The Power Line

The Power Line examines developments in the U.S. electric power sector and connects them to policymaking conversations in D.C.

The Power Line is a regularly published newsletter that reviews key stories in the electric power sector — ranging from grid reliability, transmission issues, and emergent technology and business models. The Power Line will highlight the connections connections and relevance between the sector’s technical, local, and often esoteric stories to high-level public policy conversations on climate and energy taking place in Washington, D.C.

This project is made possible by general funding to CSIS and the CSIS Energy Security & Climate Change Program.

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AI Makes Nuclear Viable, Not Yet Inevitable

AI is changing the game for nuclear power. The question now is whether industry can move beyond restarts and build a new reactor—only this will mark the true start of a U.S. nuclear renaissance.

Commentary by Cy McGeady — October 4, 2024

The EPA Power Plant Rule amid Demand Growth

A new EPA rule on power plant emissions raises major questions about the ability of the U.S. power sector to simultaneously meet demand growth and backfill a retiring coal fleet, all while maintaining reliability and affordability. 

Commentary by Cy McGeady — May 10, 2024

Electric Demand Growth and a New Strategic Lens

Electric demand growth is a rapidly developing policy issue of national strategic importance. A new era of policymaking and investment in the electric power sector is needed. 

Commentary by Cy McGeady — March 28, 2024

Winter Reliability, A Growing Not Passing Problem

Though the nation’s electric power grids have emerged unscathed from a continent-spanning snap of cold weather, winter reliability scares have now emerged as an annual tradition, one that bodes ill for the nation’s energy systems and the economic engine they power.

Commentary by Cy McGeady — January 26, 2024

What Can Federal Authority Do for Transmission?

The Department of Energy is resuscitating a long dormant transmission planning authority. But with wide-open discretion and a massive need for new transmission projects, how should it focus its efforts?

Commentary by Cy McGeady — January 10, 2024