In this week’s UtilityXpert Roundup, it turns out that IOU investors will be able to see more than just a return on their money - decarbonizing electric generation has become a top priority for players such as Dominion Energy. Elsewhere, utilities in Oregon must figure out how to adapt and integrate electric vehicles, transportation, grid and customer data. Also, who said energy efficiency can’t be a chill or funny topic?

Ameren details commitment to building a brighter energy future in new Corporate Social Responsibility Report (EEO)

The 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report for Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), Committed to Building a Brighter Energy Future, is now available at AmerenCSR.com. The annual report illustrates the company's focus on building a brighter, sustainable energy future, while delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all customers, communities and shareholders.

Dominion Energy’s new carbon reduction goal will mean slowdown in emissions reduction pace (Energy and Policy Institute)

Dominion energy is planning on slowing down its carbonization rate in a big way between now and 2030. Investors were told that this would reduce its carbon footprint by 80% by 2050. This reflects a growing chance that investors are decarbonizing their electric generation as a response to climate change.

Marijuana prices have collapsed, forcing growers to focus on energy efficiency (Utility Dive)

Great article by Robert Walton on marijuana and its effects on energy efficiency. As marijuana becomes more mainstream, an increasing number of utilities are seeing growers set up shop in their service territories — at times creating distribution system issues, and in general bringing significant new demand. 

Oregon utilities poised to sink or swim with new electric transportation rule (UAI)

In mid-April, Oregon regulators adopted a new rule to compel utilities in that state to increase the speed and degree of their support for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The rule requires utilities to provide an overview of the current state of electric vehicle adoption and impacts in their Oregon service territories, alongside a comprehensive overview of their long-term transportation electrification (TE) plan. 

New Mexico Utility PNM to Buy Renewable-Linked Transmission Project From Pattern (Greentech Media)

Plans to link New Mexico’s abundant wind energy resource to bigger markets in California continue to come together, with utility group PNM Resources announcing it will buy Pattern Development’s Western Spirit transmission project, designed to connect more than 800 megawatts of future wind capacity.