Energy & Utilities

Holtec HI-STORM UMAX Spent Fuel Storage Amendment 5

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing Amendment No. 5 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1040 for the Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System. This amendment adds two new design versions (B1 and B2) to the list of approved spent fuel storage casks. The NRC is seeking public comments on the proposed amendment by May 4, 2026.

Electric Utility Rate and Tariff Filings Received by FERC

FERC published notice of multiple electric rate and tariff filings received on March 27, 2026. Filings include accounting requests from Dominion Energy Services, exempt wholesale generator self-certifications from KES Yona Solar LLC, and numerous tariff amendments from PJM Interconnection, Southwest Power Pool, Pacific Gas and Electric, and other utilities. Comment dates range from April 6 to April 17, 2026.

Kenai LNG Expansion Project NEPA Scoping Notice

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission opened a scoping period for the Kenai LNG Cool Down Expansion Project proposed by Trans-Foreland Pipeline Company LLC in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. The Commission will prepare an environmental document under NEPA to evaluate the project's environmental impacts. Public comments on the scope of issues are due by April 27, 2026.

Class Deviation 970.5226-1

The Department of Energy issued a class deviation to DEAR clause 970.5226-1 effective April 1, 2026. This deviation modifies contracting requirements under the DOE Acquisition Regulation for applicable contracts. The specific modifications affect contractor obligations under the targeted clause.

Combined Notice of Filings

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a Combined Notice of Filings on April 2, 2026, listing multiple electric rate and exempt wholesale generator filings received. The notice includes Deer Creek Solar I LLC's self-certification of Exempt Wholesale Generator status and ten compliance filings from power companies regarding upstream transfers of ownership. Comment deadlines range from April 17 to April 20, 2026.

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

FERC issued a Combined Notice of Filings on April 2, 2026, covering three natural gas pipeline rate and refund report filings. The filings include Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company's negotiated rate agreements (RP26-685-000), National Grid LNG LLC's annual operational transactions report (RP26-686-000), and Rocky Mountain Natural Gas LLC's rate filing (PR26-20-001). Comment deadlines range from April 8 to April 17, 2026.

Boott Hydropower LLC Revised Procedural Schedule for Relicense Application

FERC issued a procedural schedule revision for Boott Hydropower, LLC's relicense application for the 15.012-megawatt Lowell Hydroelectric Project No. 2790. The milestone for 'Notice that Application is Ready for Environmental Analysis' has been moved from March 2026 to May 2026. This is a routine administrative update to the licensing timeline.

PNM Utility Rate Change Effective April 2026

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission announced that PNM's previously approved rate adjustment enters its second and final phase on April 1, 2026. Average residential customers will see a monthly bill increase of approximately $6.23. The approved rates fund wildfire prevention, grid modernization, and energy storage projects.

Erie Boulevard Hydropower non-capacity license amendment

FERC published a notice regarding Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P.'s application for a non-capacity amendment of license for the Beebee Island Project (No. 2538-106) on the Black River in Watertown, New York. The Commission is soliciting public comments, motions to intervene, and protests on the application, which was filed on June 2, 2025. Comments are due by April 29, 2026.

Morrisville Vermont Hydroelectric Settlement Meeting Notice

FERC published a notice announcing a virtual settlement meeting on April 15, 2026, to discuss the Morrisville Hydroelectric Project (No. 2629-014) relicensing Settlement Agreement filed by the Village of Morrisville, Vermont. The meeting will address water quality certification compliance and the proposed Interim Flow Management Plan among the Village and environmental parties. Interested parties must RSVP to FERC contact Nicholas Ettema by April 10, 2026.