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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

California Audits Confirm Utilities' Insolvency

LCG, Jan. 30, 2001Independent audits of California's two big electric utilities, ordered by the state Public Utilities Commission which said it doubted the veracity of the companies' own financial officials, confirm that things are just as bad as the regulators were told.

The audit for Southern California Edison Co. was released yesterday and that for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. was expected to follow today.

Undertaken for the PUC by accounting firm KMPG, the audit of SoCal Edison showed that the utility had lost about $4.5 billion purchasing power at market rates and selling it a fixed rates. The audit also answered critics who have complained of transfers of money from SoCal Edison to its parent, Edison International Inc.

In the five years covered by the audit, SoCal Edison had transferred large sums to Edison International, and the parent company had paid out $1.6 billion in shareholder dividends and had spent another $2 billion repurchasing the company's stock. KMPG found nothing unusual about those transactions, noting that they were made when the going was good.

Edison spokesman Steven Conroy said of the audit, "It does certainly highlight what we've been saying about our financial situation."

Phil Trounstine, communications director for California Gov. Gray Davis, said the governor believes the audits support his contention that the state can help the utilities out of their present difficulties without a further rate increase, but didn't say what sort of magic the governor would use.

He'll need some. Twelve days ago, the state began purchasing power for the utilities under emergency legislation that provided $400 million for the purpose. California Department of Water Resources spokesman Mike Sicilia said yesterday that the department had used up the money by Sunday. "We are now operating under the governor's emergency powers," he explained.

Davis has ordered more state money to keep the utilities in electricity, but didn't say how much or how long the state would go on buying short-term power.

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