Exelon’s proposed $6.8 billion acquisition of Pepco Holdings Inc. should clear federal regulatory hurdles easily but may face a tougher time convincing state regulators.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: this week we focus on AEP, Dominion, Exelon, FirstEnergy, and NRG.

The winter’s high prices for gas and power have busted budgets and left state regulators and consumer advocates scrambling for answers. FERC says it has seen no evidence of market manipulation.

The short history of merchant generation in the U.S. is strewn with the fragments of once high-flying Wall Street darlings that crashed and burned. Remember Sithe? Boston Generating? Orion?

The coal industry lobby that sank Ron Binz’ FERC nomination will have a much harder time pinning the “war on coal” label on President Obama’s new choice, Norman Bay. But that doesn’t necessarily mean clear sailing.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: Constellation, PPL, PSEG, and UGI.

The volume and magnitude of changes PJM is attempting to impose on demand response raise the question of whether the high-flying sector is still a growth business or one in retreat.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: Constellation NewEnergy, FirstEnergy, Duke, PPL and TVA.

Lacking consensus, PJM dropped plans for a vote on measures to prevent speculation in the capacity auctions, returning the issue to a lower committee.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: Constellation, American Electric Power, Somerset County Rural Electric Cooperative, Exelon, NRG Energy.