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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

Seattle Raises Electric Rates 18 Percent

LCG, Jan. 30, 2001The Seattle City Council yesterday approved an 18 percent electric rate increase for City Light, its municipal utility, citing high wholesale power prices worsened by a lingering drought that has curtailed usually plentiful hydroelectric power.

Before the 9-0 vote was taken, Councilwoman Jan Drago said "There's not a one of us that likes to raise taxes or raise rates, but that's what we're here to do."
City Light spokesman Bob Royer noted that power was selling for $25 per megawatt-hour a year ago has been running at more than $300 a megawatt hour this month. That is in the same range as the prices that have force two big California utilities into insolvency, but their regulators reluctantly allowed only a $10 per megawatt-hour rate increase, and that after the damage was done.

City Light said that if the drought continues, and if power is siphoned off to California, it could need another rate increase this summer, perhaps as high as 30 percent. On top of that, when the municipal utility's new contract with the federal Bonneville Power Administration goes into effect in October, rates could increase again.

Councilman Jim Compton said Seattle should invest in new power plants to avoid being at the mercy of Bonneville and independent power producers. "Get ready, folks. It's coming, and we have to defend ourselves and our region," he said.
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