Stunning court decision blocks EPA coal plant ruling - more uncertainty ahead

By Jesse Berst

Less than 48 hours before it was due to take effect, a Federal Court of Appeals blocked implementation of new EPA pollution rules that would have applied to coal-fired plants.

The smart grid market continues to grow, but not at the breakneck pace of previous years. One of the reasons for the slowdown has been the preoccupation of utility executives with the generation side of the business – whether to retire coal plants because of EPA restrictions, whether to construct natural gas plants, whether to construct nuclear plants, how to accommodate wind and solar, etc.

If they just knew what was going to happen, executives could plan accordingly. But the new ruling adds more uncertainty to an already confusing situation. The court says it will hold a hearing in April but has not given any target date for a final decision.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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