Plan to fast-track power plants favors natural gas, critics say

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

GRID

Federal regulators approve a plan by grid operator PJM to address looming electricity shortages by fast-tracking approval for up to 50 power plants that are ready to build, though climate advocates object that the approach will favor gas-fired facilities. (Associated Press)

GEOTHERMAL

Advocates are optimistic that networked geothermal systems can bolster the clean energy transition in Massachusetts and beyond, despite the recent cancellation of a pilot project deemed too costly. (Canary Media)

FUNDING FREEZE

• In New Haven, Connecticut, plans to install geothermal heating, to make low-income housing more energy efficient, and to help residents convert from oil to heat pumps are all on hold because federal funding has been made inaccessible. (CT Mirror)

• New Hampshire suspends a program to build EV chargers after $12.5 million in expected federal funding is frozen pending review. (New Hampshire Public Radio)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Connecticut is not on pace to meet its goal of transitioning half of the state’s fleet to electric vehicles by 2026, with just 43 of a needed 1,200 vehicles acquired. (CT Mirror)

SOLAR

State utilities regulators will investigate whether a Maine tribe’s plan to install solar panels on more than 200 buildings qualifies to receive benefits from the state’s net energy billing program. (Maine Public)

NATURAL GAS

In Maine, a plan to import wastewater sludge and convert it into pipeline-quality natural gas raises concerns among residents of a town still reeling from a recent spill of firefighting foam that contaminated drinking water. (Maine Public)

UTILITIES

New England utility Eversource announces plans to invest $1.9 billion in its electric and natural gas operations, driven largely by the high cost of electric transmission and distribution in Massachusetts. (RTO Insider, subscription)

CLEAN ENERGY

• Two Republican New Jersey Congress members defend some clean energy tax credit provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. (NJ Spotlight News)

• New York invests $150 million in clean energy projects on public university campuses, including solar arrays, geothermal networks, and battery storage. (CBS6)

• Most Democratic candidates to succeed climate champion Phil Murphy as governor of New Jersey express strong support for developing clean energy resources. (Northjersey.com)

TRANSMISSION

Maryland state lawmakers consider a bill that would increase the cost of taking land by eminent domain in an attempt to hinder plans to build a transmission line through three agricultural counties. (Frederick News-Post)