RMEL eNews

Industry Information

Department of Energy Announces COVID-19 Innovation Portal and Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Technology Transitions has announced new resources for innovators to combat COVID-19 through its Lab Partnering Service (LPS) and the COVID-19 Technical Assistance Program (CTAP). Supported by DOE's Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), these initiatives will allow America's innovators to readily access vital resources and connect and partner with experts at DOE's 17 National Laboratories in the fight against the virus.

Visit https://electricenergyonline.com/article/energy/category/general/90/838951/department-of-energy-announces-covid-19-innovation-portal-and-assistance-program.html to view the full article online.

When Storms Collide: Utilities' New Approach to Hurricane Restoration in the Age of COVID-19

The Atlantic hurricane season began Monday, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it is anticipating a "busy" six months.

Visit https://www.utilitydive.com/news/when-storms-collide-utilities-new-approach-to-hurricane-restoration-in-th/578976/ to view the full article online.

EPA issues final rule for Clean Water Act Section 401

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler has announced a final rule the EPA says “will help accelerate and promote the construction of important energy infrastructure across the United States, while ensuring the nation’s waterways are protected.”

Visit https://www.hydroreview.com/2020/06/02/epa-issues-final-rule-for-clean-water-act-section-401/ to view the full article online.

Over $10 Million Awarded for Projects Advancing U.S. Offshore Wind

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium announced the selection of twelve projects for contract negotiation, completing its first solicitation for offshore wind research and development technology projects.

Visit https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/2020/06/05/over-10-million-awarded-for-projects-advancing-us-offshore-wind/ to view the full article online.

DOE to Provide $30 Million to Develop Small-Scale Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems and Hybrid Energy Systems

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) has announced up to $30 million in federal funding for cost-shared research and development projects under a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for Small-Scale Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems and Hybrid Energy Systems.

Visit https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-provide-30-million-develop-small-scale-solid-oxide-fuel-cell-systems-and-hybrid-energy to view the full article online.

Novel Solutions to Play a Big Role in Hydrogen’s Future

The road to large-scale hydrogen production is likely to be long and riddled with tough challenges, particularly if it is to become a fixture offshore.

Visit https://www.energyvoice.com/otherenergy/243740/novel-solutions-to-play-a-big-role-in-hydrogens-future/ to view the full article online.

Canada is the Largest Source of U.S. Energy Imports

Canada is the largest source of U.S. energy imports and the second-largest destination for U.S. energy exports behind only Mexico. Energy is an important component of trade between Canada and the United States. In 2019, based on the latest annual Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) data from the U.S. Census Bureau, energy accounted for US $85 billion, or 27%, of the value of all U.S. imports from Canada. Crude oil and petroleum products accounted for 91% of the value of U.S. energy imports from Canada and 89% of the value of U.S. energy exports to Canada.

Visit https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=43995 to view the full article online.

Four Colorado Utilities Join Western Energy Imbalance Market

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has signed an implementation agreement with Xcel Energy Colorado, paving the way for its participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) in 2022.

Visit https://www.tdworld.com/utility-business/article/21132352/four-colorado-utilities-join-western-energy-imbalance-market to view the full article online.

Member Announcements

City of Austin Customers Receive Nearly $897,000 in Utility Bill Help; Funds Still Available to Help

Since City Council's April 9th passage of funding for additional utility bill assistance during this unprecedented time, City of Austin Utilities has provided $896,948 in financial help to our residential customers.

Visit https://austinenergy.com/ae/about/news/news-releases/2020/funds-still-available-to+help-city-of-austin-utility-customers-struggling-amidst-covid19 to view the full article online.

As Temperatures Rise, APS Offers Ways to Save

As Arizona temperatures rise and people are spending more time at home, APS offers tips to save money on summer electric bills. Customers have an array of options that can help save money while staying cool and safe at home.

Visit https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/As-temperatures-rise-APS-offers-ways-to-save to view the full article online.

Basin Electric named to Young Professionals 2020 Top 10 Places to Work for Young Professionals

For the fourth year in a row, Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals (YP) has recognized Basin Electric as one of the Top 10 Places to Work for Young Professionals.

Visit https://www.basinelectric.com/news-center/news-briefs/basin-electric-named-young-professionals-2020-top-10-places-work-young to view the full article online.

Black Hills Corp. Submits Consolidated Rate Review Proposal in Nebraska and Files Wygen I Power Purchase Agreement Settlement with FERC

Black Hills Corp. announced that its Nebraska natural gas utility, Black Hills Nebraska Gas, LLC, doing business as Black Hills Energy, filed a rate review application with the Nebraska Public Service Commission to consolidate rate schedules into a new, single statewide rate structure and to seek recovery for $450 million of infrastructure investments in its 13,000-mile natural gas pipeline system.

Visit https://www.blackhillscorp.com/node/118175#.XtpxjiFKi70 to view the full article online.

San Antonio Ranks 5th in U.S. for Solar Energy

San Antonio moved up to 5th place nationally for solar energy capacity, according to the seventh edition of an annual report by Environment Texas Research & Policy Center.

Visit https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/san-antonio-ranks-5th-in-u-s-for-solar-energy/ to view the full article online.

EPE Manages Beyond Pandemic To Safely Maintain Annual College Summer Internship Program

El Paso Electric officially welcomes its newest cohort of eight college scholars for the Company’s 9th annual summer internship program.

Visit https://www.epelectric.com/company/news/epe-manages-beyond-pandemic-to-safely-maintain-annual-college-summer-internship-program to view the full article online.

Evergy Pledges $2.2 Million to Local COVID-19 Relief in Historic Commitment

Evergy is committing $2.2 million to help agencies, communities and customers respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing its 2020 planned community giving to more than $8 million.

Visit https://www.evergyinc.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-pledges-22-million-local-covid-19-relief-historic to view the full article online.

Spencer, Wiese Named to Vice President Positions at NPPD

Two new vice presidents were recently announced by Nebraska Public Power District President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Kent. In addition, two current vice presidents were promoted. “One vice president will be over our energy production organization, and the other will be over our energy delivery organization,” Kent explained in making the appointments. “This will create more future opportunities for leadership growth and development within the organization.” Michael (Mick) Spencer was named Vice President of Energy Production and Art Wiese was named Vice President of Energy Delivery.

Visit https://www.nppd.com/press-releases/spencer-wiese-named-to-vice-president-positions-at-nppd to view the full article online.

OPPD Offers New and Improved Process and Resources for Customer-Owned Generation

More and more people are showing interest in generating their own electricity through solar panels, wind turbines, or other sources. Omaha Public Power District now has a new and improved process to help them get started.

Visit https://www.oppd.com/news-resources/news-releases/2020/may/oppd-offers-new-and-improved-process-and-resources-for-customer-owned-generation/ to view the full article online.

Southern Power acquires Beech Ridge II Wind Facility

Southern Power, a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider and subsidiary of Southern Company, announced the acquisition of its 13th wind project — the 56-megawatt (MW) Beech Ridge II Wind Facility — from Invenergy, a leading developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy solutions.

Visit https://www.southerncompany.com/newsroom/2020/may-2020/southern-power-acquires-beech-ridge-ii-wind-facility.html to view the full article online.

Salt River Project Issues RFI to Gather Information on Projects up to 500 MW of Wind Power

Salt River Project has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for up to 500 megawatts (MW) of wind energy. The RFI seeks response from experienced wind project developers who can provide wind energy supply from new or existing wind projects.

Visit https://media.srpnet.com/salt-river-project-issues-rfi-to-gather-information-on-projects-up-to-500-mw-of-wind-power/ to view the full article online.

Five Ways We Prepare for Wildfire Season

While the wildfire season officially starts May 1, wildfire risk mitigation takes place year-round at Tucson Electric Power.

Visit https://www.tep.com/news/five-ways-we-prepare-for-wildfire-season/ to view the full article online.

Auditing Compliance Virtually is a WAPA Win

During the first week in March, Reliability Compliance Management Specialist Al Slucher connected with Vice President of Reliability and Compliance Brent Sessions. Slucher had a problem. With the eruption of COVID-19 across the western U.S., the mock audit he had been working for six months to set up at the Desert Southwest office in Phoenix, Arizona, was suddenly a big question mark.

Visit https://www.wapa.gov/newsroom/NewsFeatures/2020/Pages/Auditing-compliance-virtually-is-a-WAPA-win.aspx to view the full article online.

Xcel Energy Explores Renewable Natural Gas for Customers

Xcel Energy is expanding its clean energy leadership to the natural gas industry, by exploring how it could deliver renewable natural gas to customers.

Visit https://www.xcelenergy.com/company/media_room/news_releases/xcel_energy_explores_renewable_natural_gas_for_customers_ to view the full article online.

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