PJM warns of tight electricity supplies amid maintenance outages
PJM Interconnection issued alerts warning that warm fall weather and extensive planned maintenance outages could push the grid close to its limits. The operator asked power plant owners to suspend maintenance and keep units online to avoid rolling blackouts as demand approached maximum capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy granted PJM temporary emergency authority allowing it to order plants to run beyond normal environmental limits and direct large users, including data centers, to switch to backup generation if needed. PJM said generation outages could reach 62,000 MW during the alert period, leaving the grid within 900 MW of its reserve margin.
Years of bus headaches begin as Midtown terminal overhaul advances
The Port Authority is launching the next major phase of its $11 billion rebuild of the Midtown Bus Terminal, triggering a decade of disruptions for commuters. Starting Thursday, buses entering Manhattan from the Lincoln Tunnel will be rerouted onto West 39th Street and 10th Avenue as crews remove aging ramps and construct temporary replacements. Riders should expect delays during weekday rush hours, while car traffic on West 39th Street will be restricted to local access. The overhaul will unfold in two phases: new ramps and a temporary facility by 2030, followed by a new terminal opening in 2035 with expanded capacity, modern amenities, and improved connections to the subway.
Gas stove fight resurfaces as industry sounds alarm
A new debate over gas stoves is emerging as industry advocates warn of renewed regulatory pressure. According to reporting, energy lobbyist Eric DeGesero is sounding the alarm about potential restrictions, arguing that policymakers are again targeting natural‑gas appliances despite public pushback earlier in the year. The discussion reflects broader national tensions over electrification, indoor air quality, and consumer choice, with utilities and trade groups preparing for another round of legislative and regulatory battles.
FERC rejects most of PJM’s large‑load interconnection plan
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission largely rejected PJM’s proposal to manage the rapid growth of large electricity users—particularly data centers—seeking grid connections. FERC said PJM’s proposed interim service and “bring your own new capacity” rules intruded on state jurisdiction and could discriminate against large loads. However, the commission approved PJM’s plan to define large loads and create a registry to track facilities demanding 50 MW or more. Analysts say the ruling may keep capacity prices elevated longer, benefiting existing generators. PJM is reviewing the order and preparing revisions.
Read more: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-pjm-large-load-interconnection-iras-byonc/832716/
Politicians push for faster timeline on new Outerbridge Crossing
Staten Island and New Jersey officials are urging both governors to accelerate planning for a replacement to the 98‑year‑old Outerbridge Crossing, currently slated for the Port Authority’s 2036–2045 capital plan. The bridge lacks emergency shoulders and regularly experiences gridlock and accidents, prompting renewed calls for a wider, modern span. Although the Port Authority has approved more than $300 million for rehabilitation work through 2028, local leaders argue that long‑term replacement must move faster to meet today’s traffic volumes—14 million annual crossings—and improve safety.
Read more: https://newjersey.news12.com/a-new-outerbridge-crossing-by-2045-politicians-push-for-faster-timeline
Newark Liberty’s long‑term rebuild adds gates and new terminals
Newark Liberty International Airport is entering a major redevelopment phase that includes new gates, redesigned terminals, and long‑term infrastructure upgrades. Terminal A, which opened in 2023, already exceeds passenger forecasts—18 million travelers in 2024 versus the original 13 million design capacity—prompting the Port Authority to authorize $110 million for expansions adding two gates by 2029 and planning six more. The work is part of the broader EWR Vision Plan, which includes a new Terminal B, a modern AirTrain system, and redesigned roadways and taxiways extending through 2065.
Lawrence Township Latest to Vote to Ban Data Centers
Lawrence Township has joined the growing list of New Jersey municipalities to take steps to ban data centers. The Township Council introduced an ordinance at its October 5 meeting to amend land use regulations and prohibit data center establishment and operation. The move comes as construction of a data center in neighboring South Brunswick has drawn opposition from township organizations and officials as well as groups in Princeton.
Read more: https://mercerme.com/lawrence-township-council-introduces-ordinance-to-ban-data-centers-townshipwide/
NJ water infrastructure receives C+ report card grade
New Jersey earned a C+ grade for its initial progress on New Jersey’s water infrastructure, according to a recent report card evaluation. While the state has taken steps to address drinking-water safety, enforce PFAS regulations, and establish a lead filter grant program, overall funding falls significantly short of the state’s estimated $77 billion 20-year infrastructure backlog. The report emphasizes that major multiyear capital commitments are still urgently needed for lead service line replacement, combined sewer overflow remediation, stormwater resilience, and utility governance reforms.
Read more: https://tristateinfrastructurenews.com/nj-water-infrastructure-report-card/
