Emission cuts threatened by economic recovery

Idaho Renewable Energy 2018 saw over 80% in-state utility-scale power from hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal, per EIA, with imports declining as Snake River Plain resources and Hells Canyon hydro lead.

Key Points

Idaho produced over 80% in-state power from renewables in 2018, led by hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass.

✅ Hydropower supplies about half of capacity; Hells Canyon leads.

✅ Wind provides nearly 20% of capacity along the Snake River Plain.

✅ Utility-scale solar surged since 2016; biomass and geothermal add output.

More than 80% of Idaho’s in-state utility-scale electricity generation came from renewable resources in 2018, behind only Vermont, according to recently released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Electric Power Monthly and broader trends showing that solar and wind reached about 10% of U.S. generation in the first half of 2018.

Idaho generated 17.4 million MWh of electricity in 2018, of which 14.2 million MWh came from renewable sources, while nationally January power generation jumped 9.3% year over year according to EIA. Idaho uses a variety of renewable resources to generate electricity:

Hydroelectricity. Idaho ranked seventh in the U.S. in electricity generation from hydropower in 2018. About half of Idaho’s electricity generating capacity is at hydroelectric power plants, and utility actions such as the Idaho Power settlement could influence future resource choices, and seven of the state’s 10 largest power plants (in terms of electricity generation) are hydroelectric facilities. The largest privately owned hydroelectric generating facility in the U.S. is a three-dam complex on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.

Wind. Nearly one-fifth of Idaho’s electricity generating capacity and one-sixth of its generation comes from wind turbines. Idaho has substantial wind energy potential, and nationally the EIA expects solar and wind to be larger sources this summer, although only a small percentage of the state's land area is well-suited for wind development. All of the state’s wind farms are located in the southern half of the state along the Snake River Plain.

Solar. Almost 5% of Idaho’s electricity generating capacity and 3% of its generation come from utility-scale solar facilities, and nationally over half of new capacity in 2023 will be solar according to projections. The state had no utility-scale solar generation as recently as 2015. Between 2016 and 2017, Idaho’s utility-scale capacity doubled and generation increased from 30,000 MWh to more than 450,000 MWh. Idaho’s small-scale solar capacity also doubled since 2017, generating 33,000 MWh in 2018.

Biomass. Biomass-fueled power plants account for about 2% of the state’s utility-scale electricity generating capacity and 3% of its generation, contributing to a broader U.S. shift where 40% of electricity came from non-fossil sources in 2021. Wood waste from the state’s forests is the primary fuel for these plants.

Geothermal. Idaho is one of seven states with utility-scale geothermal electricity generation. Idaho has one 18-MW geothermal facility, located near the state’s southern border with Utah.

EIA says Idaho requires significant electricity imports, totaling about one-third of demand, to meet its electricity needs. However, Idaho’s electricity imports have decreased over time, and Georgia's recent import levels illustrate how regional dynamics can vary. Almost all of these imports are from neighboring states, as electricity imports from Canada accounted for less than 0.1% of Idaho’s total electricity supply in 2017.

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Nova Scotia Energy Modernization Act proposes an independent system operator, focused energy regulation, coal phase-out by 2030, renewable integration, transmission upgrades, and competitive market access to boost consumer trust and grid reliability across the province.

Key Points

Legislation to create an independent system operator and energy regulator, enabling coal phase-out and renewable integration.

✅ Transfers grid control from Nova Scotia Power to an ISO

✅ Establishes a focused energy regulator for multi-sector oversight

✅ Accelerates coal retirement, renewables build-out, and grid upgrades

Nova Scotia is poised for a significant overhaul in how its electricity grid operates, with the electricity market headed for a reshuffle as the province vows changes, following a government announcement that will strip the current electric utility of its grid access control. This move is part of a broader initiative to help the province achieve its ambitious energy objectives, including the cessation of coal usage by 2030.

The announcement came from Tory Rushton, the Minister of Natural Resources, who highlighted the recommendations from the Clean Electricity Task Force's report to make the electricity system more accountable to Nova Scotians according to the authors. The report suggests the creation of two distinct entities: an autonomous system operator for energy system planning and an independent body for energy regulation.

Minister Rushton expressed the government's agreement with these recommendations, while the premier had earlier urged regulators to reject a 14% rate hike to protect customers, stating plans to introduce a new Energy Modernization Act in the next legislative session.

Under the proposed changes, Nova Scotia Power, a privately-owned entity, will retain its operational role but will relinquish control over the electricity grid. This responsibility will shift to an independent system operator, aiming to foster competitive practices essential for phasing out coal—currently a major source of the province’s electricity.

Additionally, the existing Utility and Review Board, which recently approved a 14% rate increase despite political opposition, will undergo rebranding to become the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board, reflecting a broader mandate beyond energy. Its electricity-related duties will be transferred to the newly proposed Nova Scotia Energy Board, which will oversee various energy sectors including electricity, natural gas, and retail gasoline.

The task force, led by Alison Scott, a former deputy energy minister, and John MacIsaac, an ex-executive of Nalcor Energy, was established by the province in April 2023 to determine the needs of the electrical system in meeting Nova Scotia's environmental goals.

Minister Rushton praised the report for providing a clear direction towards achieving the province's 2030 environmental targets and beyond. He estimated that establishing the recommended bodies would take 18 months to two years, and noted the government cannot order the utility to cut rates under current law, promising job security for current employees of Nova Scotia Power and the Utility and Review Board throughout the transition.

The report advocates for the new system operator to improve consumer trust by distancing electricity system decisions from Nova Scotia Power's corporate interests. It also critiques the current breadth of the Utility and Review Board's mandate as overly extensive for addressing the energy transition's long-term requirements.

Nova Scotia Power's president, Peter Gregg, welcomed the recommendations, emphasizing their role in the province's shift towards renewable energy, as neighboring jurisdictions like P.E.I. explore community generation to build resilience, he highlighted the importance of a focused energy regulator and a dedicated system operator in advancing essential projects for reliable customer service.

The task force's 12 recommendations also include the requirement for Nova Scotia Power to submit an annual asset management plan for regulatory approval and to produce reports on vegetation and wood pole management. It suggests the government assess Ontario's hydro policies for potential adaptation in Nova Scotia and calls for upgrades to the transmission grid infrastructure, with projected costs detailed by Stantec.

Alison Scott remarked on the comparative expense of coal power against renewable sources like wind, suggesting that investments in the grid to support renewables would be economically beneficial in the long run.

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California energy rebate freeze disrupts heat pump incentives, HVAC upgrades, and climate funding, as federal uncertainty stalls Inflation Reduction Act support, delaying home electrification, energy efficiency gains, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions statewide.

Key Points

A statewide pause on $290M incentives for heat pumps and HVAC upgrades due to federal climate funding uncertainty.

✅ $290M program paused amid federal funding freeze

✅ Heat pump, HVAC, electrification upgrades delayed

✅ Previously approved rebates honored; new apps halted

California’s push for a more energy-efficient future has hit a significant roadblock as the state pauses a $290 million rebate program aimed at helping homeowners replace inefficient heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient alternatives. The California Energy Commission announced the suspension of the program, citing uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze funding for various climate-related initiatives.

The Halted Program

The energy rebate program, which utilizes federal funding to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances such as heat pumps, was a crucial part of California’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By providing financial incentives for homeowners to upgrade to more efficient heating and cooling systems, the program aimed to make green energy solutions more accessible and affordable to residents. The rebate program had been popular, with many homeowners eager to participate in the initiative to lower their energy costs and improve the sustainability of their homes.

However, due to the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, the California Energy Commission announced on Monday that it would no longer be accepting new applications for the program. The agency did clarify that it would continue to honor rebates for applications that had already been approved. The pause will remain in effect until the Trump administration provides more clarity regarding the program's future funding.

The Trump Administration’s Role

This move highlights a broader issue regarding access to federal funding for state-level energy programs. The Trump administration’s decision to freeze funding for climate-related initiatives has left many states in limbo, as previously approved federal money has not been distributed as expected. Despite federal court rulings directing the Trump administration to restore these funds, states like California are still struggling to navigate the uncertainty of climate-related financial support from the federal government.

California’s decision to pause the rebate program comes after similar actions by other states. Arizona paused a similar program just a week prior, and Rhode Island had already paused new applications earlier this year. These states are all recipients of funding from a larger $4.3 billion initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act, which is designed to help homeowners purchase energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and electric cooktops.

Impact of the Freeze

The pause of California's rebate program has serious implications for both consumers and the state’s energy goals. For residents, the halt means delays in the ability to upgrade to more energy-efficient home systems, which could lead to higher energy costs in the short term, a concern amid soaring electricity prices across the state.

The $290 million program was a significant step in encouraging homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, and its suspension leaves a gap in the availability of resources for those who were hoping to make energy-saving upgrades. Many of these upgrades are not just beneficial to homeowners, but they also contribute to the state’s overall energy efficiency goals, helping to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, even as California's dependence on fossil fuels persists, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal and State Tensions

The freeze in funding is just one of many points of tension between the Trump administration and states like California, which have pursued aggressive environmental policies aimed at reducing emissions and combating climate change. California has often found itself at odds with the federal government on environmental issues, especially under the leadership of President Trump. The state’s ambitious environmental policies have sometimes clashed with the federal government's approach, including efforts to wind down its fossil fuel industry in line with climate goals.

In this case, the freeze on climate-related funding appears to be part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to limit federal spending on environmental programs, and as regulators weigh whether the state may need more power plants, planning remains complex. While the freeze impacts states that are working to transition to clean energy, critics argue that such moves undermine efforts to tackle climate change and could slow down progress toward a greener future.

The Path Forward

For California, the next steps will depend heavily on the actions of the federal government. While the state can continue to push for climate funding in the courts, the lack of clarity around the release of federal funds creates uncertainty for state programs that rely on these resources. As California continues to navigate this funding freeze, it will need to explore alternative solutions to keep its energy efficiency programs on track, such as efforts to revamp electricity rates to clean the grid, even in the face of federal challenges.

In the meantime, California residents and homeowners who were hoping to take advantage of the rebate program may have to wait until further clarification from the federal government is provided, even as officials warn of a looming electricity shortage in coming years. Whether the program can be restored or expanded in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the pause serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles that states face when dealing with shifting federal priorities.

As the issue unfolds, other states facing similar challenges may take cues from California’s actions, and with California exporting energy policies to Western states, broader conversations about how federal and state governments can collaborate to ensure that energy efficiency initiatives and climate goals are not sidelined due to political or budgetary differences.

California’s decision to pause its $290 million energy rebate program is a significant development in the ongoing struggle between state and federal governments over climate-related funding. The uncertainty created by the Trump administration’s freeze on energy efficiency programs has led to disruptions in state-level efforts to promote sustainability and reduce emissions. As the situation continues to evolve, both California and other states will need to consider how to move forward without relying on federal funding that may or may not be available in the future.

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BWI Power Outage caused flight delays, cancellations, and diversions after a downed power line near Baltimore/Washington International. BGE crews responded as terminal operations, security screening, and boarding slowed, exposing infrastructure gaps and backup power needs.

Key Points

A downed power line disrupted BWI, causing delays, diversions, and slowed operations after power was restored by noon.

✅ Downed power line near airport spurred terminal-wide disruptions

✅ 150+ delays, dozens of cancellations; diversions to nearby airports

✅ BGE response, backup power gaps highlight infrastructure resilience

On the morning of March 3, 2025, a major power outage at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) caused significant disruptions to air travel, much like the London morning outage that upended routines, affecting both departing and incoming flights. The outage, which began around 7:40 a.m., was caused by a downed power line near the airport, according to officials from Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. Although power was restored by noon, the effects were felt for several hours, resulting in flight delays, diversions, and a temporary disruption to airport operations.

Flight Disruptions and Delays

The outage severely impacted operations at BWI, with more than 150 flights delayed and dozens more canceled. The airport, which serves as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, was thrown into chaos, similar to the Atlanta airport blackout that snarled operations, as power outages affected various critical areas, including parts of the main terminal and an adjacent parking garage. The downed power line created a ripple effect throughout the airport’s operations, delaying not only the check-in and security screening processes but also the boarding of flights. In addition to the delays, some inbound flights had to be diverted to nearby airports, further complicating an already strained travel schedule.

With the disruption affecting vital functions of the airport, passengers were advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for updated flight statuses and to prepare for longer-than-usual wait times.

Impact on Passengers

As power began to return to different parts of the terminal, airport officials reported that airlines were improvising solutions to continue the deplaning process, such as using air stairs to help passengers exit planes that were grounded due to the power outage, a reminder of how transit networks can stall during grid failures, as seen with the London Underground outage that frustrated commuters. This created further delays for passengers attempting to leave the airport or transfer to connecting flights.

Many passengers, who were left stranded in the terminal, faced long lines at ticket counters, security checkpoints, and concessions as the airport worked to recover from the loss of power, a situation mirrored during the North Seattle outage that affected thousands. The situation was compounded by the fact that while power was restored by midday, the airport still struggled to return to full operational capacity, creating significant inconvenience for travelers.

Power Restoration and Continued Delays

By around noon, officials confirmed that power had been fully restored across the main terminal. However, the full return to normalcy was far from immediate. Airport staff continued to work on clearing backlogs and assisting passengers, but the effects of the outage lingered throughout the day. Passengers were warned to expect continued delays at ticket counters, security lines, and concessions as the airport caught up with the disruption caused by the morning’s power outage.

For many travelers, the experience was a reminder of how dependent airports and airlines are on uninterrupted power to function smoothly. The disruption to BWI serves as a case study in the potential vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure that is not immune to the effects of power failure, including weather-driven events like the windstorm outages that can sever lines. Moreover, it highlights the difficulties of recovering from such incidents while managing the expectations of a large number of stranded passengers.

Investigations into the Cause of the Outage

As of the latest reports, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) crews were still investigating the cause of the power line failure, including weather-related factors seen when strong winds in the Miami Valley knocked out power. While no definitive cause had been provided by early afternoon, BGE spokesperson Stephanie Weaver confirmed that the company was working diligently to restore service. She noted that the downed line had caused widespread disruptions to electrical service in the area, which were exacerbated by the airport’s significant reliance on a stable power supply.

BWI officials remained in close contact with BGE to monitor the situation and ensure that necessary precautions were taken to prevent further disruptions. With power largely restored by midday, focus turned to the logistical challenges of clearing the resulting delays and assisting passengers in resuming their travel plans.

Response from the Airport and Airlines

In response to the power outage, BWI officials encouraged travelers to remain patient, a familiar message during prolonged events like Houston's extended outage in recent months, and continue checking their flight statuses. Although flight tracking websites and social media posts provided timely updates, passengers were urged to expect long delays throughout the day as the airport struggled to return to full capacity.

Airlines, for their part, worked swiftly to accommodate affected passengers, although the situation created a ripple effect across the airport's operations. With delayed flights and diverted planes, air traffic control and ground crews had to adjust flight schedules accordingly, resulting in even more congestion at the airport. Airlines coordinated with the airport to prioritize urgent cases, and some flights were re-routed to other nearby airports to mitigate the strain on the terminal.

Long-Term Effects on Airport Infrastructure

This incident underscores the importance of maintaining resilient infrastructure at key transportation hubs like BWI. Airports are vital nodes in the air travel network, and any disruption, whether from power failure or other factors, can have far-reaching consequences on both domestic and international travel. Experts suggest that BWI and other major airports should consider implementing backup power systems and other safeguards to ensure that they can continue to function smoothly during unforeseen disruptions.

While BWI officials were able to resolve the situation relatively quickly, the power outage left many passengers frustrated and inconvenienced. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for airports and utilities to have robust contingency plans in place to handle emergencies and prevent delays from spiraling into more significant disruptions.

The power outage at Baltimore/Washington International Airport highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to power failures and the cascading effects such disruptions can have on travel. Although power was restored by noon, the delays, diversions, and logistical challenges faced by passengers underscore the need for greater resilience in airport operations. With travel back on track, BWI and other airports will likely revisit their contingency plans to ensure that they are better prepared for future incidents that could affect air travel.

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Muskrat Falls rate mitigation progresses as Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa align under the updated Atlantic Accord, targeting affordable electricity rates through federal involvement, PUB input, and potential financing solutions with Nalcor, Emera, and lenders.

Key Points

An initiative by NL and Ottawa to keep electricity rates affordable via federal support, PUB input, and financing options.

✅ Federal-provincial talks under the updated Atlantic Accord

✅ PUB process integrated for independent oversight

✅ Possible roles for Nalcor, Emera, and project lenders

At the announcement of an updated Atlantic Accord between the provincial and federal governments, Newfoundland and Larbrador Premier Dwight Ball gave notice federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau will be in St. John’s to talk about the cost of Muskrat Falls and how Labrador power flows through Quebec to market.

“We look forward to welcoming Minister Morneau and his team to advance discussions on federal financing and rate mitigation,” read a statement from the premier’s office Tuesday, in response to questions about that coming meeting and federal-provincial work on rate mitigation.

At the announcement, Ball specifically said the plan is to “finalize federal involvement for making sure electricity rates remain affordable,” such as shielding ratepayers from overruns through federal-provincial measures, with Ball and MP Seamus O’Regan trumpeting the provincial-federal relationship.

The provincial and federal governments are not the only two parties involved in provincial power rates and handling of Muskrat Falls, even as electricity users have started paying for the project across Newfoundland and Labrador, but The Telegram is told details of meetings on rate mitigation are not being released, down to the list of attendees.

The premier’s office was asked specifically about the involvement of Nalcor Energy, including a recent financial update during the pandemic, Emera, Goldman, TD or any others involved in project financing. The response was that the plan is not to indicate what is being explored and who might be involved, until there is something more concrete to speak about.

The government’s plan is to have something to feed into the ongoing work of the Public Utilities Board, to develop a more complete response for rate mitigation, including lump-sum credits on electricity bills and other tools, for the PUB’s final report, due in 2020, even as regulators in Nova Scotia weigh a 14% rate hike in a separate proceeding.

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IVECO BUS hydrogen and electric buses in France accelerate clean mobility, zero-emission public transport, fleet electrification, and fuel cell adoption, with battery-electric ranges, fast charging, hydrogen refueling, lower TCO, and high passenger comfort in cities.

Key Points

Zero-emission buses using battery-electric and fuel cell tech, cutting TCO with fast refueling and urban-ready range.

✅ Zero tailpipe emissions, lower noise, improved air quality

✅ Fast charging and rapid hydrogen refueling infrastructure

✅ Lower TCO via reduced fuel and maintenance costs

IVECO BUS is making significant strides in the French public transportation sector, recently securing contracts for the delivery of hydrogen and battery electric buses. This development underscores the growing commitment of cities and regions in France to transition to cleaner, more sustainable public transportation options, even as electric bus adoption challenges persist. With these new contracts, IVECO BUS is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the electric mobility market.

Expanding the Green Bus Fleet

The contracts involve the supply of various models of IVECO's hydrogen and electric buses, highlighting a strategic shift towards sustainable transport solutions. France has been proactive in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transportation. As part of this initiative, many local authorities are investing in clean bus fleets, which has opened up substantial opportunities for manufacturers like IVECO.

These contracts will provide multiple French cities with advanced vehicles designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high performance and passenger comfort. The move towards hydrogen and battery electric buses reflects a broader trend in public transportation, where cities are increasingly adopting green technologies, with lessons from TTC's electric bus fleet informing best practices to meet both regulatory requirements and public demand for cleaner air.

The Role of Hydrogen and Battery Electric Technology

Hydrogen and battery electric buses represent two key technologies in the transition to sustainable transport. Battery electric buses are known for their zero tailpipe emissions, making them ideal for urban environments where air quality is a pressing concern, as demonstrated by the TTC battery-electric rollout in North America. IVECO's battery electric models come equipped with advanced features, including fast charging capabilities and longer ranges, making them suitable for various operational needs.

On the other hand, hydrogen buses offer the advantage of rapid refueling and extended range, addressing some of the limitations associated with battery electric vehicles, as seen with fuel cell buses in Mississauga deployments across transit networks. IVECO’s hydrogen buses utilize cutting-edge fuel cell technology, allowing them to operate efficiently in urban and intercity routes. This flexibility positions them as a viable solution for public transport authorities aiming to diversify their fleets.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The adoption of hydrogen and battery electric buses is not only beneficial for the environment but also presents economic opportunities. By investing in these technologies, local governments can reduce operating costs associated with traditional diesel buses. Electric and hydrogen buses generally have lower fuel costs and require less maintenance, resulting in long-term savings.

Furthermore, the transition to cleaner buses can help stimulate local economies. As cities invest in electric mobility, new jobs will be created in manufacturing, maintenance, and infrastructure development, such as charging stations and hydrogen fueling networks, including the UK bus charging hub model, which supports large-scale operations. This shift can have a positive ripple effect, contributing to overall economic growth while fostering a cleaner environment.

IVECO BUS's Commitment to Sustainability

IVECO BUS's recent successes in France align with the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and innovation. As part of the CNH Industrial group, IVECO is dedicated to advancing green technologies and reducing the carbon footprint of public transportation. The company has been at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly vehicles, and these new contracts further reinforce its leadership position in the market.

Moreover, IVECO is investing in research and development to enhance the performance and efficiency of its electric and hydrogen buses. This commitment to innovation ensures that the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market while meeting the changing needs of public transport authorities.

Future Prospects

As more cities in France and across Europe commit to sustainable transportation, including initiatives like the Berlin zero-emission bus initiative, the demand for hydrogen and battery electric buses is expected to grow. IVECO BUS is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with a diverse range of products that cater to various operational requirements.

The successful implementation of these contracts will likely encourage other regions to follow suit, paving the way for a greener future in public transportation. As IVECO continues to innovate and expand its offerings, alongside developments like Volvo electric trucks in Europe, it sets a precedent for the industry, illustrating how commitment to sustainability can drive business success.

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