UAW-Volkswagen Talks Stall; Texas Power Backup Funds in Limbo; Tennessee Plans Nuclear Generator Factory
Negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Volkswagen in Tennessee remain at a standstill. Meanwhile, Texas is investing in backup power systems, but customers may not receive promised reimbursements. In energy news, a nuclear generator factory is planned for Tennessee, while Chattanooga successfully used battery storage to avoid an outage. In politics, a U.S. Senator faces a federal tax lien, and states debate power costs and data center demand.
UAW and Volkswagen have been locked in contract negotiations at the Tennessee plant, with no breakthrough in sight. In Texas, oilfield thefts are on the rise in the Permian Basin, causing concern among industry players.
The Lone Star State has launched a $1.8 billion initiative to fund backup power systems and microgrids in crucial facilities. However, Texas customers of Griddy Energy may not receive reimbursement despite a settlement promise following last year's winter storm.
Radiant Energy, a California-based startup, plans to build a mass-produced nuclear generator factory in Tennessee. The facility, set to open in 2028, will produce microreactors in Oak Ridge. This comes as Chattanooga successfully used a 2.5 MW battery storage system to avoid an outage for the first time.
The IRS has filed a federal tax lien against West Virginia U.S. Sen. Jim Justice and his wife for over $8 million in unpaid assessments. In energy policy, Florida Power & Light has requested a rate hike, proposing to charge tech companies for expected energy use at data centers. Virginia Democrats, meanwhile, are campaigning against high electric bills and rising demand from data centers.
Tenaska's proposed 1.5 GW gas-fired power plant in Virginia faces significant public opposition and potential delays, highlighting the contentious nature of energy infrastructure projects.
As negotiations between UAW and Volkswagen remain deadlocked, Texas invests in backup power systems, but customers may not receive promised reimbursements. A nuclear generator factory is planned for Tennessee, while Chattanooga successfully uses battery storage. Meanwhile, a U.S. Senator faces a federal tax lien, and states debate power costs and data center demand.
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