Welcome to our first newsletter! We're excited to keep you updated with insights, opportunities and news from our team! |
ERCOT - Summer 2025 power prices in ERCOT fell as mild weather kept demand in check and left the system with plenty of reserve capacity. Entering September, ERCOT remains well-positioned with over 50% reserve margin, strong renewable output, and growing battery storage, keeping the Energy Emergency Alert risk near zero. Slightly cooler weather should begin to ease daytime load, though humidity and mild nighttime cooling could keep demand elevated. Thermal outages are manageable around 6 GW, and sub $3/MMBtu gas supports low energy costs. Short-term fundamentals remain favorable, with only intermittent renewable variability posing material risk. |
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PJM - Enters September with stable near-term fundamentals: load around 90 GW, adequate reserves, and soft real-time prices supported by low natural gas prices. Above-normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic could lift late-season cooling demand, while active hurricane season adds both fuel and pipeline risk. Despite current stability, the record-high capacity auction ($329.17/MW-day) highlights tightening supply as retirements, interconnection delays, and surging data center demand drive long-term risk, leaving PJM increasingly sensitive to both weather extremes and fuel volatility. |
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PJM’s capacity auction hit the FERC price cap — retail pain and market questions
PJM’s 2026/2027 capacity auction cleared at the FERC mandated cap of $329.17/MW day, a ~22% jump from the prior year’s clearing price. That result signals tighter forward capacity expectations and immediately raises hedging and procurement costs for retail electricity suppliers in PJM states. Analysts estimate the auction outcome could push some customer bills higher and has restarted debates about whether current market rules are adequately signaling the type of resources (fast ramp, long duration, low carbon) needed for reliability. Policymakers and market participants are now weighing reforms to align investment incentives with resilience and decarbonization goals. Utility Drive Factor This |
AI / data center demand is flooding interconnection queues and stressing grids
A surge of hyperscale and AI datacenter proposals has produced enormous interconnection requests in multiple regions, with utilities reporting dramatic increases in large customer queue volumes. Utilities such as Oncor and AEP have seen requests rise sharply; many developers file multiple site options, creating inflated totals and “phantom” projects that complicate planning. The speed and scale of requests are producing local congestion, long transmission upgrade timelines, and renewed interest in behindthemeter and hybrid solutions to guarantee service. Grid planners are scrambling to convert speculative demand into credible commitments so upgrades and procurement can be prioritized. The Wall Street Journal POWWR |
Market responses: gas plant builds, repowering, and repurposing old assets
Faced with 24/7 AI loads, some developers and analysts expect near term growth in dispatchable thermal capacity (mostly gas) and opportunistic reactivation or repurposing of retired coal connections to tap existing transmission. Observers warn this could accelerate fossil capacity additions unless markets and contracts explicitly value low carbon firming alternatives. Meanwhile, project sponsors and large loads are experimenting with hybrid PPAs, localized gas + storage combinations, and temporary behind the meter buildouts to secure reliable service while transmission and permitting catch up. These trends pose tradeoffs for regulators balancing reliability, cost and emissions. Project Finance Law Fortune |
Theresa Gambertoglio - Senior Analyst Commercial Sales With over a decade of experience in commercial sales and a focused career in the energy industry since 2018, she brings a results-driven approach to business development and client engagement. Currently, Theresa leads the Multifamily and Builder Program at AE, where she collaborates with industry partners to drive strategic growth and deliver innovative energy solutions. Her career is rooted in building strong relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering value across diverse markets. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to a 15-year-old son who plays football, and values quality time with family, close friends, and the occasional well-earned vodka tonic. |
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Jason Burnett - Senior Residential Sales Manager
With 7 years of experience in retail energy and 3 years in fintech, he has a focus on sales operations, growth strategy, and building streamlined workflows. His career has centered on streamlining processes, developing partnerships, and driving measurable results in fast-paced, competitive markets. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, sports, hunting, and fishing. Most importantly, he values time with his family - Jason is a proud dad to one daughter and excited to welcome another soon! |
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