T&D POWER Direct

Welcome to the February issue of T&D POWER Direct, a monthly e-newsletter from POWER magazine that provides important news and information focused on transmission and distribution (T&D) topics, including articles on new technology, operations and maintenance best practices, industry trends, innovative projects, and much more.

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PJM, Facing Capacity Shortage as Early as 2026/2027 Delivery Year, Agrees to Lower Auction Price Cap | PJM Interconnection and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have settled a lawsuit over PJM’s capacity market pricing, agreeing to lower the grid operator’s auction price cap from over $500/MW-day to $325/MW-day. The move comes as PJM acknowledges a capacity shortage could affect its system as early as the 2026/2027 delivery year.

As Last Measure, Biden Administration Unveils $23B in Utility Loan Commitments to Modernize Grid, Boost Clean Energy | As a significant final move before the incoming Trump administration takes office, the Biden administration has announced conditional loan commitments totaling $22.92 billion to support projects by eight utility companies across the U.S. The investments will seek to modernize infrastructure, expand clean energy generation, and improve grid reliability, impacting millions of customers, the Department of Energy (DOE) said on Jan. 16.

Biden's DOE Finalizes $15 Billion Loan Guarantee to California's PG&E | The Biden administration has finalized a $15 billion loan guarantee to California utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), in the biggest outlay to a single group in the history of the Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO).

In Case You Missed It: DOE Advances Three Potential NIETCs—High-Priority National Electric Transmission Corridors | The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has advanced three potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) into Phase 3 of its designation process, focusing on areas with critical transmission constraints to enhance grid reliability and reduce consumer costs. The measure is historic—given no NIETCs currently exist despite a decades-long effort to establish them—and it marks significant progress since the concept was redefined under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Five Things to Know About Power Supply to Data Centers | As the demand for artificial intelligence (AI), and data and cloud services increases, the U.S. is seeing a rapid rise in data center development and a surge in demand for power to fuel the additional load. Leading research estimates that data centers could consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030, up from 4% in 2023. The ability to source such power is a critical path item to the successful development of a data center and one that can present significant challenges. Below are five key topics to understand about power supply to data centers.

Why Utilities Can’t Afford to Wait to Deploy DLR | Transmission congestion currently affects approximately 70% of the U.S. grid. Bottlenecks delay the interconnection of cost-effective clean energy sources, limit the transfer of electricity between regions, and raise operational and consumer costs.

Cisco, Gridspertise Join to Support Grid Digitization | Cisco, a global technology company, and Gridspertise have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and deploy new solutions for the digital innovation in electricity grids. The companies announced the deal on Jan. 28. The MoU is a collaborative framework that leverages both Cisco and Gridspertise’s technological and business expertise.

Building the Largest Clean Energy Microgrid in Puerto Rico | Analysis of the levelized cost of energy shows how renewables have become more cost-efficient every year. Today, the least-expensive way to meet energy needs is with renewable resources. For industries at risk of power outages or those requiring always-on power, clean energy projects can offer a lifeline.

Annual Stocktaking: Empowering Future Power Systems with fgOTN | As you enjoy the comforts of air-conditioned homes, chilled watermelons at outdoor gatherings, or a cold beer at a barbecue, or perhaps as you charge a new electric vehicle, have you ever stopped to think about where the electricity comes from to make all these conveniences a reality?

POWER Magazine Recognized Among Top Power and Energy Magazines in 2025 | POWER magazine has been ranked first in FeedSpot’s?Best Power Magazines to Follow in 2025?and second in FeedSpot’s?Top 35 Energy Magazines to Follow in 2025,?solidifying its position as a premier resource for the global power generation industry. The recognition reflects?POWER’s unmatched authority, extensive legacy, and steadfast commitment to delivering critical insights to energy professionals worldwide.