North America News

Latest news and developments from North America region

• Canadian CSI Solar inks framework agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology

  November 24, 2021
  Canadian Solar's CSI Solar business unit announced the signing of a framework agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), to collaborate on battery energy storage systems (BESS), lithium-ion battery module supply, battery storage project operation and maintenance services, and innovative renewable energy technology.

• Southwest Intertie Project-North approved by White Pine County Commission

  November 23, 2021
  The White Pine County Commission unanimously endorsed a resolution to support the of Southwest Intertie Project-North (SWIP-North).

• US House of Representatives pass Build Back Better Bill

  November 22, 2021
  The US House of Representatives passed the USD1.85 trillion Build Back Better Bill and sent it to the US Senate.

• FERC considers changes to reactive power regulations

  November 22, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced a new inquiry (RM22-2) into its reactive power regulations on November 18, 2021, citing the need for a more generic approach to compensating electric generators for providing a service that helps maintain the US power system.

• ERCOT’s analysis estimates Texas Grid still vulnerable to blackouts this winter

  November 22, 2021
  According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), power outages in Texas may occur this winter if the state has a cold spell that may force many power plants offline when electricity demand is high, despite increased preparations.

• SunPower launches VPP to help stablise grid in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut

  November 22, 2021
  SunPower Corp, a leading solar technology and energy services provider, launched its Connected Solutions virtual power plant (VPP) solution, which allows SunVault battery energy storage system (BESS) customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to get paid for allowing utility access to their stored energy at peak demand.

• FERC releases final report on February 2021 event [free access]

  November 17, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and NERC's regional entities released a final report on the impact of the February 2021 extreme cold weather event on the US bulk electric system.

• Louisiana to stay in MISO after PSC puts off decision

  November 17, 2021
  The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) decided against voting on an effort to quit the regional transmission organisation (RTO), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).

• Breakthrough Energy Ventures, National Grid Partners and NextEra invest in TS Conductor

  November 17, 2021
  San Clemente-based TS Conductor Corp. has raised USD25 million through a Series A funding round.

• NYPA’s Smart Path transmission project reaches midpoint of completion

  November 16, 2021
  New York Power Authority‘s (NYPA) Smart Path Moses–Adirondack transmission project has reached the halfway mark to completion.

• Bentley Systems inks agreement to acquire Power Line Systems

  November 16, 2021
  Bentley Systems Incorporated, an infrastructure engineering software company, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with private equity firm TA Associates to buy Power Line Systems for USD700 million.

• FERC examines potential reforms to regional transmission planning

  November 15, 2021
  On November 15, 2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held a technical conference to examine the issues and potential reforms related to regional transmission planning and cost allocation as part of the July 2021 advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANOPR) (RM21-17).

• NextEra submits offshore wind transmission proposals to NYISO

  November 15, 2021
  NextEra Energy Transmission New York, Inc, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., announced that it has submitted multiple proposals, collectively known as New York Renewable Connect, in response to the New York Independent System Operator's (NYISO) Long Island Offshore Wind Public Policy Transmission solicitation.

• Atlantic City Electric completes three upgrade projects

  November 11, 2021
  Atlantic City Electric has completed three key transmission line upgrade projects—the Atlantic to Ocean Counties Reliability Project, Middle Township to the Wildwoods Reliability Project, and the upgrade project in Middle and Dennis townships.

• New federal-state task force debates FERC’s grid solutions to encourage state action

  November 10, 2021
  On November 10, 2021, a new joint federal-state task force (AD21-15), comprising Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) commissioners and ten members of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), debated on how far the FERC should go in encouraging greater state participation within regional grid operators, as part of the its sweeping transmission rulemaking.

• FERC approves transmission rules for SEEM market

  November 10, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorised transmission rules for the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM), dismissing concerns that they violate utility standards for open access to transmission facilities.

• Transource Energy announces route for 345 kV Sooner–Wekiwa line

  November 10, 2021
  Transource Energy LLC, a transmission developer, has finalised the route for a new 345 kV line in Northeastern Oklahoma that will increase reliability and save costs for customers.

• Plus Power achieves financial closure of 185 MW energy storage project

  November 10, 2021
  Plus Power, an independent developer of transmission-connected battery energy storage facilities in Hawaii, announces the completion of a credit facility for its 185 MW/565 MWh Kapolei Energy Storage (KES) project.

• Q CELLS acquires first BESS project

  November 10, 2021
  Q CELLS USA Corp. announced the purchase of the 190 MW/380 MWh Sputnik Energy Storage project, Belltown Power Texas, LLC (Belltown).

• CPUC approves 500 kV Ten West Link project

  November 9, 2021
  On November 4, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the construction and operation of the 500 kV Ten West Link project.