Electricity, Generation

Electric Utility Consolidation Moves at the Speed of a Snail

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Justice Department Orders Exelon, Constellation to Divest Coal Plants Before Merger
POWERnews
Exelon Corp. and Constellation Energy Group must sell three electricity generating plants in Maryland before the companies can proceed with their proposed $7.9 billion merger to level competition for wholesale electricity in the mid-Atlantic region, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said last week.

Filing a civil lawsuit in a U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. to block the proposed merger, the DOJ’s Antitrust Division contended that the transaction, as originally proposed, “would substantially lessen competition for wholesale electricity, ultimately increasing electricity prices for millions of consumers in the mid-Atlantic region.” The DOJ also filed a proposed settlement that could resolve the department’s competitive concerns and lawsuit. Exelon and Constellation have agreed to conditions set out in the…

Electricity, Generation

Conflicting electric rules upset balance of power

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The federal government regulatory arms are taking steps to raise the fixed cost of virtually all organizations as the addition rules are being enforced.

Conflicting electric rules upset balance of power
EPA order may force shutdowns, plant operators say
By PUNEET KOLLIPARA, WASHINGTON BUREAU   Houston Chronicle
WASHINGTON — New environmental regulations, coming amid warnings that Texas might not meet its electricity needs next summer, could set up a legal dilemma for regulators, grid operators and generators.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which takes effect Jan. 1, requires plants in 28 states including Texas to cut smog- and soot-forming emissions that cross state lines.

Although they have beyond Jan. 1 to come into compliance, power plant operators and their political supporters say the rule will force shutdowns of power plants needed to keep U.S. grid…