July 26, 2025

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Experts Warn of Heat-Driven Blackouts as Wisconsin Bars Summer Disconnections

Grid stress meets consumer safeguards

As the National Weather Service issues extreme heat advisories across large swaths of the U.S., the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns of potential rolling blackouts this summer. In its 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment, NERC forecasts peak demand rising by 10 GW across 23 regions—more than double the increase seen from 2023 to 2024.

Wisconsin regulators step in: The Public Service Commission reminded residents on July 22 that state law prohibits utilities from cutting power to occupied homes during heat advisories, warnings or emergencies. Utilities must make “reasonable attempts” to reconnect customers facing health or life threats, though disconnections may resume once the advisory expires if no payment plan is in place.

For questions, consumers can contact the PSC Consumer Affairs Bureau at 1-800-225-7729.

LA Metro Reopens D Line, Readies Pomona A Line Extension Ahead of ’28 Olympics

Los Angeles Metro has resumed full service on its D Line subway between Union Station and Koreatown after a 70-day closure to complete critical rail connections for its D Line Extension Project. Riders once again have access to Wilshire/Vermont, Wilshire/Normandie and Wilshire/Western stations as work continues on adding nine miles of underground track and seven new stops ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

On Sept. 19, Metro will inaugurate the 9.1-mile A Line extension from Glendora to Pomona, adding four stations in the San Gabriel Valley and linking to Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line. Funded by Measure M, Measure R and state grants, the $1.5 billion project enhances transit access to colleges, hospitals, museums and the Pomona Fairplex, which will host Olympic cricket events.

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Congress Moves to Cut Bus Costs, Backs New Commuter Service

Two new federal initiatives aim to bolster bus transit affordability and accessibility.

— Transit Bus Affordability Act: Introduced by Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10), it instructs the Government Accountability Office to study why buses cost up to $1 million each and recommend strategies to lower those expenses.

— Rocky Mount–Raleigh Commuter Service: A $3 million CMAQ grant, announced July 11, will underwrite a three-year pilot to connect Rocky Mount and Raleigh by bus or vanpool, easing traffic, cutting emissions and expanding the regional workforce catchment.

These measures respond to rising transit ridership—7.7 billion trips in 2024—and aim to deliver cost savings for agencies and more travel options for commuters.

SunRail Weighs $26M Annual, $62M Capital Plan for Daily Service

State transit leaders are evaluating extending SunRail to seven-day service, estimating $26 million annually for weekend operations and $62 million to buy six new rail vehicles. A forthcoming meeting will lay out next steps, including budget and schedule details.

If approved, the move would offer consistent seven-day access, boosting convenience and connectivity for weekend commuters and leisure riders across the network.

Producers Midstream II to Boost Lea County Gas Capacity by 50%

Producers Midstream II has finalized agreements with Permian operators to expand its Lea County, New Mexico, gathering, treating and processing network. Phase Two will lift capacity by 50%, from 60 MMscfd to 90 MMscfd, and introduce a new acid gas injection well to handle sour streams.

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Extreme Heat Could Trigger Rolling Blackouts; Wisconsin Bars Summer Shutoffs