Industry and IBEW News

Higher Bills, Delayed Projects: How Administration Policies Hit CT's Clean Energy Push

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-trump-climate-energy-agenda-cost-environment-21294687.php

Connecticut's 2026 gubernatorial race centers on electricity affordability as candidates navigate Trump administration policies shifting federal energy support away from renewables. Gov. Lamont pursues an "all-of-the-above" strategy including natural gas expansion, while facing criticism from both progressive Democrats favoring clean energy investments and Republicans seeking to eliminate public benefits charges on electric bills.

Offshore Wind Project Clears Federal Hurdle, Construction Resumes

https://patch.com/connecticut/across-ct/offshore-wind-project-clears-federal-hurdle-construction-resumes-ct-leaders

A federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's halt of the Revolution Wind offshore project, allowing construction to resume on the nearly-complete wind farm. Gov. Lamont praised the ruling, stating the project will deliver diverse energy supply and lower utility costs for over 300,000 Connecticut homes while creating good-paying jobs.

Demolition of Vacant CT Building Puts Future Development In Spotlight

https://www.courant.com/2026/01/14/demolition-of-vacant-and-decaying-ct-building-to-start-it-puts-future-development-in-spotlight/

Demolition work begins on Hartford's vacant data processing center near Dunkin' Park, making way for a $90 million AI center, boutique hotel, and parking garage. The $9.4 million demolition is expected to complete by June, clearing the site for RMS Cos. redevelopment that includes a proposed center for applied artificial intelligence with potential Google technology partnership.

Microsoft Agrees to Pay For Higher Electricity Consumption Due to Data Centers

https://insidermonkey.com/blog/microsoft-corporation-agrees-to-pay-for-higher-electricity-consumption-due-to-data-centers-1679666/

Microsoft announced a "Community-First AI Infrastructure" policy ensuring communities won't bear the full cost of electricity consumption and grid expansion from its data centers, following Trump administration pressure. The company's commitment comes as IEA estimates US datacenter electricity demand could triple by 2035, from 200 to 640 terawatt-hours annually.

Report: Wind and Solar Overtook Fossil Fuels for EU Power Generation in 2025

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/22/wind-and-solar-overtook-fossil-fuels-in-power-generation-for-eu-in-2025-report

Wind and solar generated 30% of EU electricity in 2025, surpassing fossil fuels at 29% for the first time, driven by a surge in solar installations that grew 20% for the fourth consecutive year. Energy think tank Ember reports coal power fell to a record low of 9.2%, though gas generation rose 8% due to lower hydropower availability, lifting import costs to 32 billion euros.