Utility shutoffs put lives at risk during heatwaves

EQUITY: Nearly half of Americans live in states that don’t bar electricity shutoffs during heatwaves, putting 45 million low-income Americans at risk of being unable to cool their homes when heat turns deadly. (The Guardian)

GRID:

• The U.S. Energy Department will study how to scale up federal agencies’ AI capabilities without exacerbating electricity usage. (Axios)
• U.S. commercial electricity use has grown 1% since 2019 largely from data center and cryptocurrency development in 10 states, according to the Energy Information Administration. (Utility Dive)

OIL & GAS:

• A court finds federal regulators didn’t adequately consider the effects of a planned liquified natural gas terminal in Louisiana, but instead of blocking its approval, the court sends it back for more consideration. (Louisiana Illuminator)

WIND:

• As North Carolina moves forward with numerous offshore wind projects, state residents eye Dominion Energy’s offshore wind farm near Virginia for indicators of what’s to come. (WFAE)
• Operations at Vineyard Wind have been shut down after debris from a broken turbine blade washed up on shore over the weekend. (State House News Service)

SOLAR:

• A pair of upcoming decisions by the Ohio Supreme Court could decide whether local opposition is enough for regulators to deny solar projects that otherwise meet all statutory criteria. (Energy News Network)
• The U.S. Energy Department is funding the installation of thousands of solar-plus-storage systems in Puerto Rico as the island looks to rebuild its power infrastructure after Hurricane Maria seven years ago. (Utility Dive)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• A U.K. startup is developing more rugged tires specially designed for electric vehicles, which are heavier than gasoline-powered cars, and looks to build a U.S. factory. (Canary Media)
• California officials say it is unlikely the state can meet its target of 1 million public electric vehicle chargers by 2030 without substantial public and private investment, streamlined permitting and power grid upgrades. (CalMatters)

COMMENTARY: Two energy justice researchers warn the U.S. is experiencing an electricity disconnection crisis as utilities are allowed to shut off power to residents who can’t pay their bills even in deadly heat. (The Conversation)