Latest Electricity News - Overhead T&D

France Data Centre Grid Connections move ahead as the government considers temporary links to underground cable systems to cut interconnection queues, meet time-to-market needs, and attract investment under an electrification plan guided by the regulator.   The Core Facts France may permit temporary underground cable hookups Option could power several very large projects this month CRE consultation targets lower costs and faster queues France is moving to shorten grid connection timelines for large data centre projects, with the government signaling on April 23 that temporary links to existing underground cable systems could be authorized as part of a wider overhaul…

BC Hydro is suing a ranching family in Vanderhoof, B.C. for blocking access to a “nation-building” transmission-line project’s right-of-way, accusing them of preventing essential pre-construction work on the $6 billion North Coast line.   At A Glance BC Hydro filed a petition against a ranching family for allegedly blocking access to lands needed for the North Coast Transmission Line. The utility says pre-construction surveys and maintenance must proceed, but the family claims damage, livestock loss, and demands paid compensation. The transmission line is deemed a “nation-building” project, with importance to provincial power infrastructure and ratepayer impacts. Disputes over right-of-way access,…

ATCO Electric administrative penalty underscores an Alberta Utilities Commission probe into a sole-sourced First Nation contract, Jasper transmission line overpayments, and nondisclosure to ratepayers, sparked by a whistleblower and pending settlement approval.   At a Glance A $31M AUC settlement over alleged overpayment, sole-sourcing, and nondisclosure tied to a Jasper transmission line. AUC watchdog probe followed a whistleblower tip. Sole-sourced 2018 contract linked to Simpcw First Nation firm. Overpaid several million above market for Jasper line work. Sought recovery from ratepayers while hiding sole-source motive.   Regulated Alberta utility ATCO Electric has agreed to pay a $31 million administrative penalty…

Site C 500 kV transmission lines strengthen the BC Hydro grid, linking the new substation and Peace Canyon via a 75 kilometre right-of-way to deliver clean energy, with 400 towers built and both circuits energized.   Key Information High-voltage lines connecting Site C substation to the BC Hydro grid, delivering clean energy via Peace Canyon. 75 km right-of-way between Site C substation and Peace Canyon Second and final 500 kV line completed and energized Over 400 towers constructed and lines strung since 2018 Contract awarded to Allteck in 2018 for construction Three 1 km 500 kV links to substation due…

Longest Lightning Flash Record confirmed by WMO: a 477.2-mile megaflash spanning Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, detected by satellite sensors, highlighting Great Plains supercell storms, lightning safety, and extreme weather monitoring advancements.   The Big Picture It is the WMO-verified 477.2-mile megaflash across MS, LA, and TX, detected via satellites. Length record: 477.2 miles across MS, LA, TX; prior 440.6 miles in Brazil. Duration record: 17.1 s megaflash in Uruguay and Argentina; prior 16.7 s. WMO: Megaflashes cluster in US Great Plains and South America La Plata basin. Grid planning: long lines like TransWest Express adapt for severe weather risk.  …

PG&E Drum Fire Cause identified as a power line failure in Santa Barbara County, with arcing electricity igniting vegetation near Buellton on Drum Canyon Road; 696 acres burned as investigators and CPUC review PG&E safety.   Inside the Issue A failed PG&E power line sparked the 696-acre Drum Fire near Buellton; the utility is conducting its own probe. Downed line failed between two poles on Drum Canyon Rd Arcing electricity ignited vegetation near Buellton 696 acres burned; no structures damaged or mass outages Incident began Jun 14 at 12:50 pm north of Hwy 246 PG&E filed CPUC incident report; internal…

BC Utilities Commission Site C Dam Questions press BC Hydro on geotechnical risks, stability issues, cost overruns, oversight gaps, seeking transparency for ratepayers and clarity on contracts, mitigation, and the powerhouse and spillway foundations.   What's Happening Inquiry seeking explanations from BC Hydro on geotechnical risks, costs, timelines and oversight for Site C. Timeline of studies, monitoring, and mitigation actions Rationale for contracts, costs, and right bank construction Implications for ratepayers, oversight, and project stability   The watchdog B.C. Utilities Commission has sent BC Hydro 70 questions about the troubled Site C dam, asking when geotechnical risks were first identified…