Energy News Roundup: March 26-April 1

This week in regional energy news …

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently finalized the relicensing of Vermont Yankee.  The 600-MW reactor’s license will expire in twenty years.  At the same time, the federal agency is reviewing the country’s nuclear reactors in light of the crisis in Japan.
• Low prices for natural gas are slowing investments in new nuclear power plants.
• Following the success of its tidal turbine generator near Eastport, Maine, Ocean Renewable Power Co. is launching a tidal project in Alaska in conjunction with Homer Electric Association. 
• Unitil will begin replacing over 100 miles of pipeline in greater Portland at a cost of $60 million.  Modern plastic pipe will replace cast-iron pipe, allowing the pipes to transport increased volumes of gas and allowing Unitil to serve more customers.
• Certain parts of Connecticut may be ripe for wind turbine development, according to new wind speed tests indicating stronger economic viability than previously believed.
• Western Mass. Electric Co. is expanding its solar project installations.  Its first project is in Pittsfield, and WMECO plans to build a larger facility in Springfield