Latest news with #DavePalmer
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Study: Marylanders could save hundreds on electric bills if grid undergoes reform
Contractors complete work on a transmission line ina 2024 file photo from Puerto Rico. (Photo by Dave Palmer/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Maryland ratepayers could save hundreds of dollars a year on their electric bills if the regional power grid operator could speed up approval of energy projects, some of which have languished for five years in the current system. That is main finding of a new report on PJM Interconnection, the grid operator that distributes power in Maryland, the District of Columbia and 12 other states, stretching from the mid-Atlantic to parts of Illinois. The report, released Tuesday by a national environmental nonprofit, predicts that Maryland households could see an average of $546 in annual savings on their electric bills from 2025 to 2040, with savings peaking at$1,006 a year in 2036 over current practices. The report, by Massachusetts-based research and consulting firm Synapse, predicts that bills across PJM will grow by 60% between now and 2036 with no change in policies; with the changes, bills would actually decrease by 7% in that period. 'Folks probably don't know much about PJM or what this organization is doing behind the scenes, but it's about to hit their pocketbooks,' said Charles Harper, senior policy lead for the power sector at Evergreen Collaborative, the environmental nonprofit that commissioned the report. 'So, we wanted to look at what PJM has done to contribute to this problem, by not adding new energy projects efficiently to the electric grid, and to really look forward and look proactively at what reforms we could do now,' he said. It's not just PJM. Harper said grid operators around the country are feeling the pinch of a 'new paradigm.' 'Historically, maybe a few large power plants would be in the queue and would need to be studied. But now, a hundred smaller solar, wind and storage projects are in the queue instead,' Harper said. As demand for AI rises, so do power-thirsty data centers The slow pace of approvals is no longer suitable in a world where the demand for energy is soaring, driven by data centers that require massive amounts of power, including those in Northern Virginia, a data center hotbed. Between 2025 and 2040, energy load growth is expected to increase by 72%, and data centers will account for the majority of that increase. 'That status quo of approving projects slowly is no longer tenable, because it's starting to lead to massive cost increases,' Harper said. But studies have shown that PJM is particularly slow. A February 2024 scorecard from GridLab handed PJM a grade of D-minus, worst of the seven grid operators studied. Tuesday's study indicated that PJM has had 64 energy projects, which together account for 5 gigawatts of production, in its queue since 2020 or earlier. PJM's board has estimated that the region could face capacity shortages as soon as the 2026-2027 delivery year. The report comes as Maryland customers are bracing for increases as high as $18 a month in their residential electric bills this summer, depending on their utility, according to another Synapse study, this time commissioned by the Maryland Office of People's Counsel. The increases are the result of a record-breaking electricity auction last summer by PJM, that set prices for power beginning June 1, 2025. Maryland lawmakers, spurred by complaints of already rising utility bills, approved sweeping energy reform legislation in the just-ended General Assembly session, which included redirecting an energy efficiency fund into refunds for Maryland ratepayers in fiscal 2026. Those refunds are expected to average about $80 per household. The main goal of the legislation, which is awaiting Gov. Wes Moore's (D) signature, was to expedite state-level approvals for new power facilities, for everything from nuclear and solar to natural gas and battery storage. Even then, however, Maryland is still beholden to PJM, which must assess every utility-scale energy project before it can come onto the grid, determining whether transmission upgrades are needed to accommodate new projects, from solar arrays to wind turbines and battery storage. Maryland Energy Secretary Paul Pinsky said during a virtual news conference Tuesday that PJM is 'one of the largest obstacles,' to achieving Maryland's clean-energy goals and lower customer bills. 'For too long, PJM has caved to the interests of fossil fuel generators and utilities that profit from high electricity prices and scarce new generation,' Pinsky said. 'That's, in my opinion, why PJM has slow-walked reforms that would lower prices.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Pinsky said he does not believe Maryland should leave PJM, but called on the member states to pressure the grid operator to speed up interconnection. In a statement, PJM spokesman Jeffrey Shields said the grid operator began 'significant interconnection process reform in July 2023' that has already trimmed the backlog, with additional approvals coming soon. 'In 15 months, PJM relieved the interconnection backlog by 60% and placed more than 6 [gigawatts] of new generation into service,' Shields wrote. Shields added that the 'significantly higher prices in PJM's last capacity auction confirmed concerns that we had been calling out over the past two years — that the supply/demand balance has been tightening.' PJM's reforms included streamlining 'Surplus Interconnection Service,' allowing new energy projects to come online at points where the facility does not run continuously — battery storage beside a renewable energy project, for example. PJM also got approval to start a 'Reliability Resource Initiative,' fast-tracking up to 50 'shovel-ready' projects. But critics, including Pinsky, argue that the criteria for the initiative favor natural gas, rather than renewable energy projects. 'PJM promotes their Reliability Resource Initiative, which fast-tracked projects like gas plants. Many projects in the queue are solar paired with storage. Why aren't these fast-tracked?' Pinsky asked. Tuesday's study called on PJM to embrace additional reforms, including a requirement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that grid operators complete new-project reviews in 150 days. PJM pushed back against that requirement in a filing with the FERC. The study also said PJM needs to update its understanding of battery storage from its current outsated assumption that 'energy storage will charge during peak and require associated transmission upgrades.' The Evergreen report's best-case modeling included some items that PJM said it is already pursuing, such as a 'first-ready, first-served' process that prioritizes approval for projects that could be operational sooner, as well as a clustered approach, where projects can be considered as a group, rather than one-by-one. The study predicts that carbon dioxide emissions would fall 14% if PJM completes the reforms, which it assumes would lead to an increase in renewable energy generation — even though it concedes that the reforms could lead to approval of new gas-fired power plants. Lawmakers approve energy reform bills aimed at cutting rates, boosting in-state generation 'We are not hiding those results, even though we think that better options are available for people and the climate — and for ratepayers,' Harper said. The biggest beneficiary of the reforms would be battery storage, which the report's computer model predicted would increase by 59 gigawatts compared to the status quo scenario. But new gas combined-cycle units came in second with 25 gigawatts, and onshore wind took third place with 8 gigawatts. After a recent appeal led by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), and backed by Moore, PJM has pledged to lower the cap set for the next two annual auctions, thereby lowering rates for customers. PJM has also made a change regarding Maryland coal plants. Talen Energy had planned to close two Maryland coal-fired plants, Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner, but PJM required them to keep running to meet electricity demand, under arrangement, known as a 'reliability must run' agreement. Those plants will continue operating past their June 1, 2025, closure dates, with Baltimore Gas & Electric ratepayers footing the bill. But the energy to be provided by the two plants was not accounted for in PJM's record-breaking energy auction last summer, raising prices further. In effect, BGE customers are paying for Brandon Shores and Wagner twice: once because of the auction and again because they will pay the plants to run. After pushback surrounding the auction, PJM said it will include RMR agreements in future auction calculatiohs. Had Brandon Shores and Wagner been included, BGE customers would see a $5.50 per month increase starting in June — rather than a $16 monthly increase, on average. In a filing Monday, the Office of People's Counsel asked FERC to give BGE ratepayers a reprieve — or give them a refund if a ruling comes after June. 'PJM ran a flawed auction resulting in prices that—unless corrected—will cost Maryland residential electric customers hundreds of dollars per year in unreasonable and unnecessary capacity costs,' Maryland People's Counsel David S. Lapp said in a statement. 'We are asking FERC to undo those unjust results.'
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
We want our steel back, say Scunthorpe's workers
As MPs are recalled to Westminster to discuss the next steps in the fight to keep British Steel going in Scunthorpe – and with it 2,700 jobs – hundreds of those directly affected take to the streets to make their feelings known. BBC News speaks to them on a campaign march. Scunthorpe United FC's crest depicts a hand gripping an iron bar – an apt metaphor for the town's resolve to keep hold of its steelworks in the face of global forces and tense talks in Westminster, which could pave the way for British Steel to be nationalised. The club's nickname, The Iron, marks the town's long association with the steel industry (although in the 20th Century they were also known as The Nuts, after a local reverend quipped they were "tough nuts to crack" when presenting them with a trophy). As hundreds of men, women and children spill on to Doncaster Road on their way to Glanford Park – the home of the football club and, for many, the heart of this proud, working class town in North Lincolnshire – there is the same air of stoicism and defiance. "We want our steel back!" chants the crowd, as passing motorists toot their horns in support. Among the crowd are Dave Palmer and his stepson Ethan Unitt, both wearing Scunthorpe United jerseys. Mr Palmer, 65, says: "My dad and uncles worked at the steelworks. I did for a bit, too. Those works are the beating heart of Scunthorpe – lose it and you lose the town. Simple as." He says the club has historically had close ties with the steelworks. "Back when the club played at the Old Showground, kick-off was always 3.15pm – 15 minutes after other fixtures – to accommodate the steel lads on the 6am to 2pm shift, giving them enough time to get to the game." Pointing to the crest on his Scunthorpe Unit shirt, Mr Unitt adds: "This town is the steelworks. That's why we're The Iron." Word filters through quickly to those on the march that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says nationalisation may be a "likely option", with the bill to help the plant stay open clearing the House of Commons. "It's brilliant news," says Thomas Smith, branch secretary for the Community union, which organised the march. He believes nationalisation represents the best chance of saving steelmaking in Scunthorpe. "We're not there yet but we're close," he says. Mr Smith, a British Steel plant operator, shouts to others to get the banners to the front of the procession, before continuing: "If we lose the works, we lose the beating heart of Scunthorpe." Some in the crowd direct insults at Jingye, British Steel's Chinese owner, which has said the plant is "no longer financially sustainable" and is losing about £700,000 a day. Jingye officials were unable to access the site this morning, sources have told the BBC. But Mr Smith doesn't join in the chanting. "Jingye took us over when no-one else would," he says. "Without them, British Steel would be gone now. So I'm saying to them, 'Thank you, Jingye. But now it's time for us to go our separate ways, with us under the British government'." Looking around at the families on the march, he adds: "All this isn't just for us. It's for future generations that will suffer if it closes." People such as Rob Barroclough's boys. Mr Barroclough is wearing a British Steel hoodie. He is with his two young sons. He says his wife, back home with their daughter, is expecting their fourth child in May. His sons are clutching a placard that says, "Our town, our jobs, our futures". "We are one steel family," explains Mr Barroclough. "Our family, like many others, is built around the steelworks. Who knows? My boys might end up working there one day, if it can be saved." He tells of the strain of the past few weeks. "There have been a lot of very emotional, dark nights," he says. "We're hoping for the best but planning for the worst." Another worker, Nick Adams, 28, wearing a British Steel polo shirt, tells me he is heartened by the turnout. He started working in the steelworks' rod mill in September 2022, and in August next year he is due to get married. "My partner and I also have a mortgage to pay," he says. "It's a huge worry for us both. "If the works close, I'll end up having to commute out of the town." Mr Adams tells of the likely impact on the town should the works close. "It won't just be felt by those directly employed by British Steel," he says. "It'll impact the butchers, the cafes, even the football club." Fifth generation steelworker, Kieran, 30, who does not want to give his surname, looks lost. "I've worked at the steelworks since I left school. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else," he says. "I had to come down here. We need to show the country how much our steelworks mean to us." Before the march, Martin Hopper, Glanford Park's stadium manager, said the club was only too happy to back the steelworkers. "We are a community-based club and a lot of our fans are current steelworkers, retired steelworkers or know someone who is, so it's really important we support them," he said. While he admitted he "does not know the ins and outs" of complex discussions happening 170 miles away in Westminster, he hoped a solution can be found to keep the site open. "Anything the government can do to make British Steel in Scunthorpe sustainable has got to be welcomed," he said. "Steel is a massive part of this town and has been for a number of years." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. British Steel bill clears Commons, as BBC understands owners were unable to access plant earlier Why is British Steel in trouble and who owns it? Government aims to take control of British Steel 'It's madness': Town fights to save steel industry Inside the steel town having its mettle tested British Steel
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
We want our steel back, say Scunthorpe's workers
As MPs are recalled to Westminster to discuss the next steps in the fight to keep British Steel going in Scunthorpe – and with it 2,700 jobs – hundreds of those directly affected take to the streets to make their feelings known. BBC News speaks to them on a campaign march. Scunthorpe United FC's crest depicts a hand gripping an iron bar – an apt metaphor for the town's resolve to keep hold of its steelworks in the face of global forces and tense talks in Westminster, which could pave the way for British Steel to be nationalised. The club's nickname, The Iron, marks the town's long association with the steel industry (although in the 20th Century they were also known as The Nuts, after a local reverend quipped they were "tough nuts to crack" when presenting them with a trophy). As hundreds of men, women and children spill on to Doncaster Road on their way to Glanford Park – the home of the football club and, for many, the heart of this proud, working class town in North Lincolnshire – there is the same air of stoicism and defiance. "We want our steel back!" chants the crowd, as passing motorists toot their horns in support. Among the crowd are Dave Palmer and his stepson Ethan Unitt, both wearing Scunthorpe United jerseys. Mr Palmer, 65, says: "My dad and uncles worked at the steelworks. I did for a bit, too. Those works are the beating heart of Scunthorpe – lose it and you lose the town. Simple as." He says the club has historically had close ties with the steelworks. "Back when the club played at the Old Showground, kick-off was always 3.15pm – 15 minutes after other fixtures – to accommodate the steel lads on the 6am to 2pm shift, giving them enough time to get to the game." Pointing to the crest on his Scunthorpe Unit shirt, Mr Unitt adds: "This town is the steelworks. That's why we're The Iron." Word filters through quickly to those on the march that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says nationalisation may be a "likely option", with the bill to help the plant stay open clearing the House of Commons. "It's brilliant news," says Thomas Smith, branch secretary for the Community union, which organised the march. He believes nationalisation represents the best chance of saving steelmaking in Scunthorpe. "We're not there yet but we're close," he says. Mr Smith, a British Steel plant operator, shouts to others to get the banners to the front of the procession, before continuing: "If we lose the works, we lose the beating heart of Scunthorpe." Some in the crowd direct insults at Jingye, British Steel's Chinese owner, which has said the plant is "no longer financially sustainable" and is losing about £700,000 a day. Jingye officials were unable to access the site this morning, sources have told the BBC. But Mr Smith doesn't join in the chanting. "Jingye took us over when no-one else would," he says. "Without them, British Steel would be gone now. So I'm saying to them, 'Thank you, Jingye. But now it's time for us to go our separate ways, with us under the British government'." Looking around at the families on the march, he adds: "All this isn't just for us. It's for future generations that will suffer if it closes." People such as Rob Barroclough's boys. Mr Barroclough is wearing a British Steel hoodie. He is with his two young sons. He says his wife, back home with their daughter, is expecting their fourth child in May. His sons are clutching a placard that says, "Our town, our jobs, our futures". "We are one steel family," explains Mr Barroclough. "Our family, like many others, is built around the steelworks. Who knows? My boys might end up working there one day, if it can be saved." He tells of the strain of the past few weeks. "There have been a lot of very emotional, dark nights," he says. "We're hoping for the best but planning for the worst." Another worker, Nick Adams, 28, wearing a British Steel polo shirt, tells me he is heartened by the turnout. He started working in the steelworks' rod mill in September 2022, and in August next year he is due to get married. "My partner and I also have a mortgage to pay," he says. "It's a huge worry for us both. "If the works close, I'll end up having to commute out of the town." Mr Adams tells of the likely impact on the town should the works close. "It won't just be felt by those directly employed by British Steel," he says. "It'll impact the butchers, the cafes, even the football club." Fifth generation steelworker, Kieran, 30, who does not want to give his surname, looks lost. "I've worked at the steelworks since I left school. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else," he says. "I had to come down here. We need to show the country how much our steelworks mean to us." Before the march, Martin Hopper, Glanford Park's stadium manager, said the club was only too happy to back the steelworkers. "We are a community-based club and a lot of our fans are current steelworkers, retired steelworkers or know someone who is, so it's really important we support them," he said. While he admitted he "does not know the ins and outs" of complex discussions happening 170 miles away in Westminster, he hoped a solution can be found to keep the site open. "Anything the government can do to make British Steel in Scunthorpe sustainable has got to be welcomed," he said. "Steel is a massive part of this town and has been for a number of years." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. British Steel bill clears Commons, as BBC understands owners were unable to access plant earlier Why is British Steel in trouble and who owns it? Government aims to take control of British Steel 'It's madness': Town fights to save steel industry Inside the steel town having its mettle tested British Steel
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
'We want our steel back' demand Scunthorpe's steelworkers
As MPs are recalled to Westminster to discuss the next steps in the fight to keep British Steel going in Scunthorpe – and with it 2,700 jobs – hundreds of those directly affected take to the streets to make their feelings known. BBC News speaks to them on a campaign United FC's crest depicts a hand gripping an iron bar – an apt metaphor for the town's resolve to keep hold of its steelworks in the face of global forces and tense talks in Westminster, which could pave the way for British Steel to be club's nickname, The Iron, marks the town's long association with the steel industry (although in the 20th Century they were also known as The Nuts, after a local reverend quipped they were "tough nuts to crack" when presenting them with a trophy). As hundreds of men, women and children spill on to Doncaster Road on their way to Glanford Park – the home of the football club and, for many, the heart of this proud, working class town in North Lincolnshire – there is the same air of stoicism and defiance."We want our steel back!" chants the crowd, as passing motorists toot their horns in support. Among the crowd are Dave Palmer and his stepson Ethan Unitt, both wearing Scunthorpe United Palmer, 65, says: "My dad and uncles worked at the steelworks. I did for a bit, too. Those works are the beating heart of Scunthorpe – lose it and you lose the town. Simple as."He says the club has historically had close ties with the steelworks."Back when the club played at the Old Showground, kick-off was always 3.15pm – 15 minutes after other fixtures – to accommodate the steel lads on the 6am to 2pm shift, giving them enough time to get to the game."Pointing to the crest on his Scunthorpe Unit shirt, Mr Unitt adds: "This town is the steelworks. That's why we're The Iron." Word filters through quickly to those on the march that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says nationalisation may be a "likely option", with the bill to help the plant stay open clearing the House of Commons."It's brilliant news," says Thomas Smith, branch secretary for the Community union, which organised the believes nationalisation represents the best chance of saving steelmaking in Scunthorpe."We're not there yet but we're close," he Smith, a British Steel plant operator, shouts to others to get the banners to the front of the procession, before continuing: "If we lose the works, we lose the beating heart of Scunthorpe."Some in the crowd direct insults at Jingye, British Steel's Chinese owner, which has said the plant is "no longer financially sustainable" and is losing about £700,000 a officials were unable to access the site this morning, sources have told the Mr Smith doesn't join in the chanting."Jingye took us over when no-one else would," he says. "Without them, British Steel would be gone now. So I'm saying to them, 'Thank you, Jingye. But now it's time for us to go our separate ways, with us under the British government'."Looking around at the families on the march, he adds: "All this isn't just for us. It's for future generations that will suffer if it closes."People such as Rob Barroclough's Barroclough is wearing a British Steel hoodie. He is with his two young sons. He says his wife, back home with their daughter, is expecting their fourth child in May. His sons are clutching a placard that says, "Our town, our jobs, our futures"."We are one steel family," explains Mr Barroclough. "Our family, like many others, is built around the steelworks. Who knows? My boys might end up working there one day, if it can be saved."He tells of the strain of the past few weeks."There have been a lot of very emotional, dark nights," he says. "We're hoping for the best but planning for the worst."Another worker, Nick Adams, 28, wearing a British Steel polo shirt, tells me he is heartened by the started working in the steelworks' rod mill in September 2022, and in August next year he is due to get married."My partner and I also have a mortgage to pay," he says. "It's a huge worry for us both."If the works close, I'll end up having to commute out of the town." Mr Adams tells of the likely impact on the town should the works close."It won't just be felt by those directly employed by British Steel," he says. "It'll impact the butchers, the cafes, even the football club."Fifth generation steelworker, Kieran, 30, who does not want to give his surname, looks lost."I've worked at the steelworks since I left school. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else," he says."I had to come down here. We need to show the country how much our steelworks mean to us." Before the march, Martin Hopper, Glanford Park's stadium manager, said the club was only too happy to back the steelworkers."We are a community-based club and a lot of our fans are current steelworkers, retired steelworkers or know someone who is, so it's really important we support them," he he admitted he "does not know the ins and outs" of complex discussions happening 170 miles away in Westminster, he hoped a solution can be found to keep the site open."Anything the government can do to make British Steel in Scunthorpe sustainable has got to be welcomed," he said."Steel is a massive part of this town and has been for a number of years."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers' touted electric bill refund would average $81 per household
Linemen work on a power line in Puerto Rico, in this file photo from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Photo by Dave Palmer/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) That potential electric bill refund being touted by legislative leaders as part of a larger energy reform package? It could amount to an average of $81 per household, according to legislative analysts. The provision is one of a laundry list of energy reforms included in legislation that passed unanimously in a Senate committee this week, including language that would expedite the construction of new nuclear energy and — possibly — natural gas power plants in Maryland. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) held up the rebate as the quickest remedy legislators can provide for Marylanders' utility bill sticker shock. 'The goal was to have a short-term impact, a mid-term impact and a long-term impact and that's what this energy leadership package really represents,' Ferguson said Friday. The plan is to use about $200 million from the Maryland Energy Administration's Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which is typically used for energy efficiency projects, Ferguson said. Each household's exact refund would depend on their energy usage, and the payment would arrive in two parts in fiscal 2026: Once during the peak summer season and again during winter. Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery) said Friday, after voting in favor of the bill in committee, that she remains concerned that there is no 'litmus test' determining which Marylanders ought to be compensated. 'My concern is that someone in a megamansion is going to get a whole lot of money, and someone who's trying to pinch their pennies will get a paltry amount, but have a greater need,' Kagan said. But Ferguson said that offering the refund across the board, and basing it on energy usage, was seen as the best way to reach not just low-income ratepayers — who can take advantage of other programs to help with electric bills — but also the middle class. 'We're really concerned for those who are not eligible for the lowest-income funds, but were not wealthy, and that middle gap is really feeling the pinch,' Ferguson said. The SEIF funds actually come from the utilities themselves, which can make 'alternative compliance payments' when they haven't purchased enough renewable energy to comply with state mandates. In fiscal 2024, utilities contributed $318 million to the SEIF fund. It was a large amount relative to prior years, because the alternative compliance fees became less expensive than actual renewable energy credits. Normally, the funding would go to projects meant to fill in the gap, such as HVAC replacements, lighting upgrades and solar panel installations. If approved, the refunds would appear on Marylanders' utility bills as a 'Legislative Energy Hardship Credit.' But some legislators want to go back to the drawing board. Sen. Ronald L. Watson (D-Prince George's) said Thursday that the name ought to be changed to 'consumer relief payment,' or something similar. 'It's not a legislative hardship,' Watson said. 'No, we are reimbursing ratepayers who have paid too much for far too long, and trying to give them something back twice in one year.'
