In today’s AUSenergy News Update: Wisconsin Energy Corp. to buy Integrys Energy Group for $9.1 B, SCOTUS: EPA can regulate GHG emissions, and Pennsylvanians still reluctant to shop around for natural gas.

Wisconsin Energy Corp. to buy Integrys Energy Group for $9.1 B

Summary: Wisconsin Energy Corp. will buy Integrys Energy Group in a $9.1 billion deal, creating a four-state utility with 4.3 million customers.
AUS Comment: This consolidation claims to allow Wisconsin Energy to be more competitive on their pricing, but many consumer watchdog groups will be keeping an eye on this growing ‘monopoly’ to ensure consumer interests are protected.

SCOTUS: EPA can regulate GHG emissions

Summary: On Monday, (6/23/2014) “the US Supreme Court ruled that the EPA reasonably interpreted the Clean Air Act to require large industrial facilities and power plants to limit their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases if they are also required to obtain permits due to their emissions of other dangerous air pollutants…At the same time, the decision held that the EPA could not extend permitting requirements to sources that emit only climate change pollution and not other dangerous pollutants.”
AUS Comment: The decision is favorably received by the EPA and the Obama administration’s efforts to use the Clean Air Act to curb pollution from existing power plants. It is also being hailed as a victory for the National Association of Manufacturers, who sees the ruling as placing rational limits on executive power. This ruling, combined with the EPA’s proposed rules to cut carbon emissions (30% by 2030) signals that it is a good time to look towards investments in clean renewable energy.

Pennsylvanians still reluctant to shop around for natural gas

Summary: Pennsylvania has one of the most active natural gas marketplaces in the country, yet residential customers are still relatively reluctant to shop for alternative natural gas suppliers. The PUC is conducting an ongoing investigation into the struggles of the state’s competitive natural gas marketplace.
AUS Comment: Natural gas customers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to visit PaGasSwitch.com or CompetitiveEnergy.org for more information about switching.