Utilities

August, 2008 -- Solomons Island, MD - A coalition of safe energy advocates warned today that the third reactor proposed at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant is not in the public’s best interest and likely will become an extremely costly and dangerous mistake for the region’s energy policy. The advocates were scheduled to testify at Maryland Public Service Commission’s first public meeting Monday night on the proposal to build a new atomic reactor on the Chesapeake Bay.

UniStar, a consortium of Baltimore-based Constellation Energy and the French electricity operator EDF, has selected the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power station in Lusby, Maryland, for the construction of the first 1,600-megawatt Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) proposed for the United States.    » read more »

New State laws go into effect May 14, 2008

May 14, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s energy efficiency law takes effect today, as well as nearly 50 news laws. Governor Richardson worked with House Speaker Ben Lujan to pass the Efficient Use of Energy Act, which require utilities to provide more energy efficiency to New Mexico consumers.

HB 305 Utility Customer Load Management

One of the most prominent bills from the 2008 Legislative Session was House Bill 305, a major piece of energy efficiency legislation. Sponsored by Speaker Ben Lujan, HB 305 directs electric and gas utilities to acquire all cost-effective and achievable energy efficiency resources. The goal is to reduce energy consumption by 20-percent by 2020.    » read more »

Help Secure Maryland's Energy Future; O’Malley Signs BGE Settlement Worth Nearly $2 Billion for Maryland Ratepayers

BALTIMORE, MD -- April 24, 2008 -- Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown, to sign legislation to protect Maryland’s environment and the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and help secure Maryland’s energy future.

Chesapeake Bay: Photo by Big Mike 42    » read more »

$15 million Hawaii project to install electrical distribution system at Maui substation

April 21, 2008 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Kevin Kolevar today announced the selection of a Hawaii project as part of a nationwide demonstration to modernize the country’s electricity grid system.

Hawaii powerlines: Photo by Quinn Dombrowski (CC)    » read more »

April 9, 2008 -- (BOISE) – Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Administrator Stephen J. Wright announced a 10-year $65 million funding agreement today to enhance fish recovery projects in Idaho.

“We celebrate this historic event and look forward to the next 10 years of stable funding,” Governor Otter said.

Idaho fishermen: Photo by Kris Oliver (CC)

“We spend too much time and money in the courts and not enough time out on the ground improving fish habitat. This is a great day for Idaho’s fish and wildlife.”    » read more »

Attorney General’s Public Counsel Section urges customers to comment on PSE’s proposed rate hikes and merger

March 31, 2008 -- SEATTLE – The Washington Attorney General’s Public Counsel Section, which represents the public in utility rate cases, says Puget Sound Energy customers need to keep an eye out for a special notice in their April/May bills.    » read more »

$170 One-Time Refund for All BGE Ratepayers Totaling $187 Million;
Eliminates $1.5 Billion in Future Liability for Ratepayers

$346 Million in Credits Secured; Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Facility a Top Priority -- ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 27, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Michael Busch and PSC Chairman Steven Larsen, announced today that the State of Maryland has reached a global settlement with Constellation Energy Group for Maryland ratepayers and families.
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley Explains Settlement Agreement With Constellation Energy    » read more »