News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: Exelon and Mercuria Energy Group.

Lobbyists from Exelon have descended on Illinois lawmakers, warning that current energy prices and what renewable energy subsidies could force them to shut down three nuclear stations in the state.

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?

Duke Energy's plan to sell its merchant generation in the Midwest is further evidence of the `de-integration' of the utility business.

Several PJM utilities released their fourth quarter earnings last week, but none made news like Exelon, which warned that it may shut down some of its nuclear generating stations if they can't compete against subsidized renewable generators and stubbornly low natural gas prices.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection: Dominion, Duke, Exelon, and AEP.

FERC approved PJM’s proposal to cap the amount of Limited and Extended Summer demand response that clears in the annual base capacity auction, an action expected to increase capacity prices.

Stakeholders backed PJM’s proposal to eliminate speculation in capacity auctions, selecting it over four alternatives in a vote announced yesterday.

With its decision to cut its dividend, FirstEnergy acknowledged last week that its focus on its unregulated business was a losing strategy. Now the question is whether its renewed focus on regulated operations will improve the fortunes of the beleaguered company enough to regain Wall Street’s favor.

State briefs from around PJM's territory. Included this week are Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.