Energy & Utilities

Kentucky Power storm expense accounting deferral request

The Kentucky PSC issued a Staff First Request for Information to Kentucky Power Company in Case No. 2026-00067, requiring detailed documentation regarding the company's application to establish a regulatory asset for extraordinary O&M expenses incurred during the December 18-19, 2025 major storm event. Responses are due by April 15, 2026.

Kentucky PSC Investigation of Crittenden-Livingston County Water District

The Kentucky Public Service Commission initiated Case No. 2026-00066 to investigate Crittenden-Livingston County Water District and its named commissioners and manager for alleged violations of KRS 278.160 (rate schedule filing requirements) and prior Commission Orders. The district, serving approximately 3,731 retail customers and multiple wholesale water customers, faces potential civil penalties of up to $2,500 per offense under KRS 278.990.

Barrelhead Solar 54MW Merchant Solar Facility Construction Certificate Wayne County

The Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting granted Barrelhead Solar, LLC a Construction Certificate to construct an approximately 54-megawatt ground-mounted solar photovoltaic electric generating facility on approximately 307 acres in Wayne County, Kentucky. The Siting Board verified compliance with statutory requirements under KRS 278.700-718 including public notice, local zoning compliance, site assessment report, and consultant review. There are no intervenors and no penalties specified in this order.

Farmers RECC Rehearing Information Request

The Kentucky Public Service Commission ordered Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation to file specific information related to its general rate adjustment proceeding by April 10, 2026. The request seeks detailed cost breakdowns for collared meter disconnections/reconnections and explanations of disconnection circumstances.

Chambers v. Kentucky-American Water Company - Utility Billing Dispute

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued Order in Case No. 2024-00350 regarding a formal complaint by Charles Douglas Chambers against Kentucky-American Water Company. Chambers alleged a July 2024 water bill ten times his typical amount (7,000 gallons) due to a meter reading issue, while Kentucky-American maintained the meter was accurate and attributed usage to a leaking toilet. Commission Staff conducted independent meter testing as directed in prior proceedings.

PacifiCorp Residential Rate Increase Approved

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved PacifiCorp residential rate adjustments effective April 1, 2026. The typical residential customer's monthly bill will increase by approximately $4.29 (2.9%). Albany customers will see a slightly higher increase averaging $5.64 (4.1%) due to underground power line relocation costs. The adjustments reflect the 2024 power cost true-up, new wind farm costs, and updated Energy Trust of Oregon funding.

Homer Electric Association Annual Secondary Service Fee Revision

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska is reviewing a proposed annual revision to Homer Electric Association's Secondary Service Fee under Docket TA487-32. This routine rate adjustment filing affects the electric utility's secondary service charges. The commission will evaluate the proposed changes before determining whether to approve, modify, or reject the revision.

Chugach Electric Distribution Service Charge Update

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska posted a public notice for Chugach Electric Association's annual update to distribution service charges under Docket TA589-8. The filing represents a routine rate adjustment proceeding for the electric utility. The public comment period opens for consumers to review the proposed changes to distribution service rates.

Safe Digging Starts with Calling 811

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission issued an announcement recognizing April as National Safe Digging Month, reminding contractors and homeowners to call 811 before excavating. The Hawaii One Call Center provides free utility locate services to identify underground lines. Professional excavators and contractors are required by state law to notify HOCC before excavation, with potential fines for non-compliance.

CO PUC and DHSEM Recognize 9-1-1 Education Month and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced participation in National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18, 2026). The notice promotes awareness of 9-1-1 services including Text-to-9-1-1, Smart 911 registration, and recognizing approximately 1,460 Colorado 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers. No new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are established.

Leuwam Tesfai Appointed Executive Director of CPUC

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the appointment of Leuwam Tesfai as Executive Director. Tesfai, who began her career at CPUC as an intern 15 years ago, now leads the 1,600-person agency that regulates utilities and influences California's economy as the fourth largest in the world. Prior to this appointment, she served as Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy.

Peerless Network Name Change to Infobip Voice

The Utah Public Service Commission received a corporate name change notification from Peerless Network of Utah, LLC, a telecommunications carrier. The company filed notification to legally change its name to Infobip Voice, Inc. This is an administrative filing to update the utility's registered name on state telecom records.

Rocky Mountain Power 2026 Inter-Jurisdictional Cost Allocation Protocol

Utah Public Service Commission docket tracking Rocky Mountain Power's application for approval of the 2026 Inter-Jurisdictional Cost Allocation Protocol. The docket includes testimony from the Utah Large Customer Group, responses from the Office of Consumer Services, and procedural motions. The most recent filing (April 1, 2026) is a motion to extend the procedural schedule.

Joint Petition for Non-Residential Customer Release

The Illinois Commerce Commission docket P2026-0300 concerns a joint petition filed by Ameren Illinois Company and Monroe County Electric Cooperative, Inc. seeking approval for the release of one non-residential customer. The petition falls under the Electric Suppliers Act and is currently in initial stages with an Administrative Law Judge action pending.

SummitIG Proprietary Treatment Request for Annual Report

SummitIG, LLC filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission requesting emergency relief to protect portions of its Annual Report from public disclosure for two years. The request cites the need to safeguard highly proprietary information contained in the filing. The petition (Docket P2026-0301) is currently pending before an Administrative Law Judge.

EV Charging Station Installer Certification Application

The Illinois Commerce Commission received an application from GreenLight Construction Group LLC d/b/a GreenLight Energy Solutions Group for certification to install, maintain, and repair electric vehicle charging station facilities under Section 16-128A of the Public Utilities Act. The application, docketed as P2026-0302, is currently in initial status with Administrative Law Judge action pending. This is a routine certification filing under the state's EV charging infrastructure regulatory framework.

Latvian Gas Transmission Tariff Compliance Evaluation

ACER released a report evaluating Latvian gas transmission tariff compliance with EU Network Code requirements. The evaluation found the proposed reference price methodology does not comply with requirements on cost-reflectivity, cross-subsidisation, and cross-border trade. The Latvian regulator must adopt a final decision by 6 June 2026.

Regional Electricity Reserve Sizing Methodology Amendment

ACER received a proposal from ENTSO-E on March 25, 2026, to amend the methodology for regional sizing of electricity reserve capacity. The proposed changes would specify the appropriate time span of historical data RCCs should use and clarify reserve capacity requirements for positive and negative imbalances. ACER will decide on the amendment by June 25, 2026, and is accepting public comments.

RIIO-2 Visual Impact Mitigation Re-opener: National Grid Cotswolds Project

Ofgem has published a consultation on its draft determination regarding National Grid Electricity Transmission's funding request for the Visual Impact Mitigation project in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. NGET submitted the application on 16 May 2025 under the RIIO-2 uncertainty mechanism for additional allowances. Comments on the draft determination are due by 28 April 2026.

RIIO-3 Associated Documents Modifications Consultation

Ofgem published a consultation on proposed modifications to RIIO-3 associated documents, including GD2/GD3 and GT2/GT3 Crossover Guidance documents, an issues log, and NGET NLRE PCD Suite supplementary guidance. The consultation covers methodology and process for making crossover adjustments to allowances for gas distribution, gas transmission, and electricity transmission networks. Comments close 13 May 2026.

Smart Metering Data Third-Party Access Scoping Exercise

DESNZ and Ofgem have launched a joint scoping exercise to explore creating repositories for smart metering data that would enable consumers to share their historical energy usage data with consented third parties. The initiative aims to allow consumers to receive tailored products and services based on their energy consumption patterns. The scoping exercise is expected to conclude by end of May 2026, with a preferred approach to follow for further consultation.

Energy Network Price Control Guidance for 2026-2031 (RIIO-3)

Ofgem published comprehensive guidance for the RIIO-3 price control period covering 2026-2031. The guidance applies to electricity transmission, gas transmission, and gas distribution network companies operating in England, Scotland, and Wales. Network companies must use this guidance along with sector-specific documents to meet their licence conditions.

Gas Transmission Price Control RIIO-GT3 Guidance

Ofgem published RIIO-GT3 guidance for gas transmission network operators covering the 2026-2031 price control period. The guidance applies to licensed gas transmission networks in England, Scotland, and Wales. Gas transmission network companies must use this guidance along with the Network price control 2026 to 2031 (RIIO-3) guidance to meet their licence conditions.

RIIO-ET3 Electricity Transmission Price Control Guidance

Ofgem published guidance for electricity transmission network companies on the RIIO-ET3 price control framework covering 2026 to 2031. The guidance provides 11 associated governance documents including Community Funds, Load Use-it-or-Lose-it, System Operator Optimization, and Advanced Procurement Mechanism. Transmission network operators must use this guidance to comply with their licence conditions across England, Scotland and Wales.

Gas Distribution Price Control Guidance for RIIO-GD3 Period

Ofgem issued guidance establishing the RIIO-GD3 price control framework for gas distribution networks covering 2026-2031. The guidance applies to all gas distribution network operators and must be used alongside the broader RIIO-3 network price control guidance to meet licence conditions. Supporting governance documents cover collaborative streetworks, fair treatment, and vulnerability and carbon monoxide initiatives.

Safe Digging Reminder - Call 811 Before Projects

The Illinois Commerce Commission issued a Safe Digging Month reminder for April 2026, urging all homeowners and professional excavators to call 811 at least three business days before any digging project. ICC enforcement staff issued 236 warnings and 1,022 citations in 2025 for safe digging violations, resulting in over $3.1 million in penalties. JULIE and DIGGER manage the state's One-Call notification system for underground utility locate requests.

Public Hearings for Pepco Electric Rate Increase Proposal

The Maryland Public Service Commission announced two virtual public hearings on April 14 and April 17, 2026 to receive input on Pepco's proposal to increase electric distribution rates by $133 million annually. Pepco serves approximately 610,000 customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. Under the proposed rate increase, the average residential customer would see a monthly bill increase of $11.73.

Pepco Multi-Year Rate Plan Final Reconciliation Order

The Maryland Public Service Commission issued Order 9655, a final reconciliation order for Pepco's Multi-Year Rate Plan. The order reconciles the utility's actual costs and revenues against the approved rate plan projections and adjusts rates accordingly. Pepco and affected consumers should review the order and accompanying Appendix A for specific reconciliation adjustments.

MPSC podcast on public engagement for transmission lines

The Michigan Public Service Commission released a podcast episode detailing new voluntary filing guidelines for electric transmission line developers. The guidelines establish improved public participation requirements and greater routing flexibility for landowners affected by major transmission projects. This follows MPSC's July 2025 approval of the first new high-voltage transmission lines in over a decade.

Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project Scoping Notice

FERC published a notice opening a scoping period for the Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project relicensing (Project No. 8369-050) in Saranac Lake, New York. The Commission requests written public comments on environmental issues to be addressed in the NEPA document. Comments must be received by April 27, 2026.

Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric License Application - Motions to Intervene

FERC has accepted for filing a subsequent license application from the Village of Saranac Lake for the Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project (P-8369-050) located on the Saranac River in Franklin and Essex Counties, New York. The Commission is soliciting motions to intervene and protests from interested parties by May 26, 2026. The project includes a 134-foot-long, 33-foot-high dam with spillway, gates, and impoundment.

Kenai LNG Cool Down Expansion Project - Scoping Period and Public Comment Request

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has opened a 30-day public scoping period to gather input on environmental issues for the Kenai LNG Cool Down Expansion Project proposed by Trans-Foreland Pipeline Company LLC in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. Comments must be submitted by April 27, 2026. This is a standard NEPA procedural step in FERC's review process to determine whether the LNG expansion project is in the public interest.

Combined Notice of Filings - Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Reports

FERC published a Combined Notice of Filings listing natural gas pipeline rate and refund report filings received between March 26-27, 2026. The notice covers seven dockets (RP26-679 through RP26-684) involving pipeline operators including Southern Natural Gas Company, Viking Gas Transmission, Bear Creek Storage, Midcontinent Express Pipeline, Rockies Express Pipeline, and Trailblazer Pipeline Company. Comment dates range from April 7-8, 2026.

Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report Filings Notice

FERC posted notice of five natural gas pipeline filings received March 25-26, 2026, including rate filings for Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage Inc., and Wisconsin Power and Light Company. Also noticed Garden Banks Gas Pipeline LLC's accounting request and Equitrans L.P.'s tariff amendment for a shipper name change effective May 1, 2026. Comment deadlines range from April 2 to April 15, 2026.

FERC-552 and FERC-549E Information Collection Extensions

FERC is soliciting public comments on the three-year extension of FERC-552 (Annual Report of Natural Gas Transactions) and FERC-549E (Price Index Data Providers and Developers) information collection requirements. There are no changes to the existing reporting requirements. Comments are due April 30, 2026.

FERC-725Z IRO Reliability Standards Information Collection Extension Request

FERC published a notice requesting comments on extending the currently approved information collection FERC-725Z (Mandatory Reliability Standards: IRO Reliability Standards). The collection covers NERC-developed IRO reliability standards including IRO-001-4 and IRO-002-7. No changes to existing reporting requirements are proposed, and no comments were received on the prior 60-day notice that ended March 16, 2026. Comments on this extension request are due April 30, 2026.

Electric Rate and Exempt Wholesale Generator Filings Received

FERC received multiple electric rate filings, exempt wholesale generator certifications, and an accounting request from various applicants including PECO Energy Company, Invenergy entities, and PacifiCorp. The filings include compliance informational filings pursuant to PJM OATT Schedule 2, market-based rate tariff amendments, and rate filings under Section 205(d). Public comment deadlines range from April 15-16, 2026.

Credit Related Information Sharing Between RTOs/ISOs Information Collection Comment Request

FERC is soliciting public comments on the three-year extension of FERC-1005 information collection requirements for credit-related information sharing between RTOs/ISOs. The Commission proposes no changes to ongoing reporting requirements but is removing a completed one-time tariff provisions compliance filing burden (6 responses, 150 hours, $15,300). The remaining ongoing collection burden is 12 responses annually with 48 total burden hours at $4,896 cost.

Environmental Assessment for Ruedi Hydroelectric Project Non-Capacity Amendment

FERC staff prepared an Environmental Assessment for City of Aspen's non-capacity amendment of license for the Ruedi Hydroelectric Project No. 3603 in Colorado. The proposed modifications include a new 22x28-foot powerhouse, 110 feet of new penstock, a 1.2-megawatt turbine/generator unit, concrete tailrace, bypass line, and electrical system modernization. Staff concluded the amendment would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the human environment.

East Branch Hydroelectric Project Jurisdictional Determination

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission received a jurisdictional determination request from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation for the unlicensed East Branch Hydroelectric Project on the East Branch of the Missisquoi River in Orleans County, Vermont. FERC is soliciting public comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding whether the project requires federal licensing under Section 23(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act. Comments must be filed within 45 days, by May 11, 2026.

DOE Fluorescent Lamp Ballast Standards Comment Form

The Department of Energy is soliciting public comments on fluorescent lamp ballast energy efficiency standards through Regulations.gov. The comment period remains open for 61 days, allowing manufacturers, trade associations, and other stakeholders to submit feedback on the proposed standards.

No Amendment to Fluorescent Lamp Ballast Energy Conservation Standards

The DOE has issued a Notification of Proposed Determination (NOPD) tentatively determining that amended energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts would not be cost-effective. The agency proposes NO amendment to existing standards. Comments are requested on this determination and associated analyses. A public webinar is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

FERC combined filings notice for regulatory submissions

FERC combined filings notice for regulatory submissions

Oregon PGE Residential Rate Increase

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved rate adjustments for Portland General Electric residential customers effective April 1, 2026. The combined impact of the annual power cost adjustment and other rate-related filings increases typical residential bills by approximately $7.97 per month (5%). The changes reflect updated fuel and power cost forecasts, storm expense recovery, and grid investments.

PacifiCorp residential rate increase effective April 2026

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved rate adjustments for PacifiCorp residential customers effective April 1, 2026. The typical residential customer's monthly bill will increase by approximately $5.64 or 4.1% due to the annual power cost adjustment (true-up for 2024), renewable energy costs (wind farms), and routine accounting and tax-related updates. The rate changes were delayed until April 1 under HB 3179 (FAIR Act) to avoid winter heating season increases.

Williamson County Water Rate Comment Opportunity

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority announced a public comment period for Williamson County residents regarding the Limestone Water Rate Increase case. The comment opportunity opened on March 31, 2026. This is a consultative announcement allowing affected residents to submit feedback on the proposed rate adjustment.

$2,500 penalty against Provident Electric for gas violations

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued a $2,500 penalty assessment against Provident Electric Incorporated following a staff investigation for alleged violations of RCW 19.122, Washington's underground utility damage prevention law. The case (Docket DG-260135) was filed on March 3, 2026, and is being handled as a formal enforcement action under the Call Before You Dig Natural Gas program.

Dig Safely Month Declaration and 811 Anniversary

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared April 2026 as 'Dig Safely Month' to mark the 40th anniversary of Colorado 811, the state's One-Call Notification System. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission and Division of Oil and Public Safety are promoting safe digging practices, with grant applications for the Damage Prevention Fund open through April 24, 2026.

BCM One requests annual report confidentiality protection

BCM One, Inc. filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission seeking emergency confidential treatment of portions of its Annual Report for a minimum of two years. The carrier cites the need to protect highly proprietary business information. The petition is currently pending before an Administrative Law Judge.

Charter Fiberlink-Illinois Confidential Treatment Petition for 2025 Annual Report

Charter Fiberlink-Illinois, LLC filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission seeking confidential treatment of its 2025 Annual Report under P2026-0293. The petition requests protection from public disclosure for proprietary information contained in the annual filing. The case is currently in initial status with an Administrative Law Judge action pending.