October 18, 2026 to October 24, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels, as well as nuclear. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Oil & Gas and Construction. Also consider subscribing to our Utilities & Power - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Presidential Proclamation on Wind Turbine Import Risks

On October 22, the President issued a proclamation citing national security risks associated with imports of wind turbines and their components, following a report under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Secretary of Commerce identified concerns including wind energy’s reliance on foreign-manufactured parts, potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could allow remote access or disruption of turbines, and impacts to grid reliability and other critical infrastructure. The proclamation instructs the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin negotiations with trading partners addressing these issues. Existing tariffs on materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper are noted as contributing factors. The administration indicates that ongoing monitoring of these threats may lead to further action.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FERC Proposes Blanket Authorization for Certain LNG Plant Activities

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on October 20 proposed revisions to regulations that would establish a blanket authorization program for specified activities at liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants under the Natural Gas Act. The program is set to allow minor activities to proceed by automatic authorization and larger modifications—such as construction of new liquefaction trains or storage tanks—through a prior notice process, with corresponding notice and comment periods for stakeholders. Covered activities will require adherence to safety and environmental standards, with reporting obligations for both tiers. FERC’s proposal excludes cost-based restrictions but requires compliance with all other federal mandates. Comments on the proposed program are due by December 21, 2026; a NEPA review document is planned as part of the rulemaking.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Section 45J: Request for Comment on Advanced Nuclear Production Tax Credit Allocations

The Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service have submitted an information collection request for review regarding allocations of the Section 45J production tax credit for advanced nuclear power facilities. The notice, published October 19, describes the allocation process for unutilized national megawatt capacity limitation under the credit, requirements for transferring credits, and the extension of an existing paperwork collection. The likely respondents are corporations and government entities. The public is invited to submit input by November 18, 2026, regarding the information requirements and burden estimates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Reliability Technical Conference Scheduled

FERC will convene its annual commissioner-led Reliability Technical Conference on October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. EDT at headquarters in Washington, D.C. The agenda centers on policy issues pertaining to the reliability and security of the Bulk-Power System, with multiple panelists scheduled. The conference will address reliability issues in wholesale and regional transmission organizations, referencing numerous pending dockets, but will not focus on the merits of any specific case. The event will be broadcast online, and transcripts will be available from third-party reporters.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Issues Notices of Electric Rate, Tariff, and Corporate Filings

Throughout the week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued several combined notices of filings, including Section 205(d) electric rate amendments, revised market-based rate tariffs, and interconnection agreements from entities such as PJM Interconnection, Apple River Solar, LLC, Ross County Solar, LLC, and Generac Grid Services LLC. Many filings address network upgrades, tariff revisions, and effective dates between October 17, 2026, and January 1, 2027. The commission detailed comment deadlines for each submission, generally falling in early November, and encouraged stakeholders to use FERC’s eLibrary system for participation and compliance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US Energy Department to invest nearly $1 billion for new power grid upgrades: The Department of Energy is directing significant funding toward modernization projects for the nation's electricity grid.
• Small reactor developers tie in EPC partners to de-risk roll out: Developers of small modular reactors are entering partnerships with engineering, procurement, and construction firms to manage deployment risk.
• COMMENTARY: Six bold bets on the future of US clean power: An opinion piece outlines major strategic investments expected to shape the evolution of U.S. clean electricity.
• Can larger batteries safely power residential buildings? A project in New York aims to show how: A demonstration project in Buffalo is testing the feasibility and safety of larger in-building battery systems for apartments.
• BluWave-ai Wins Energy Storage Canada Award for the Second Year in a Row and Earns Clean50 Top 5 Project: BluWave-ai's energy optimization project garners recognition for innovation in energy storage.
• Why AI data centers are powering a boom in fuel-cell demand: The expansion of AI data centers is accelerating demand for fuel-cell technology as a backup and supplementary power source.
• UK gas, power grids ready for winter despite global turmoil, operators say: UK grid operators report preparedness for winter operations amid global energy volatility.
• Tunisia targets 16% renewable power share in 2027, plans 1,600 MW of new capacity: Tunisia has announced plans to add 1,600 MW in renewables by 2027, aiming for a 16% clean energy share.
• EXCLUSIVE: Qatari electricity lifeline for Lebanon includes two power plants, LNG supply deal: Qatar enters agreements to build power plants and supply LNG to bolster Lebanon’s electricity system.
• Failte-Sigenergy JV to build inverter, battery storage plants in India: A joint venture plans to develop inverter and battery storage manufacturing facilities in India.

.