Power grid

Coal-fired power generation jumped 13% in the U.S. last year, according to a recent report from the federal Energy Information Administration. That helped push carbon emissions from the power sector up about 4% — the first rise after years of declining emissions.

The power grid across Western states is under growing strain. Now, a new report argues the region’s governments and utilities need to work together to keep the lights on and costs down.

“The fact that they've had to cancel lease sales when this is such a pro-coal administration tells you that even the White House can't offset markets. Markets are really the final determinant of whether coal is going to be around in the power generation market,” UW economist Rob Godby told WPR.

Construction on the highly anticipated Kemmerer nuclear project began this week, and the groundbreaking brought out one of the world’s richest people.

Some Wyomingites are saying that a proposed bill could devastate the solar industry in the state, but supporters say the bill would create a more sustainable power grid.

Check out Wyoming Public Radio stories about the electricity grid and tell us:What’s YOUR most memorable power blackout?WPM/NPR Community Discussion…