Meter Reading: San Antonio Signs Solar Deal, Drought and Blackouts, and More

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Solar deal for CPS set to bring 805 jobs – “CPS Energy signed a landmark deal Monday with OCI Solar Power that calls for the construction of five solar plants around the state, providing CPS with access to 400 megawatts of power.” – San Antonio Express-News

Refinery safety still falls short, regulators say – “Safety at chemical plants and refineries has not improved despite scores of fatalities over the last decade and won’t until companies develop better systems for identifying red flags that point to potential disaster, panelists said at a hearing in Houston on Monday.” – Fuel Fix

Will Drought Cause the Next Blackout? – “WE’RE now in the midst of the nation’s most widespread drought in 60 years, stretching across 29 states and threatening farmers, their crops and livestock. But there is another risk as water becomes more scarce. Power plants may be forced to shut down, and oil and gas production may be threatened.” — New York Times