Tag: 3BL

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 13, 2024 /3BL/ — T-Mobile announced today that it was chosen as a wireless solutions provider by the U.S. Department of the Navy as part of the $2.67 billion Spiral 4 contract. This new contract will give all Department of Defense agencies the ability to place orders for wireless services and equipment from T-Mobile for the next ten years.

With Spiral 4, the Department of Defense will have the opportunity to leverage T-Mobile’s leading 5G network for state-of-the-art wireless solutions that meet the evolving needs of government operations. The comprehensive, multiple-award contract includes voice, data, fixed wireless solutions, Internet of Things and mobility management solutions. It will help ensure robust and reliable connectivity for government activities — from mission critical communications to network solutions that serve military personnel and federal civilian agencies.

“The Spiral 4 contract award is a testament to T-Mobile’s leading 5G network and to our focus on building solutions that meet the critical needs of our government customers,” said David Bezzant, Vice President of Sales, T-Mobile for Government. “With a cutting-edge product portfolio, a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, we’re ready to take government innovation to the next level. It’s an honor to serve those who serve this Nation.”

This new contract replaces the previous iteration, Spiral 3, in response to changes in industry standards and technological advancements. Since participating in Spiral 3 starting in 2017, T-Mobile has significantly grown its range of services for government operations. It launched 5G Advanced Network Solutions, a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge 5G solutions and applications — like 5G private and hybrid networks — that meet specific performance needs of government agencies.

T-Mobile also introduced Government Internet, a 5G fixed wireless solution that can function as the main internet connection or as unlimited backup, enhancing reliability and support for critical communications. T-Mobile and 3rd Eye Technologies are making it easier for government agencies to stay compliant with federal message archiving laws with a ready-to-use solution that securely captures and stores SMS and MMS message logs. And in the future, government agencies could leverage T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX, which aims to merge T-Mobile’s network with Starlink’s satellite capabilities with the goal to provide groundbreaking, near-universal connectivity.

For a comprehensive look at T-Mobile’s government wireless network services, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government.

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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About T-Mobile 
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

In celebration of this year’s Black History Month theme “African Americans and the Arts,” our BLK Catalyst business resource group sponsored a new display at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wisconsin, from Oakland-based artist Woody De Othello.

“We wanted to provide a platform to celebrate and honor the work of up-and-coming artists like Woody,” said BLK Catalyst Culture Committee Lead Maya E. “After hearing how he wants to not only make art that is positive, but meaningful and healing, too, we knew we wanted to showcase his work for our fellow Kohler associates and the community.”

De Othello is a former Arts/Industry artist-in-residence, where he spent three months in the Kohler Pottery in 2020 collaborating with skilled Kohler manufacturing craftspeople to explore forms and concepts not possible in his own studio. Arts/Industry, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is administered by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and hosted by Kohler, inviting artists for residencies in the Kohler Co. manufacturing facility, giving them access to expert craftspeople and the materials used for toilets, sinks and faucets. Artists learn the skilled craftmanship of the factory artisans and expand their portfolio with new material sets and inspired works of art.

The displayed sculpture, titled “Starting Off,” is part of a series of animated and cartoonish interpretations of everyday objects.

Keysight employees often engage with the company’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education partners to help encourage young students. Here is just one example from this video by Keysight global demo program manager, Laura Gonzales-Flores, who said “I was thrilled and honored to share my story to inspire future generations into STEM careers. This opportunity was a fulfilling moment to make an impact and connect with young students and encourage them to pursue such careers.”

Tune in to this Discovery Education STEM Careers Coalition video featuring her story here.

Cascale is proud to announce that Adrián Branco, senior manager for Higg Index Brand & Retail, has secured a part-time secondment with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG). In a part-time secondment in-kind with EFRAG that began in March, Branco’s involvement will bring extensive industry knowledge and technical expertise to support the development of textile-specific European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the Textiles, Accessories, Footwear, and Jewelry (MTA) sector.

His contribution will focus on providing expertise in the field, identifying sustainability matters, and drafting the ESRS-MTA under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This work is a pivotal step in shaping the future of sustainability reporting standards for the textile and apparel industry.

The announcement was made during Cascale and Worldly’s recent webinar: “Navigating Legislation & the Higg Index: Higg BRM with CSRD & More.” Click here to view the webinar recording.

By contributing to EFRAG, Cascale enhances its visibility and access to European Union decision-makers, strengthening its role in the ESG data space. This secondment highlights Cascale’s commitment to advocating for effective sustainability disclosure regulations and aligning industry standards.

The robust governance system at EFRAG for approving standards ensures that no single party has undue influence, maintaining transparency and fairness in the process. Cascale’s participation in this process ensures that its contributions benefit the entire industry and support the overarching regulatory goals within the sector.

By Nestor Mato 

Investing. Volunteering. Celebrating.

The Regions Big Bike rode into Central Florida as part of Regions Celebration Week. The five-day event included community volunteering and financial contributions to community partners.

Investing in Entrepreneurs

“The message to entrepreneurs is there are people and organizations ready to invest in your success,” said Chris Hurst, Orlando market executive for Regions Bank.

Regions Bank believes in small businesses. That is why we supported the following organizations that are making a real difference:

$20,000 to help fund the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC). NEC strengthens entrepreneurs through essential resources, expertise, and specialized programs along with a dynamic network of 19 resource partners and initiatives. The focus is to identify and meet the needs of entrepreneurs in our community and set them up for success.

“These funds will fuel tailored programs, from strategic planning to financial literacy and beyond. We will also develop customized workshops to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, to empower them for economic growth,” said Belinda Kirkegard, president for NEC. “Support like that from Regions Bank is transformative because it enables us to innovate and expand services for Central Florida’s entrepreneurs.”

$13,000 grant to support the African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida. The organization is a principal advocate and leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida. The Chamber represents nearly 1,000 members from various industries in six counties. The contribution will help foster a space to drive growth and strengthen networks.$10,000 to help fund the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. The Hispanic Chamber’s goal is to drive economic growth by strengthening Hispanic business in Central Florida. Through the three pillars of Commerce, Coaching, and Community Building, it provides resources, advocacy, seminar sessions, and networking opportunities to help business owners and professionals thrive within the local economy.

“Starting a small business is part of the American dream, and when companies have the right tools for success, the local economy also benefits,” said Hurst. “Both the Hispanic and African American Chambers are committed to further empowering our diverse community, and we are proud to support the work being done to create more inclusive prosperity.”

$6,000 for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSF). The Scholarship Fund is dedicated to investing in the college education of Hispanic/Latino students in Central Florida. The scholarships, student workshops and events are designed to help students earn their bachelor’s degrees and develop critical life skills. This investment also promotes the development of a vibrant and diverse workforce.

“Together, we can empower and inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. This contribution by Regions will support their academic journey and instill a sense of possibility for a brighter future,” said Carolin Requiz Smith, executive director for HHSF. “Regions team members are also fully invested in the organization by providing their expertise, time and talent to support workshops, events, and more.”

Value in Volunteering

As part of Celebration Week, Regions Bank associates also volunteered at 4Roots in Orlando. A customer of Regions since its founding in 2015, 4Roots has been dedicated to unearthing the power of food to build healthier communities. 4Roots works to educate and engage the community about sustainable food systems, striving to restore the balance between people and the planet.Regions Bank volunteers lent their support to 4Roots’ Greenhouse and Food Forest. The Greenhouse, a state-of-the-art facility featuring nine different growing systems, saw our associates help with tasks from seed planting to seedling transfer and area cleanup. At the 4Roots’ Food Forest, a quarter-mile walking path with over 75 edible species, the team participated in planting various species and tidying up the planting areas.

Regions’ efforts advanced the development of 4Roots’ Farm Campus. These resources serve as valuable educational opportunities for neighboring schools and universities, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.

Tommy Ward, 4Roots’ Executive Director

“Regions’ efforts advanced the development of 4Roots’ Farm Campus. The tasks help cultivate healthy, nutrient-dense produce for the local community,” said Tommy Ward, 4Roots’ Executive Director. “These resources serve as valuable educational opportunities for neighboring schools and universities, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.”

Regions Bank also gave back to first responders, healthcare heroes, and the community. Associates gave out lunch to firefighters at the Windermere Fire Station, teachers and staff at Hamlin Elementary School in Winter Garden and workers at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Meals were also served at the Samaritan Resource Center, where the staff works to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in East Orange County.

Originally published in GoDaddy’s 2023 Sustainability Report

Pay Parity

A critical part of building a more inclusive and equitable company is ensuring that employees are paid fairly for doing the same kind of work, regardless of demographics. Reporting pay parity data shows our current and prospective employees that we’re committed to equal pay for equal work.

In 2015, GoDaddy was among the first companies to announce and publish our pay parity results, and we’re proud to achieve gender pay parity (globally) for the ninth year in a row and ethnicity pay parity (in the U.S.) for the seventh year in a row.1

While GoDaddy’s pay parity target is $1.00 for $1.00, a few cents on either side of a dollar is considered an equitable result. This is due to the analysis being a single point in time data set, which includes total compensation awarded, such as annual bonuses and equity grants, all of which are variable and impacted by employee performance.

In 2023, we continued to partner with a third-party expert to execute a multivariate regression analysis that accounts for variables like performance and length of time in a role, which are considered reasonable explanations for differences in pay.2 This supports our efforts in applying appropriate and accepted methods and standards to our analysis and mitigations.

Gender Compensation Data 

GoDaddy-wide, for every $1.00 a man makes, a woman makes the same. We continually achieve pay parity for men and women globally across various career levels and for non-binary employees as well.3

All Company

2023 Women: $1.002022 Women: $1.00

Leaders (Directors +)

2023 Women: $0.972022 Women: $0.97

Technical roles

2023 Women: $1.002022 Women: $0.99

Non-tech roles

2023 Women: $0.992022 Women: $1.00

Non-binary

2023 Non-binary: $0.972022 Non-binary: $1.01

U.S. Race and Ethnicity Compensation Data 

Our U.S. pay data shows that at the company level, for every $1.00 a white employee earns, an employee of color earns $1.01. In 2023, while we achieved pay parity across multiple career levels, we found that pay varies by employee ethnic group in the U.S.4 We continue to study the data to understand how we compensate employees from different underrepresented groups to ensure fairness.

All Company

2023 People of Color: $1.012022 People of Color: $1.01

Leaders (Directors +)

2023 People of Color: $1.022022 People of Color: $1.03

Technical roles

2023 People of Color: $1.012022 People of Color: $1.02

Non-tech roles

2023 People of Color: $1.002022 People of Color: $1.00

A Closer Review U.S. Race and Ethnicity Compensation Data

American Indian

2023 People of Color: $0.962022 People of Color: $0.97

Asian

2023 People of Color: $1.052022 People of Color: $1.04

Black

2023 People of Color: $0.992022 People of Color: $0.98

Hispanic

2023 People of Color: $1.012022 People of Color: $1.00

Pacific Islander

2023 People of Color: $1.022022 People of Color: $1.02

Multiracial

2023 People of Color: $0.992022 People of Color: $0.99

To learn more, read our 2023 Sustainability Report.

###

About this Report 

The GoDaddy 2023 Sustainability Report details our progress toward our corporate sustainability goals, strategies, and initiatives in support of our overarching corporate mission and values. Unless otherwise noted, this report reflects our corporate sustainability performance across our global operations covering the fiscal year period from January 1 to December 31, 2023. To demonstrate our commitment to transparent communication regarding our sustainability progress, we routinely share updates through our website and our annual Sustainability Report. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on this report by contacting ESG@GoDaddy.com.

This report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector. We also disclose our contributions and progress toward priority UN SDGs. For additional information on how we align with these frameworks and key indicators demonstrating our sustainability performance, please review the Frameworks and Metrics section.

1We define achievement of pay parity as pay that is equal to, or a few cents on either side of, a dollar.

2All data is based on end-of-year global employee population data and includes total direct compensation received in 2023, such as base salary, company bonuses and equity awards. In 2022, we broadened our definition of ‘similar work,’ requiring one man and one woman in the same job level. We include employees who have declined to provide their personal demographic data, allowing us to evaluate our whole organization.

3We define achievement of pay parity as pay that is equal to, or a few cents on either side of, a dollar.

4We define achievement of pay parity as pay that is equal to, or a few cents on either side of, a dollar.

Originally published on Essity.com

Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

As a leading global hygiene and health company, Essity plays an important role in contributing to the UN SDGs. We focus on goals 3, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 15, this is where we have our expertise and can contribute the most.

The UN SDGs provide the global community with a roadmap on how to combat challenges related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The goals reflect a growing awareness of the relationship between good hygiene and health, improving well-being and driving economic and environmental progress in the world. They also create a framework for accelerating action and partnership.

As a signatory of the UN Global Compact, we are working to address global challenges through cooperations and partnerships.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

3. Good health and well-being – Essity contributes to Goal 3 through our intensive work to promote better global hygiene and health standards. By providing access to our leading solutions, we are contributing to increased quality of life and well-being. We enable more people to live fuller lives every day by offering access to sustainable hygiene and health solutions and providing education.

5. Gender equality – Essity wants to drive progress on gender equality where we operate, both within the company and in society. By pursuing educational initiatives and collaborations to break the silence around issues related to hygiene and health, Essity contributes to greater gender equality. We are working towards breaking taboos around topics like menstruation and incontinence, enabling those affected, including women, girls, men, and care-giving relatives, to fully participate in society.

6. Clean water and sanitation – Essity works to achieve efficient water usage throughout the entire life cycle of our products and to improve treatment and the quality of the effluent water discharged from our facilities.

12. Responsible consumption and production – Essity, together with our customers, consumers, suppliers, and other business partners, works toward a sustainable and circular society. We ensure resource efficiency and sustainable design of our products and services in the entire life cycle. It is about ensuring social and environmental performance during use and after use for our customers and consumers.

13. Climate action – Essity addresses the challenges of climate change through investments in sustainable innovations, low carbon materials, fossil free energy and breakthrough technologies. We focus on carbon reduction throughout the life cycle, from responsible procurement, to resource efficient production and to sustainable solutions during and after use for our customers and consumers.

15. Life on Land – As a global purchaser of renewable fiber, we require our fresh fiber, recycled fiber and alternative fibers suppliers to comply with our Global Supplier Standards and policies. We responsibly use fiber and other materials from sustainable and renewable sources. Essity is committed to responsible forest management and to preserving the biodiversity of forests and other ecosystems.

Sustainability Priorities

Sustainability is integrated into Essity’s strategy and is a priority for long-term profitable growth. As a company, we are committed to improving the well-being of people and societies, while reducing our environmental impact.

In 2022, Essity further developed its sustainability framework. We identified key areas where we can improve the well-being of people, while at the same time reducing our environmental impact, respecting biodiversity, contributing to a circular society, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“Collaboration will be key to achieving our sustainability targets”

Committing to targets is not a difficult thing, but to deliver on them is a challenge. I work as Business Strategy Director in Essity’s Group Function (Strategy and Business Development) and together with my strategy colleagues throughout the company, we formulate Essity’s long-term strategy, bring it to life and make sure that the company is on the right track to achieve the strategic targets.

One key pillar of the company’s strategic framework is sustainability – our commitment to net zero by 2050 and the ambition to bring sustainable solutions to our customers, consumers, and patients. The external demands on us are increasing every day in all areas of social and environmental sustainability, and we need to continuously assess consumer trends, emerging regulations, but also physical nature risks, to identify business opportunities or mitigate occurring risks. 

In 2022, we developed a sustainability framework that we call the “Essity sustainability playing field” summarizing what sustainability means in the Essity context and defining the areas where we as a company want to shape societies and drive the green transformation. The framework is important in enabling us to focus on the areas where we can have the biggest impact, to track progress and chart our path forward.

Sustainability is managed in a decentralized way at Essity – it is built into the organization everywhere. We have ambitious colleagues throughout the company who are passionate about sustainability and are working hard every day to drive Essity’s sustainability work. Our role as Group Strategy Function is to consolidate ongoing efforts, ensure alignment with the corporate sustainability priorities and, together with the expert colleagues, formulate our direction forward. Succeeding in sustainability and reaching our targets will be determined by collaboration.

Sabine Glösmann 
Business Strategy Director, Essity

The name Essity stems from the words “essentials” and “necessities”. Hygiene and health are the essence of well-being. As a global, leading hygiene and health company, we offer products and services that are essential to people’s everyday lives. That is why we are called Essity.

Read more about Essity’s strategic priorities, earnings and leading sustainability work in the Annual and Sustainability Report 2023, which can be downloaded at www.essity.com.

Eastman

Pevas Bailey began his career in the textiles industry when he was 10 years old in Statesville, North Carolina. That’s where his uncle was a mechanic at a local mill.

“When most kids were playing with toys, I was putting together knitting machines with him in our basement,” Bailey said.

After more than four decades in the industry, he’s now using his experience and knowledge to help customers produce more sustainable textiles with Eastman Naia™ cellulosic fiber.  The fibers are developed to be more eco-friendly by minimizing waste, conserving natural resources and lowering environmental impact.

His work takes him around the globe, a long way from his beginnings in North Carolina.

A family path

After being known as one of the top textile mechanics in the industry, Bailey’s uncle eventually started his own company. Bailey began working there in high school. By the time he entered the Wilson School of Textiles at North Carolina State University, he knew almost everything about manufacturing.

“I got my degree in textile management because my uncle wanted me to have the business side of the education,” he said. “The technical side I had.”

Each weekend he’d return home from college to work for his uncle. One Thursday, a professor explained that it was only possible to knit fabrics one way. Bailey spent the weekend with his uncle modifying a machine to create a new way of knitting, which he showed his professor the following Monday. Bailey and his uncle were going to commercialize it, but emerging computerized technology outpaced their mechanical process.

With graduation nearing, Bailey wasn’t applying to many jobs. He wanted to earn his degree and work for his uncle to thank him for getting him started.

When Bailey’s professors and assistant dean learned he skipped a recruitment session with the Sara Lee Corporation, which owned the Hanes clothing brand, they asked the company to interview him. He was offered a job and went on to work at multiple Sara Lee locations across North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia in the first four years after college.

In 1998, he and his wife moved back to Statesville to help his uncle expand his business and to raise their two children. Seven years later, his uncle was diagnosed with cancer and died shortly after. Bailey inherited the business and ran it for several years.

His uncle inspired Bailey to always put quality first through his commitment to work and to people. And that legacy lives on.

“I closed the business in 2010, and I still have some of his former employees calling me to this day just to say nothing but ‘I was thinking about your uncle and missed him,’” he said. “That’s how beloved he was.”

The future of textiles

Bailey had never heard about sustainability within textiles, but his daughter encouraged him to learn more about the topic around the time he interviewed at Eastman before joining the company in 2019.

Today, as an application development and technical service representative, he’s passionate about helping customers. He helps them learn how sustainable fibers and manufacturing practices can make a positive environmental impact. His deep industry knowledge and manufacturing experience allow him to help customers implement Naia™ into their machines and designs.

Bailey is hopeful about what sustainable fibers promise for mitigating climate change and preventing pollution because he wants a bright future for his grandchildren.

“We’ve got to start fixing this now or our kids don’t stand a chance,” he said. “We have to start thinking of how we can change this world. I’m glad Eastman’s taking the stance to make that change, and I’m glad to be a part of moving in that direction.”

Weaving diversity into the workplace

When Pevas Bailey moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, and began working at Eastman, he wanted to find community for his family. He joined Connect, an Eastman Resource Group (ERG) that promotes the inclusion, development and advancement of African American and Black team members throughout the company. ERGs help underrepresented employees grow professionally, network with colleagues and maximize their business contributions.

“The Connect group is one of the reasons why my family’s happy here,” Bailey said. “Having this community helped us transition to this region. I think Connect is a good vehicle to show our value and encourage more acceptance because of some of the activities that we get involved in.”

Bailey is a mentor with IGNITE, a program started by Connect and Eastman Public Affairs to help middle and high school students plan for their future and career. He’s also participated in events like the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Kingsport.

Originally published on NRG Energy Insights

By NRG Editorial Voices

What is happening in energy policy? From the ongoing nuclear reactor discussion in Texas to Massachusetts’ latest price report, this edition highlights the latest energy policy news and major headlines across several markets for March and April.

How is FERC impacting the energy markets?

Court scraps last-minute FERC rule change in largest power market

A federal appeals court ruled against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of grid operator PJM’s rerun of a capacity auction. The court found that FERC exceeded its authority by allowing PJM to retroactively change auction rules, citing violations of the filed rate doctrine and prompting uncertainty about implementation and market impact.

NRG VP of Regulatory Affairs, Travis Kavulla, called the 3rd Circuit’s decision “a vindication for certainty in how these electricity markets are conducted.”

FERC sets date for landmark transmission rule

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held a special meeting to consider a proposed rule that could significantly alter how power grid expansions are planned and funded. The rule, aimed at improving grid reliability and integrating renewable energy, faces challenges related to cost allocation among states and coordination between federal and state regulators.

How is the East looking to improve infrastructure?

New England states apply for US government transmission and energy storage funding

New England states are seeking federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Innovation Program for electricity transmission and storage projects. They aim to enhance grid reliability and resilience, with two proposed projects focusing on grid interconnection upgrades and increased electricity transfer capacity.

How is retail competition affecting Massachusetts’ energy prices?

Report Says Massachusetts Customers Could Have Saved $1.7 Billion Over Past 2 Years by Shopping for Retail Supplier

A report revealed potential savings for Massachusetts customers enrolled in competitive electric supplier. The analysis suggests that if all customers had chosen the lowest-cost competitive supplier, they could have saved approximately $1.7 billion over two years – emphasizing the benefits of retail electric choice for consumers.

Will there be more generation in Georgia?

Georgia Power Makes Deal for More Electrical Generation, Pledging Downward Rate Pressure

Georgia Power Co. has struck a deal with regulatory staff to accelerate building and acquiring more electrical generation, promising reduced rates for existing customers. The deal, subject to approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission, involves credits toward future rate calculations and commitments to solar generation with battery storage.

Are changes coming to the Texas grid?

Texas Republicans take a stand against bill to connect ERCOT to national grid

Texas congressmen, including Randy Weber, Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon, and John Carter, are introducing a resolution opposing the “Connect the Grid Act,” which aims to integrate Texas’ electric grid with the national grid. The resolution asserts Texas’ autonomy in managing its grid and rejecting federal oversight. Proponents of the bill argue that integration would enhance resilience, lower costs, and aid climate goals without altering the grid’s operation under ERCOT.

Small nuclear reactors may be coming to Texas, boosted by interest from Gov. Abbott

In hopes of addressing issues highlighted by the state’s electric grid vulnerabilities, Governor Greg Abbott is exploring the possibility of smaller nuclear reactors to meet Texas’ growing energy needs. Proponents see small reactors as a solution and continue discussions around the future of nuclear power in Texas and beyond.

Are energy rates lowering in Alberta?

Province unveils plan to stabilize electricity rates in Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith announced legislation to stabilize default electricity rates in Alberta. Set every two years, new rates are expected to take effect January 1, 2025, saving Albertans up to $800 annually. The policy aims to rename the default rate to “Rate of Last Resort,” provide clarity to consumers, and encourage them to explore competitive rate options. 

Originally published on NRG Energy Insights

By NRG Editorial Voices

What is happening in energy policy? From the ongoing nuclear reactor discussion in Texas to Massachusetts’ latest price report, this edition highlights the latest energy policy news and major headlines across several markets for March and April.

How is FERC impacting the energy markets?

Court scraps last-minute FERC rule change in largest power market

A federal appeals court ruled against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of grid operator PJM’s rerun of a capacity auction. The court found that FERC exceeded its authority by allowing PJM to retroactively change auction rules, citing violations of the filed rate doctrine and prompting uncertainty about implementation and market impact.

NRG VP of Regulatory Affairs, Travis Kavulla, called the 3rd Circuit’s decision “a vindication for certainty in how these electricity markets are conducted.”

FERC sets date for landmark transmission rule

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held a special meeting to consider a proposed rule that could significantly alter how power grid expansions are planned and funded. The rule, aimed at improving grid reliability and integrating renewable energy, faces challenges related to cost allocation among states and coordination between federal and state regulators.

How is the East looking to improve infrastructure?

New England states apply for US government transmission and energy storage funding

New England states are seeking federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Innovation Program for electricity transmission and storage projects. They aim to enhance grid reliability and resilience, with two proposed projects focusing on grid interconnection upgrades and increased electricity transfer capacity.

How is retail competition affecting Massachusetts’ energy prices?

Report Says Massachusetts Customers Could Have Saved $1.7 Billion Over Past 2 Years by Shopping for Retail Supplier

A report revealed potential savings for Massachusetts customers enrolled in competitive electric supplier. The analysis suggests that if all customers had chosen the lowest-cost competitive supplier, they could have saved approximately $1.7 billion over two years – emphasizing the benefits of retail electric choice for consumers.

Will there be more generation in Georgia?

Georgia Power Makes Deal for More Electrical Generation, Pledging Downward Rate Pressure

Georgia Power Co. has struck a deal with regulatory staff to accelerate building and acquiring more electrical generation, promising reduced rates for existing customers. The deal, subject to approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission, involves credits toward future rate calculations and commitments to solar generation with battery storage.

Are changes coming to the Texas grid?

Texas Republicans take a stand against bill to connect ERCOT to national grid

Texas congressmen, including Randy Weber, Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon, and John Carter, are introducing a resolution opposing the “Connect the Grid Act,” which aims to integrate Texas’ electric grid with the national grid. The resolution asserts Texas’ autonomy in managing its grid and rejecting federal oversight. Proponents of the bill argue that integration would enhance resilience, lower costs, and aid climate goals without altering the grid’s operation under ERCOT.

Small nuclear reactors may be coming to Texas, boosted by interest from Gov. Abbott

In hopes of addressing issues highlighted by the state’s electric grid vulnerabilities, Governor Greg Abbott is exploring the possibility of smaller nuclear reactors to meet Texas’ growing energy needs. Proponents see small reactors as a solution and continue discussions around the future of nuclear power in Texas and beyond.

Are energy rates lowering in Alberta?

Province unveils plan to stabilize electricity rates in Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith announced legislation to stabilize default electricity rates in Alberta. Set every two years, new rates are expected to take effect January 1, 2025, saving Albertans up to $800 annually. The policy aims to rename the default rate to “Rate of Last Resort,” provide clarity to consumers, and encourage them to explore competitive rate options.