EIA: Solar to lead U.S. electricity generation growth through 2025

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Solar electric generation is expected to account for 7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2025, up from 4% in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

On Tuesday (Jan. 9), the EIA released its January Short-Term Energy Outlook that shows almost 80 gigawatts of solar power will start operating in the next two years, increasing U.S. solar generating capacity by 84% and making solar the leading source of growth in U.S. electricity generation through 2025.

“We are experiencing a significant shift in U.S. electric generation, as solar generation grows rapidly, taking market share from coal and tempering the growth in natural gas usage,” said EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis. “Coal and natural gas remain important to the U.S. electric grid, even as variable renewable resources such as solar and wind grow.”

EIA: Solar to lead U.S. electricity generation growth through 2025

State to receive more than $10 million to strengthen grid

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Arkansas will receive $10.3 million to enhance the state’s electrical grid and prevent power outages, according to a Wednesday (Sept. 20) news release from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). The money comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Funding from the law supports the Grid Enhancement Grant Program (GRID) or Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid/Hazard Hardening. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $2.5 billion in grants to strengthen the U.S. electrical grid. Arkansas will receive $5.16 million in the first year and $5.14 million in the second year.

The Grid Enhancement Grant Program aims to strengthen and modernize the U.S. power grid against wildfires, extreme weather and other natural disasters. Grant money for 2024 through 2026 has yet to be announced.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/09/state-to-receive-more-than-10-million-to-strengthen-grid/

Residents can expect higher heating bills this winter, according to EIA

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. households will likely pay more to heat their homes this winter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Compared to last winter, households are expected to spend 28% more on natural gas, 27% more on heating oil, 10% more on electricity and 5% more on propane.

On Wednesday (Oct. 12), the EIA released its 2022 Winter Fuels Outlook showing that U.S. residential energy prices will be higher this winter and heating fuel consumption is projected to be higher amid a colder winter than last year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects the United States to have a slightly colder winter than last year, leading to higher consumption levels. The higher energy prices and consumption levels contribute to higher heating costs for households.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/residents-can-expect-higher-heating-bills-this-winter-according-to-eia/

Natural gas power plants generate record electricity levels in July

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The amount of electricity produced from coal continues to fall, while the amount made from natural gas hits record highs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

On July 21, electric power generated by natural gas-fired power plants reached 6.37 million megawatts-hours. New record highs also were set on July 18 and 20. Despite high natural gas prices, demand for natural gas for electricity generation was strong throughout July because of above-normal temperatures, recent natural gas-fired capacity additions, and reduced coal-fired electricity generation.

U.S. electricity demand typically peaks in the summer because of demand for air conditioning, and July ranked as the third hottest on record in the United States. Before this year, the previous daily peak for natural gas-fired electricity generation happened on July 27, 2020, when natural gas prices were historically low.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/natural-gas-power-plants-generate-record-electricity-levels-in-july/

Energy bills to rise for SWEPCO customers in Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Nearly 125,000 Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) customers in western Arkansas will soon see an increase in their energy bills. The utility company reported Wednesday (June 29) that the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) approved its rate request.

According to Shreveport, La.-based SWEPCO, the company’s western Arkansas customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will see an increase of approximately $13.02 per month on their bill. The increase includes a 9.49% base rate increase, which makes up approximately $10.57 per month for an Arkansas residential customer using 1,000 kWh.

Base rates refer to the costs of building, maintaining and operating SWEPCO’s electric system, including power plants, transmission and distribution lines, and facilities to serve customers. Base rates do not include the fuel portion of the customer’s bill, which pays for fuel and purchased power and is passed through to customers with no profit to the company.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/energy-bills-to-rise-for-swepco-customers-in-arkansas/

Andrey Metelev

Energy leaders say more supply, stable policy needed for lower costs

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

As inflation eats into family and business budgets, energy is one component of the economy that has been driving higher prices. Two energy leaders – Chad Kinsley, VP of operations for Black Hills Energy, and Lauren Waldrip, executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, shared their perspectives in Talk Business & Politics’ latest State of the State report on energy.

Kinsley, whose company provides natural gas across north Arkansas, said the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply and demand balance that had kept energy prices stable and low.

“We’re seeing inflation across all aspects of the economy and natural gas commodity prices, like you mentioned, certainly are no exception. Unfortunately, that’s impacting our customer’s bills and kind of a short answer is, it’s supply and demand in the marketplace,” Kinsley said…

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/04/energy-leaders-say-more-supply-stable-policy-needed-for-lower-costs/

Solar a Viable Option to Power Arkansas Poultry Farms

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Springdale native Millard Berry had an idea that would transform the agriculture industry in the Natural State. In 1893, he bought an incubator to raise chicks. Four years later, he was a founding member of the Arkansas Poultry Association and started the poultry industry in Arkansas, one that pumps billions of dollars into the state’s economy and produces thousands of jobs each year, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

To support this expensive industry, scientists are constantly finding ways to reduce costs. Solar energy, net metering and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have benefited a Cleveland County poultry grower, said Yi Liang, associate professor-biological and agricultural engineering.

“Poultry farming is an energy-intensive business, with gas and electricity as major expenses,” said Liang, who works as part of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/07/solar-a-viable-option-to-power-arkansas-poultry-farms/

PANELS — Banks of solar panels set up as part of the Boyd farm installation in Cleveland County, Arkansas. (Image courtesy Stephen Boyd)