City public schools celebrate the completion of its 130th solar installation and announce another 86 projects are in the works. (news release)

COMMENTARY

• Massachusetts should pass measures allowing individual cities and towns to ban third-party electric suppliers, which often lock customers into unaffordable contracts with the promise of savings and green energy, say three mayors from the state. (CommonWealth Beacon)

NEW FROM CANARY

• Duke Energy’s proactive grid upgrades under fire from electric co-ops — Elizabeth Ouzts

• Which countries lead the way on nuclear energy? — Dan McCarthy

• San Francisco helps home child care centers wean off gas — Alison F. Takemura

• An Ohio court may OK fracking-waste wells despite pollution concerns — Kathiann M. Kowalski

• Maryland bill trades cost-saving energy efficiency for short-term relief — Aman Azar