Tag: 3BL

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. 

Constructing New Wor(l)ds, our new podcast series on sustainable construction

The construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably to deal with the climate crisis and scarcity of natural resources. With these innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

Listen here: Z… for Zero Carbon, A Saint-Gobain Podcast

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Constructing New Wor(l)ds, our new podcast series on sustainable construction

The construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably to deal with the climate crisis and scarcity of natural resources. With these innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

Listen here: Z… for Zero Carbon, A Saint-Gobain Podcast

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

High-speed broadband is on a growth trajectory like few infrastructure projects in America. Comcast is proud to be at the forefront of this era of expansion which is ushering in digital and economic opportunity.

Communities from coast to coast await the first disbursements from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program anticipated later this year. However, we’re already seeing the results of investments from public-private partnerships made a few years ago thanks to the American Rescue Plan.

One of these results is the newly completed rural broadband expansion in Stafford County, Virginia.

We were honored to be joined by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and officials at the state and local level in Virginia. Together, we toured a recently finished project in unincorporated Stafford County. The expansion passed nearly 700 additional homes with our ultrafast Xfinity network, connecting even more homes than originally anticipated.

Watching Comcast’s highly-trained and dedicated technical employees in the field, Secretary Yellen observed the process that installs, manages, and repairs fiber connections. She even participated in a live demonstration of a fiber splicer – a crucial tool our technicians use every day to maintain our world-class, fiber-rich network. Fiber splicers enable us to connect strands of fiber optic cable together, which underpins the reliable and lightning-fast service we provide nationwide.

The Stafford County project, originally announced in early 2022, is a partnership between Comcast and Stafford County. It was made possible thanks to support from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and administered by its Office of Broadband.

Thanks to the exemplary partnership with the Stafford County team, construction remained on-time and on-budget. County leaders convened public meetings to answer residents’ questions and provided a forum to solve challenges together, including with access to private easements, pole attachments, and more.

These partnerships don’t happen overnight. Our teams at Comcast have worked closely with state, regional, and local partners for years to build relationships that today are reaping benefits for communities not just in Virginia, but also in Oregon, Texas, and other states.

Comcast has projects underway across the country, and there are even more in the works – though each project presents a number of considerations before and during the build.

Alongside federal funds, states, cities, and counties are stepping up as well. And the private sector, including Comcast, as we see right here, is seizing the opportunity to expand services. That’s why I see our efforts to close the digital divide as a prime example of how all levels of government, along with private companies and non-profits, can effectively work together.

JANET YELLEN
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

Perhaps the most impactful encounters the Secretary and I had were with Stafford County residents who, as a result of this project, now subscribe to high-speed broadband for the first time.

“My wife is a high school teacher of 42 years. During the COVID pandemic, because we didn’t have high-speed Internet, she had to go to the school to remotely teach her students,” said Richard, a Navy veteran and resident of Stafford County. “The Comcast service we now have is very fast and extremely reliable.”

Stories like this are why Comcast is committed to going “Beyond the Build.” As my colleague David Don said last year, “Comcast brings to local communities its deep-rooted commitment to high-quality technology, widespread adoption, and services that are stable, secure, and innovative.”

Nationally, Comcast has committed $1 billion through Project UP to deliver the connectivity, the tools, and the digital skills people need to succeed today. This includes $39 million invested in more than 127 nonprofits across Virginia that are helping to connect their communities and help people take full advantage of all that the Internet has to offer.

Our mission, our people, and our history of innovation are at the heart of Comcast’s broadband expansion strategy. I’m pleased to say we are on track to pass more than one million additional homes and businesses with our network this year – and we’re just getting started.

Broderick D. Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity for Comcast Corporation.

High-speed broadband is on a growth trajectory like few infrastructure projects in America. Comcast is proud to be at the forefront of this era of expansion which is ushering in digital and economic opportunity.

Communities from coast to coast await the first disbursements from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program anticipated later this year. However, we’re already seeing the results of investments from public-private partnerships made a few years ago thanks to the American Rescue Plan.

One of these results is the newly completed rural broadband expansion in Stafford County, Virginia.

We were honored to be joined by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and officials at the state and local level in Virginia. Together, we toured a recently finished project in unincorporated Stafford County. The expansion passed nearly 700 additional homes with our ultrafast Xfinity network, connecting even more homes than originally anticipated.

Watching Comcast’s highly-trained and dedicated technical employees in the field, Secretary Yellen observed the process that installs, manages, and repairs fiber connections. She even participated in a live demonstration of a fiber splicer – a crucial tool our technicians use every day to maintain our world-class, fiber-rich network. Fiber splicers enable us to connect strands of fiber optic cable together, which underpins the reliable and lightning-fast service we provide nationwide.

The Stafford County project, originally announced in early 2022, is a partnership between Comcast and Stafford County. It was made possible thanks to support from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and administered by its Office of Broadband.

Thanks to the exemplary partnership with the Stafford County team, construction remained on-time and on-budget. County leaders convened public meetings to answer residents’ questions and provided a forum to solve challenges together, including with access to private easements, pole attachments, and more.

These partnerships don’t happen overnight. Our teams at Comcast have worked closely with state, regional, and local partners for years to build relationships that today are reaping benefits for communities not just in Virginia, but also in Oregon, Texas, and other states.

Comcast has projects underway across the country, and there are even more in the works – though each project presents a number of considerations before and during the build.

Alongside federal funds, states, cities, and counties are stepping up as well. And the private sector, including Comcast, as we see right here, is seizing the opportunity to expand services. That’s why I see our efforts to close the digital divide as a prime example of how all levels of government, along with private companies and non-profits, can effectively work together.

JANET YELLEN
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

Perhaps the most impactful encounters the Secretary and I had were with Stafford County residents who, as a result of this project, now subscribe to high-speed broadband for the first time.

“My wife is a high school teacher of 42 years. During the COVID pandemic, because we didn’t have high-speed Internet, she had to go to the school to remotely teach her students,” said Richard, a Navy veteran and resident of Stafford County. “The Comcast service we now have is very fast and extremely reliable.”

Stories like this are why Comcast is committed to going “Beyond the Build.” As my colleague David Don said last year, “Comcast brings to local communities its deep-rooted commitment to high-quality technology, widespread adoption, and services that are stable, secure, and innovative.”

Nationally, Comcast has committed $1 billion through Project UP to deliver the connectivity, the tools, and the digital skills people need to succeed today. This includes $39 million invested in more than 127 nonprofits across Virginia that are helping to connect their communities and help people take full advantage of all that the Internet has to offer.

Our mission, our people, and our history of innovation are at the heart of Comcast’s broadband expansion strategy. I’m pleased to say we are on track to pass more than one million additional homes and businesses with our network this year – and we’re just getting started.

Broderick D. Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity for Comcast Corporation.

This episode is a must-listen for all aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs. Tune in to discover two fascinating life paths that couldn’t be more different yet eventually intersected: Able Heart, former Olympic-level snowboarder turned music producer, and Lior Tibon, CEO & Co-founder of Duetti and former COO of Tidal.

In this episode, you’ll discover two fascinating life paths that couldn’t be more different yet eventually intersected. Dive into the story of Able Heart, former Olympic-level snowboarder turned music producer, and Lior Tibon, CEO & Co-founder of Duetti. Lior shares his groundbreaking approach to financing in the music industry and how Duetti supports independent artists. Able reveals how this partnership has empowered him to scale his career.

Listen to their inspiring stories and insights on transforming the music industry. Hosted by Oisin Lunny.

Listen Here

Looking for more? Subscribe to the Audio Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podimo and Deezer.

About this podcast

This is Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN, which includes JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG. Initially started during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring people together through the power of music, Audio Talks finds itself in Season 9. Hosted by Oisin Lunny, professional music journalist, presenter, and broadcaster, Audio Talks brings together a constantly changing line-up of audio experts, music industry legends, and car audio innovators to explore music and audio from every angle. 
​Tune in for Season 9 with brand new episodes being released every other Thursday.​​

All episodes of the eight previous​ seasons of Audio Talks are available on Podigee and all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

This episode is a must-listen for all aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs. Tune in to discover two fascinating life paths that couldn’t be more different yet eventually intersected: Able Heart, former Olympic-level snowboarder turned music producer, and Lior Tibon, CEO & Co-founder of Duetti and former COO of Tidal.

In this episode, you’ll discover two fascinating life paths that couldn’t be more different yet eventually intersected. Dive into the story of Able Heart, former Olympic-level snowboarder turned music producer, and Lior Tibon, CEO & Co-founder of Duetti. Lior shares his groundbreaking approach to financing in the music industry and how Duetti supports independent artists. Able reveals how this partnership has empowered him to scale his career.

Listen to their inspiring stories and insights on transforming the music industry. Hosted by Oisin Lunny.

Listen Here

Looking for more? Subscribe to the Audio Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podimo and Deezer.

About this podcast

This is Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN, which includes JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG. Initially started during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring people together through the power of music, Audio Talks finds itself in Season 9. Hosted by Oisin Lunny, professional music journalist, presenter, and broadcaster, Audio Talks brings together a constantly changing line-up of audio experts, music industry legends, and car audio innovators to explore music and audio from every angle. 
​Tune in for Season 9 with brand new episodes being released every other Thursday.​​

All episodes of the eight previous​ seasons of Audio Talks are available on Podigee and all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

Over the last five years, Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund® has provided more than $3 million of assistance, which has helped support more than 10,000 Indiana households

PLAINFIELD, Ind., June 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Duke Energy Indiana customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills can apply now for up to $300 in financial assistance. The company announced today it has dedicated an additional $100,000 through its Share the Light Fund to help individuals and families in need.

“As temperatures climb, these funds will help reduce the burden of energy expenses for those who need it most,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “We want to remind customers who may be having trouble paying their utility expenses to contact us about options for managing their bills, including interest-free payment plans.”

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute funds to qualifying customers to help pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges. Individuals should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. Click here to find a listing of service providers by county.

Over the last five years, Duke Energy, its employees and its customers have provided more than $3 million in bill assistance through the Share the Light Fund, which has helped support more than 10,000 Indiana households.

Duke Energy has more than a dozen energy assistance and bill-lowering tools, including:

Usage Alerts that send customers a notification of how much electricity they are using and its cost so they can make adjustments before their billing period ends 
 Free Home Energy House Calls, where energy professionals assess a home for efficiency and provide homeowners with a toolkit of energy saving devices 
 Budget Billing, which helps ease the impact of higher seasonal bills by leveling out monthly payments 
 Interest-free payment plans for customers needing flexibility

To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 900,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht 
Phone: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

Over the last five years, Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund® has provided more than $3 million of assistance, which has helped support more than 10,000 Indiana households

PLAINFIELD, Ind., June 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Duke Energy Indiana customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills can apply now for up to $300 in financial assistance. The company announced today it has dedicated an additional $100,000 through its Share the Light Fund to help individuals and families in need.

“As temperatures climb, these funds will help reduce the burden of energy expenses for those who need it most,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “We want to remind customers who may be having trouble paying their utility expenses to contact us about options for managing their bills, including interest-free payment plans.”

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute funds to qualifying customers to help pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges. Individuals should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. Click here to find a listing of service providers by county.

Over the last five years, Duke Energy, its employees and its customers have provided more than $3 million in bill assistance through the Share the Light Fund, which has helped support more than 10,000 Indiana households.

Duke Energy has more than a dozen energy assistance and bill-lowering tools, including:

Usage Alerts that send customers a notification of how much electricity they are using and its cost so they can make adjustments before their billing period ends 
 Free Home Energy House Calls, where energy professionals assess a home for efficiency and provide homeowners with a toolkit of energy saving devices 
 Budget Billing, which helps ease the impact of higher seasonal bills by leveling out monthly payments 
 Interest-free payment plans for customers needing flexibility

To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 900,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht 
Phone: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

Over the last decade, Clorox has supported the nonprofit Equal Justice Works as it seeks to advance equal justice by promoting a lifelong commitment to public service in the legal community. One of the ways we’ve done that is by funding 12 EJW fellowships through The Clorox Company Foundation. It’s been an impactful and engaging partnership over the years with these fellows, who are recent law school graduates. Through our support, our EJW fellows are making a difference in our communities, and our Clorox teammates have the opportunity to engage with them on their very important work. Additionally, I’ve been able to contribute my time and support by serving on EJW’s board of counselors.

Building on the work of past fellows who have helped advance social justice in areas such as housing, the environment, employment and mental health access, we’re supporting two new fellows from EJW’s class of 2024. Jocelyn Gomez, co-sponsored with law firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius, will be a fellow at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, while Sam Lawrence, co-sponsored with law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, will be a fellow at The Just Sentencing Project at Duke Law’s Wilson Center.

Here’s some background on the projects they’ll begin in September, serving on the front lines of the battle for equal rights under the law in our Bay Area and Durham communities:

Immigrant human trafficking:

Jocelyn Gomez, a recent graduate of University of California, Berkeley School of Law, will focus on advocating for immigrant survivors of human trafficking in the Bay Area of Northern California. Her work will involve direct legal representation, community outreach and coalition building to help empower survivors.

Legal rights for incarcerated children: 

Sam Lawrence, a recent graduate of Duke University School of Law, will represent children incarcerated in North Carolina’s juvenile prisons by creating holistic re-entry plans for them and advocating for their timely release.

What inspired our fellows to do this work:

As a daughter of immigrant farmworkers — a community vulnerable to trafficking and abuse — Jocelyn is committed to helping combat the coercion and abuse targeted at immigrant populations. She is hopeful that this fellowship will empower survivors to safely pursue justice and support without the fear of being wrongly deported or detained by immigration officials.

“Working with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area opened my eyes to the impact an accessible pathway to citizenship can make in the lives of immigrant survivors. I hope to support survivors in regaining their autonomy and seeking justice.” 

Jocelyn Gomez

Before law school, Sam worked at a holistic youth defenders office in New Orleans and as a therapist in North Carolina. The children and families he worked with, along with the lawyers and social workers who zealously advocated on their behalf, inspired him to become a lawyer for incarcerated children.

“As an educator, youth advocate and licensed clinical social worker, I have had the honor of getting to know hundreds of children who were court-involved. Their resilience, creativity, kindness and complexity inspire me to be a lifelong advocate for children.” 

Sam Lawrence

We’re looking forward to seeing all that Jocelyn and Sam will be able to accomplish in the next year. And we’re proud of the important work of our fellows, past and present, and the difference we’re making in our communities through our longstanding EJW partnership.