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News
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LCG, August 14, 2024 – LCG Consulting (LCG) has released its annual outlook of the ERCOT wholesale electricity market for 2025, highlighting the region's rapid transition toward increased reliance on renewable energy resources and battery storage.
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LCG, August 14, 2024 – LCG Consulting (LCG) has released its annual outlook of the ERCOT wholesale electricity market for 2025, highlighting the region's rapid transition toward increased reliance on renewable energy resources and battery storage.
Read more
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Industry News
Minnesota Power Reaches Settlement Agreement with EPA Over NSR Allegations
LCG, July 17, 2014-Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE, Inc., announced yesterday that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to resolve alleged violations of the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act. The agreement does not include any admission of wrongdoing on the part of the company. Minnesota Power is one of many utilities in the U.S. whose investments in electric generation facilities were reviewed as part of the EPA's Coal-Fired Power Plant Enforcement Initiative that began in 1999 and resulted in over 25 related settlements.
The settlement agreement covers Minnesota Power's Boswell, Laskin, Taconite Harbor and Rapids Energy Centers and includes more stringent emissions limits than in current air permits at all affected units, and the option of refueling, retrofits and retirements at some units. The agreement also includes the addition of 200 MW of wind energy. Furthermore, Minnesota Power will spend $4.2 million over the next five years in conservation and clean energy projects that benefitting local communities. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will also pay a $1.4 million civil penalty.
Minnesota Power received NOVs in 2008 and 2011 from the EPA alleging that the company made past modifications at its Boswell, Laskin and Rapids Energy Centers between 1981 and 2005 without following appropriate pre-construction review and permitting NSR requirements. Minnesota Power stated that it believes the projects specified in the NOVs were in full compliance with the Clean Air Act, NSR requirements and applicable permits; however, the company stated that it entered into the settlement agreement to avoid unnecessary costs and delays associated with litigation. Settlement negotiations resulted in a consent decree filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Before it will be effective, the settlement must be approved by the Court after a 30-day public comment period.
"The company has been in discussions with the EPA since 2008 to settle this matter to avoid costly litigation, in the best interest of our customers and other stakeholders. We are pleased to have reached a settlement that recognizes the significant investments we've already made to reduce emissions. It is consistent with our EnergyForward resource strategy to reduce emissions, diversify our energy mix and advance renewable energy," said ALLETE's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
Minnesota Power's EnergyForward strategy includes securing 600 MW of new wind capacity to increase its renewable portfolio. By the end of this year, the company will be positioned to achieve Minnesota's renewable standard of 25 percent - well ahead of the is 2025 target date.
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UPLAN-NPM
The Locational Marginal Price Model (LMP) Network Power Model
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UPLAN-ACE
Day Ahead and Real Time Market Simulation
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UPLAN-G
The Gas Procurement and Competitive Analysis System
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PLATO
Database of Plants, Loads, Assets, Transmission...
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