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On April 10, 2012, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced that it is offering up to $15 million in funding to companies, universities, or laboratories working to develop biomass-based oil supplements that can be blended with petroleum.  Possible materials used to create the prototype include algae, corn and wheat stovers, dedicated energy crops or wood residues.
Continue Reading Department of Energy to Fund Research on Biomass Based Supplements for Traditional Fuels

On March 16, 2012, the Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, issued a memorandum to the four federal Power Marketing Agencies (“PMAs”) directing them to modernize the way that they do business.  Secretary Chu has called for the PMAs to take a leadership role in the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) goal of creating a more secure and sustainable electric sector nationwide.
Continue Reading Secretary Chu Issues Memorandum Directing PMAs to Modernize

On March 12, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) released a report concerning the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) $30 billion Loan Guarantee Program (“Program”).  The report, titled “Further Actions Are Needed to Improve Tracking and Review of Applications,” reviewed data provided by DOE on its loan applications and the established process through which DOE reviews loan applications.
Continue Reading GAO Issues Report on DOE Loan Guarantees

On February 13, 2012, FERC asked Congress to authorize the agency’s $304.6 million budget request for 2013.  This is the same amount FERC requested for fiscal year 2012.  FERC’s budget request states it will focus on two overarching goals for the year: (1) ensuring just and reasonable rates, terms and conditions; and (2) facilitating the deployment of new infrastructure. 
Continue Reading DOE and FERC Release 2013 Proposed Budgets

On December 1, 2011, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) and EPA presented a united front in announcing the release of a DOE report, Resource Adequacy Implications of Forthcoming EPA Air Quality Regulations, which shows the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (“CSAPR”) and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (“MATS”) will not affect grid reliability.
Continue Reading DOE Releases Report on EPA Regulations and Resource Adequacy

On October 28, 2011, White House Chief of Staff, William Daley, announced that there will be an independent analysis of the Department of Energy (“DOE”) loan portfolio, and particularly more than two dozen renewable energy loans and loan guarantees made by the DOE program. 
Continue Reading White House to Review DOE Loan Guarantee Program as Flywheel Manufacturer Files for Bankruptcy

On June 13, 2011, the United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) Secretary, Steven Chu, took part in a White House Grid Modernization event titled “Building the 21st Century.”  At the event, Chu announced that more than five million smart meters have been installed across the U.S. as part of efforts to increase modernization of the electric grid.  Secretary Chu stated that “to compete in the global economy, we need a modern electricity grid.”
Continue Reading DOE Secretary Chu Encourages U.S. to Examine Transmission Planning at State and Regional Levels