Latest Utilities News

Federal investigators subpoena Pennsylvania agency for records related to chocolate plant explosion

Sep. 18, 2023 18:10 PM EDT

Federal safety investigators issued a subpoena to Pennsylvania’s public utility regulator on Monday for documents related to a fatal explosion at a chocolate factory, escalating a months-long legal dispute over the state agency's authority to share the sensitive information. The...

Electrify America charging network must navigate patchwork of utility rates, government regulations

Sep. 18, 2023 09:18 AM EDT

If Jigar Shah doesn't do his job correctly, the company with the second-highest number of fast-charging electric vehicle plugs could lose money or EV owners could have to pay more to fill up. As director of energy services at Electrify America, Shah is in charge of navigating a wide...

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will sign climate-focused transparency laws for big business

Sep. 17, 2023 18:54 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday that he plans to sign into law a pair of climate-focused bills intended to force major corporations to be more transparent about greenhouse gas emissions and the financial risks stemming from global warming. Newsom's...

California Legislature approves plan allowing the state to buy power

Sep. 15, 2023 00:14 AM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Legislature voted Thursday to give Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration permission to buy massive amounts of electricity, a move aimed at avoiding blackouts by shoring up the state's power supply while jumpstarting the West Coast's fledgling...

After nearly a month, West Virginia community can use water again

Sep. 12, 2023 12:48 PM EDT

PADEN CITY, W.Va. (AP) — Residents of a northern West Virginia community can use their tap water again after nearly a month, officials said. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources approved a request on Tuesday to lift a “do not consume” notice for customers...

Indigenous tribes urge federal officials to deny loan request for Superior natural gas plant

Sep. 11, 2023 18:37 PM EDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Indigenous tribes in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin have asked federal officials to deny a utility's request for a loan to help build a natural gas-fired power plant on the shores of Lake Superior, calling the project unthinkable in the face of climate change. ...

Joseph Fiordaliso, who championed clean energy as head of New Jersey utilities board, dies at 78

Sep. 07, 2023 12:15 PM EDT

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Joseph Fiordaliso, who was implementing one of the country's most aggressive clean energy programs as head of New Jersey's state utilities regulation board, has died. He was 78. The governor's office said Thursday that Fiordaliso died Wednesday. It didn't...

Order not to use tap water in West Virginia community enters fourth week after plant malfunction

Sep. 06, 2023 19:29 PM EDT

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A notice ordering residents of a northern West Virginia community not to use their tap water entered its fourth week Wednesday after a treatment-plant malfunction allowed the release of a hazardous solvent. Dr. Matt Christiansen, the state’s health...

Milwaukee suburb to begin pulling millions of gallons a day from Lake Michigan

Sep. 05, 2023 15:20 PM EDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — After years of seeking approval, a Milwaukee suburb is finally set to start pulling millions of gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan to replace its polluted water supply. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday that the city of...

Family of South Carolina teacher killed by falling utility pole seeks better rural infrastructure

Aug. 29, 2023 17:10 PM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The family of a 31-year-old teacher killed last week after a falling utility pole struck her in a small South Carolina town is taking aim at poor rural infrastructure, saying that contributed to an avoidable death. Jeunelle Robinson was walking on her lunch...