Microsoft has committed to “paying its way” to ensure its data centers will not ramp up residential utility rates, becoming the first major hyperscaler to publicly commit to a comprehensive framework that ties artificial intelligence (AI) data center growth to cost-recovery rate design. The hyperscaler also pledged to advance utility coordination, directly fund grid infrastructure, […] The post Microsoft Commits to Full Electricity Cost Recovery […]
Former Smelter Site Now Home to 1.2-GW Pumped Storage Hydro Project
Developers of a new pumped storage hydropower installation in Washington state said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a 50-year operating license for the project. Rye Development, a U.S.-based developer of pumped storage hydropower, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), on behalf of its Flagship Fund CI V, on January 22 said FERC gave […] The post Former Smelter Site Now Home to 1.2-GW […]
ERMCO Expands Transformer Manufacturing West with New Arizona Facility
The distribution transformer manufacturer’s first plant west of the Mississippi River will add three-phase production capacity to address ongoing supply constraints. Distribution transformer manufacturer ERMCO announced Jan. 21 it will open a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Arizona—the company’s first expansion west of the Mississippi River. The 566,121-square-foot plant in Waddell, approximately 30 miles […] The post ERMCO Expands Transformer Manufacturing West with New […]
Solving Problems, Not Chasing Technology
In recent years, the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape has shifted from quiet curiosity to relentless noise. Conference taglines, vendor solicitations, and slide decks all seem to begin with the same question: What can AI do for you? And too often the answer comes in the form of a catalog of hundreds of “use cases,” neatly […] The post Solving Problems, Not Chasing Technology appeared first […]
Switched Source Expands Grid-Enhancing Technology Deployments by 60%
Chicago-based Switched Source reported a 60% increase in deployments of its Phase-EQ grid-enhancing technology (Figure 1) over the past year, with units now operating across more than 10 utility service areas from Alaska to Florida. The company’s Phase-EQ device dynamically balances power between phases on distribution circuits, addressing load imbalances that limit how much capacity […] The post Switched Source Expands Grid-Enhancing Technology Deployments by […]
NKT Secures €2 Billion in Contracts for Scottish HVDC Transmission Links
NKT has finalized contracts with SSEN Transmission for two high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission links in Scotland, the company announced January 19. The projects, valued at approximately €2 billion combined, represent the largest contract award in SSEN Transmission’s history. The Danish cable manufacturer will deliver turnkey 525-kV HVDC power cable systems for the Western Isles and […] The post NKT Secures €2 Billion in Contracts for […]
Evolving Technologies, Outdated Regulations Impact Mid-Atlantic Generation Permitting
Energy-generation permitting in the Mid-Atlantic continues to evolve in 2026 not through wholesale deregulation or uniform acceleration, but through procedural and permitting reform and the potential allocation of generation development authority to public utilities. States are enacting these changes to meet the reality of reliability concerns, transmission constraints, large load-growth, and to address frequent obstruction of energy projects by local government. The post Evolving Technologies, […]
PJM Dials Back Near-Term Load Outlook but Maintains Steep Long-Term Growth Trajectory
PJM Interconnection has trimmed its near-term peak-demand projections in its updated 20-year load forecast, citing tighter vetting of large-load adjustment requests and revised electric-vehicle (EV) and economic assumptions. The grid operator, however, reaffirmed expectations for significant long-term growth driven by data centers and broader electrification. In its 2026 Long-Term Load Forecast, issued on Jan. 14, PJM […] The post PJM Dials Back Near-Term Load Outlook but […]
Apex Clean Energy Closes $2.79 Billion in Financing for Three Renewable Energy Projects
Apex Clean Energy said the company has successfully financed three utility-scale renewable energy assets across Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. The Virginia-based company on January 12 announced the deals, saying it marked “a significant year-end milestone and reinforcing the company’s ability to execute at scale.” The financings comprise Coles Wind, a MISO wind project and Apex’s […] The post Apex Clean Energy Closes $2.79 Billion in […]
Data Center Developer, Major Investment Group Plan Gigawatts of New Capacity
A data center development company led by former executives with Amazon Web Services (AWS) has joined with a leading investment group to launch a platform for hyperscale data centers in North America. The post Data Center Developer, Major Investment Group Plan Gigawatts of New Capacity appeared first on POWER Magazine.