DC Circuit Probes NextEra’s Resistance to Nuclear Plant Upgrades

A three-judge panel sharply questioned NextEra Energy’s arguments that US energy regulators lacked the authority to require the company to upgrade its nuclear power plant to accommodate the connection of a new power line from a competitor.

Much of the debate at the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit turned on whether the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission properly interpreted the obligation of a plant owner under the Federal Power Act when another generation source wants to connect to the electric grid.

The commission ruled in February 2023 that NextEra is required by its grid interconnection agreement ...