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EIA Estimates Record U.S. Electric Generating Capacity Additions in 2026, with Solar in the Lead

LCG, February 20, 2026--The EIA today issued an "in-brief analysis" that estimates U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to complete a record installation of 86 GW of new, utility-scale electric generating capacity that is connected to the U.S. power grid in 2026. Last year, 53 GW of new capacity was added to the grid, which was the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Thus the estimate of 86 GW of new capacity in 2026 is a whopping 33 GW greater than the year prior. It should be noted that over 20 GW of the 86 GW of new capacity this year is estimated to be completed in December.

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Enhanced Geothermal Systems May Drive Significant Growth in Geothermal Power Generation

LCG, February 19, 2026--The EIA released an "in-brief analysis" today regarding the expected completion of the first, large-scale commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in June 2026, and the significant growth potential for year-round, 24x7, carbon-free, renewable EGS power generation in the United States.

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Industry News

FERC Extends California Power Talks

LCG, Jan. 5, 2001A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission administrative law judge said yesterday that he would extend into today talks involving California utilities, independent power producers and regulators. The talks are aimed at permitting utilities to enter into long-term contracts for power they deliver to retail electricity customers.

Judge Curtis Wagner said he would convene a third day of talks today, but would not disclose what progress had been made in the first two days of discussions. "We're a lot better off than we were yesterday (Wednesday)," he said.

One of the biggest problems with the deregulated California electric market, FERC found, is a requirement that all wholesale power purchases and sales in the state must be made through the California Power Exchange. At the time the restructuring act was passed in 1996, this seemed like a good idea in that it would provide transparency to the power market.

It turned out, however, that not allowing the utilities to enter into long-term power purchases to cover their native loads resulted in them going into the last-minute "spot" market for their power needs, paying the highest prices in a volatile market.

To make matters worse, the California Independent System Operator published in advance profiles of peak demand power needs. Without the need for collusion, power producers were able to hold back on bidding power into the market until the market was desperate for power. Then they could charge just about any price they wanted.

Judge Wagner was hopeful that from today's discussions he might achieve "an agreement between parties on how to proceed."

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