Around the Local

Connecticut Siting Council voted 5-3 to reject United Illuminating's plan to build a high-voltage transmission line through Fairfield and Bridgeport using steel monopoles up to 195 feet high. The decision marks an unexpected victory for local critics who argued the project would be a visual blight, though UI expressed shock at the decision and is exploring legal options. Source: ctmirror.org
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Eleven governors from PJM Interconnection member states are demanding greater control over grid operations as data center expansion drives capacity auction costs from $2.2 billion to $16.1 billion in two years. The surge in electricity demand from AI and data centers has caused ratepayer bills to increase substantially, with some threatening to withdraw from the 13-state grid altogether. Source: grist.org
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Nearly 6,000 tradeswomen gathered in Chicago for the 15th Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, with IBEW representing over 800 members including 26 from Local 11. The event featured workshops on empowerment and leadership, highlighting growing programs like EMPOWER and the first-ever All-Women's Veteran Electrical Entry Program Pre-Apprenticeship class. Source: ibew11.org
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BP and JERA's joint venture JERA Nex BP is withdrawing from the US offshore wind market and halting investment in the Beacon Wind project off Massachusetts, citing unfavorable market conditions. All US-based team members will be laid off in coming months, though the company will maintain the Beacon lease for potential future development. Source: offshorewind.biz
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US offshore wind faces a 56% decrease in development by 2035 with $114 billion in investments canceled or delayed due to administration policies including a temporary leasing moratorium, 50% tariffs on turbine parts, and early termination of tax credits. Only seven wind farms remain operational or under construction on the East Coast, far short of the Biden administration's original goals. Source: e360.yale.edu
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