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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

Colorado PUC Receives 21% Aquila Rate Increase Application

LCG, Oct. 21, 2002--Aquila, citing negative returns over the last few years, has filed a rate application with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) which would raise base rates 21.8% if approved.

Most of the power provided by Aquila to towns in southern Colorado is purchased from Xcel, formerly Public Service Company of Colorado. It also produces power at its own Victoria Avenue plant and at another coal-fired facility in Canon City. The PUC, which is not required to hold hearings, is expected to schedule them due to the size of the requested increase.

"The company's base electric rates have remained constant during the past 18 years, while inflation has increased general costs by a cumulative 73 percent," said Gary Stone, vice president of Aquila's Colorado operations. The last rate filing by the company was in 1984, when the corporate entity was known as Centel. Centel was purchased by UtiliCorp United in 1991, before the company assumed its current name.

A rate application such as Aquila is submitting is not centered on infrastructure investment, as was typical during the era of vertically integrated utilities, but is based on wholesale market conditions. Aquila has retreated from its speculative energy trading and overseas operations, but still carries sizable debt. Residential customers served by the company, which recently had its debt downgraded to junk status, currently pay 7 cents per kilowatt-hour on average. The impact associated with a 21.8% rate increase would equal about an additional $112.52 per year for a typical Colorado customer.

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