energy efficiency

Electric Utility Resource Plans Are Critical to the Midwest’s Energy Future

, lead Midwest energy analyst

January 28, 2019 2:30 PM EDT

At least 30 states will see at least one electric utility with a resource plan in 2019, including states with an expected ruling on an already-filed plan. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is a participating stakeholder in resource planning dockets in both Michigan and Minnesota and is applying our technical expertise in partnership with local coalition advocates working with affected communities. Let’s dig into what exactly resource plans are, why they matter, and what to look for in these Midwest states as electric utilities develop and seek approval for their resource plans. Read more >

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Bureau of Land Management (Flickr)

New Mexico’s Clean Energy Opportunity Knocks

, Energy analyst

January 17, 2019 9:58 AM EDT

Look out, clean energy leaders, there’s a new governor in town—and this one campaigned atop a wind turbine.

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Photo: BLM
Credit: Michelle for Governor (Oct. 2018).
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Dear New Midwest Governors: The Green New Deal and You

, lead Midwest energy analyst

December 20, 2018 2:53 PM EDT

Getting traction on Green New Deal policies at the federal level won’t be easy—but new governors in the Midwest can make progress on climate and economic priorities right away. Here’s how.

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Photo: Andreas Gücklhorn/unsplash
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Will Cutting Carbon Emissions Increase MY Energy Bill? It doesn’t have to.

, Senior Energy Analyst

November 27, 2018 9:33 AM EDT

The assumption that cutting carbon will increase the costs of energy simply doesn’t hold true. Read more >

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The 671 MW Monticello Nuclear Generating Station is located along the Mississippi River 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and provides about 10 percent of Xcel’s electricity in the Upper Midwest. Photo: Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr

Carbon Pricing is Key to Economic Viability of Xcel’s Nuclear Power Plants in Minnesota

, director of energy research, Clean Energy

November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT

A new UCS report released today found that more than one-third of U.S. nuclear plants–representing 22 percent of total US nuclear capacity–are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade under current market conditions. The UCS study, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, shows that the economic viability of the nation’s nuclear plants is threatened by low natural gas prices, the declining cost of renewable energy, investments in energy efficiency, and the costs of upgrading aging plants to ensure safe operation.

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Photo: Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr
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