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Recently in Public Power Current
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Reliability
In a first-of-its-kind study, analysts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and consulting firm Sharply Focused examined whether increasing levels of wind and solar make it more challenging to reliably operate the power system during extreme weather events and if these renewable technologies change what types of weather events are considered “extreme” based on their impact to grid operations.
Electricity Markets
For the second meeting in a row, the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency Board in June approved contracts from 10 agency members seeking to extend their beneficial relationship with IMEA through 2055, IMEA said.
Security
Identifying and closing cyber vulnerabilities before malicious actors can take advantage of gaps in utilities’ security must be a high priority, a panel of representatives from the Department of Energy and two public power utilities said during a session at APPA’s National Conference in San Diego, Calif., last month.
Disaster Response and Mutual Aid
Austin Energy on July 9 said it is sending 20 lineworkers and support personnel to the Houston area to help with restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which left more than two million people without power.
Energy Storage
Ameresco on July 8 announced it has signed a contract with Snohomish County Public Utility District to construct a battery energy storage system with a 20-year guaranteed capacity of 25 megawatts and 100 megawatt-hours.
Transmission
Ten Northeast states signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development.
Generation
President Biden on July 9 signed legislation into law that is intended to modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s regulatory frameworks and spur the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
Electricity Markets
Energy New England President and CEO John Tzimorangas was joined by other utility industry, legal and environmental members from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s Massachusetts Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting for an Environmental Business Council of New England report-out and review of the Commission’s recommendations.