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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’s 12 Percent Reserve Riles Some Californians

LCG, November 20, 2002In an effort to prevent future energy crises, FERC plans to instate a 12 percent reserve requirement, but some utilities say such a move will cost too much.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering setting the state energy reserve level at 12 percent as part of a larger effort to prevent events like the California energy crisis of 2000/2001, which landed Northern California utility PG&E in bankruptcy court.

However, some Californian officials object to the proposed measure, saying that forcing utilities to buy extra electricity will result in higher costs, the opposite of the intended effect of preventing high costs.

The California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority asserts that FERC has gone beyond its authority in considering such measures, while representatives from Southern California Edison find minimum reserves necessary but object to FERCs proposal.

Some officials feel that the Independent System Operator should take responsibility for keeping the lights on.

Naturally, utilities will object to any new rules limiting their flexibility; FERC will have to determine whether or not the reserve requirement will be worth its cost to the utilities.

FERC will consider and solidify the reserve issue, as well as other facets of market design, next year.

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