Utility Dive Top Stories 10/30

Oct.​ 30,​ 2014 Top Stories Study: At least 36 states will see solar hit grid parity in 2016 New analysis finds solar power will reach grid parity in most states, even with smaller tax credits. In the midterm elections, utilities have a foot in both camps All the top power companies gave to both parties, but the numbers favor Republicans. How the EPA may change the Clean Power Plan On Tuesday, the agency released the Notice of Data Availability on proposed carbon rules, announcing how it will address comments on the upcoming regulations. EPA revamps High Priority Violator policy, ends 'watch list' Changes in what makes high priority violations and chronic violations could streamline enforcement. Edison International ups 3Q earnings on SoCal Edision growth The California utility’s nuclear plant closure is not slowing rate base growth or new renewables. Southern Co. earnings dinged by Kemper plant price increases Southern's Kemper County project could be the most expensive fossil-fuel facility ever constructed in the United States. Exelon earnings up 35% on utility, generation businesses The company got a boost from the cancelation of Department of Energy spent nuclear fuel disposal fees. Other News Nuclear Regulatory Commission resumes plant licensing Energy Department Announces New Lab Program to Accelerate Commercialization of Clean Energy Technologies Colder weather drives forecast of 2014 energy-related CO2 emissions 1.1% above 2013 level Murray adds 100M tons to Illinois' coal holdings NJ ready to face the next superstorm Nuclear crowd hoping to see tweaks in EPA Clean Power Plan Utilities agree on tough times ahead (but disagree on the future of transmission) Alstom to advance microgrid work in Philadelphia PG&E Opens New $28.5 Million State-Of-The-Art Electric Control Center In Fresno Florida Power & Light: Taking intelligence to the edge of the network News by Topic Generation T&D Demand Response Business News Regulation & Policy Solar Technology Metering