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Holtec Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Utah and Hi Tech Solutions to Deploy Nuclear SMRs

LCG, May 1, 2025--Holtec International (Holtec) announced the signing on April 29 of a strategic cooperation agreement with the State of Utah and Hi Tech Solutions, a leading nuclear services provider based in Kennewick, Washington, to collaborate in the deployment of Holtec's SMR-300s (small modular reactor) in Utah and the broader Mountain West region. Hi Tech will play a leading role in the project development and workforce training to support the rise of new nuclear power generation in the region.

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EPA and Texas Railroad Commission Sign Memorandum of Agreement for Permitting Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide

LCG, April 29, 2025--Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) today outlining the state’s plans to administer programs related to carbon storage wells, known as Class VI wells. The MOA signing is a required step in the RRC’s application to be granted authority to permit Class VI wells in the state of Texas. EPA is currently preparing a proposed approval of RRC’s primacy application.

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Industry News

FERC Finds Market Abuse During Western Crisis

LCG, August 14, 2002-The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released a report today citing evidence of electricity and gas market abuse by energy companies during California's energy crisis of 2000/2001.

FERC found evidence that Enron Power Marketing Inc., Avista, and El Paso Electric may have engaged in market manipulation. The federal regulator has begun formal investigation of these three companies as well as Enron Capital and Trade Resources Corp. and Portland General Electric.

The five companies are reportedly cooperative with FERC's investigations, and Avista has asserted its participation in proper market practices.

Unlike FERC's hands-off approach to California's crisis during the state's severe electricity shortage, the regulator is now more than willing to acknowledge the possibility of market abuse. Californian officials hope that FERC will make findings that will allow for refunds to consumers. A hearing held by a FERC administrative law judge will begin sometime soon regarding exactly how much in refunds should be mandated.

According to Donald Gelinas, commission market, tarrifs, and rate office director, "[FERC] found a lot of strange behavior that affected natural gas prices."

The report asserted that gas price reporting used during the crisis was flawed. Industry surveys used to report prices did not use statistically correct methods and could be manipulated, it said.

Other reported problems with the market included the state's market structure, which FERC says allowed for prices to rise in an unreasonable way.

Although many in California are excited about the report and FERC's change of heart, Governor Gray Davis called the report a "whitewash," asserting that the agency did not do nearly enough.

"FERC is impotent. FERC is anemic. FERC is spineless," he said.

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