US approves fast-tracking power plants in mid-Atlantic grid over complaints that it favors gas

Date:

Share post:


HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a proposal from the operator of the congested mid-Atlantic grid to head off the potential for power shortages but that critics say will effectively fast-track the construction of new natural gas plants.

The commission’s Tuesday night decision, in a 3-1 vote, said the proposal by PJM Interconnection is “just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential.” The proposal was originally submitted in December.

PJM, based in Pennsylvania, has said it made the proposal because a power shortage could affect the grid as early as 2026 as demand grows for electricity at the same time coal-fired plants and aging nuclear plants are retiring.

PJM’s criteria for an eligible project includes ones that are ready to build, can provide a relatively high power capacity and are likelier to produce electricity when the grid is most likely to see power shortfalls. It said it would open an application period for proposals and select 50 to study.

Clean energy advocates say the process favors gas-fired plants, and they blame PJM for creating the existing reliability problem by taking an unduly long time to study proposed wind and solar energy projects in its project queue.

Proposals awaiting PJM’s approval are more than 97% solar, wind or battery storage, according to federal figures. Less than 3% are natural gas.

Some critics questioned PJM’s process. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Office said it will be impossible for consumers to know whether PJM is selecting the most efficient or cost-effective power plants.

Demand for electricity has spiked for the first time in decades, as tech companies competing in the artificial intelligence race pursue new power supplies for energy-hungry data centers.

On top of that, cryptomining, the broader electrification of society and bipartisan political pressure to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. are fueling new electricity demand.

PJM coordinates the electric grid through Delaware, eastern Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as small portions of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and North Carolina.

___

Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter



Source link

Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden is a news writer for LinkDaddy News. She writes health, sport, tech, and more. Some of her favorite topics include the latest trends in fitness and wellness, the best ways to use technology to improve your life, and the latest developments in medical research.

Recent posts

Related articles

SpaceX launches a new crew to the space station to replace NASA's stuck astronauts

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The replacements for NASA’s two stuck astronauts launched to the International Space Station...

Qatar will send natural gas to Syria to increase its meager electricity supply

DAMASCUS -- Qatar will provide natural gas supplies to Syria with the aim of generating 400 megawatts...

Florida's citrus industry faces threats from hurricanes, disease and real estate

LAKE WALES, Fla. -- As Trevor Murphy pulls up to his dad's 20-acre (8-hectare) grove in one...

Peruvian farmer’s case against German energy giant RWE could reshape global climate accountability

BOGOTA, Colombia -- As a crucial climate lawsuit heads to trial in Germany next week, experts say...

Asian shares advance, despite Wall Street's tumble, as China pledges to boost consumer spending

BANGKOK -- Asian markets advanced Friday, shrugging off another decline on Wall Street, with markets in China...

Some student loan repayment plans have been suspended. Here's what borrowers should know

NEW YORK -- The Trump administration's recent changes to student loans are causing frustration and confusion for...

US wine shops and importers say Trump's threatened 200% tariff on European wines would kill demand

The United States is suddenly looking less bubbly for European wines.President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a...

John Lennon gets honored on UK coin collection in what would have been his 85th year

LONDON -- LONDON (AP) — John Lennon is being honored in a specially minted British coin collection...