Morgan Stanley warns PJM prices could go higher

GRID: Investment firm Morgan Stanley warns prices could surge even higher in PJM Interconnection’s next capacity auction, but another researcher says the analysis may be underestimating how much new capacity will come available. (Utility Dive)

ALSO:

• A Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes a revolving loan fund to encourage new power plants in PJM territory, modeled after a Texas program. (Utility Dive)
• Maine regulators explore ways to make time-of-use rates more widely available. (Sun Journal)
• A New Hampshire company is planning to build a 100 MW battery storage project in western New York. (Buffalo News)
• Opponents of a proposed Maryland transmission line confront participants at a data center conference at a community college in Frederick. (Maryland Matters)

EFFICIENCY:

• New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia are among cities that will receive federal funds to adopt and implement ​“innovative” building codes to improve energy efficiency. (Utility Dive)
• University of Maryland scientists are leading research into energy-efficient air conditioners. (Inside Climate News)

OVERSIGHT:

• Consumer advocates in New York struggle for resources as Gov. Kathy Hochul has twice vetoed bills that would reimburse their work on behalf of ratepayers. (New York Focus)
• The Philadelphia Gas Commission approves new rules restricting public participation in the city’s gas utility budgeting, which climate activists say will shut them out of the process. (WHYY)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Vermont utility is asking the public for input on where to locate EV chargers funded by a $4.8 million federal grant. (VT Digger)

COAL: Maryland officials grant a draft permit to a CSX coal export terminal, requiring the company to monitor and limit pollutants in water discharge. (Capital Gazette)

WIND:

• A Massachusetts port opens a new deep-water berth for vessels serving offshore wind construction. (Marine Link)
• Ørsted announces plans to double the size of its headquarters in downtown Providence. (Rhode Island Current)

SOLAR:

• A developer withdraws its proposal for a 1.6 MW solar array on vacant farmland in Connecticut, but could reapply in the future. (CT Insider)
• A Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources official commemorates the completion of a solar array at a state park, part of the agency’s plan to offset 100% of its electricity use with renewables by 2030. (The Progress)

POLITICS: The developer of a Maryland power line gave $10,000 to sponsor an event for state officials at the Democratic National Convention, but says the sponsorship was meant to ​“build visibility” and not advance any particular project. (Fox 45)

COMMENTARY: A Maine environmental advocate says Iberdrola’s proposed takeover of Central Maine Power’s parent company could affect the state’s climate goals. (Portland Press Herald)