Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
-
Permission granted by Enel Green Power, photo by Jake Janske
Sheep, ag and sun: Agrivoltaics propel significant reductions in solar maintenance costs
The cost savings impressed Tampa Electric when it put its solar O&M out to bid in 2018, with grazing representing a 75% cost savings over traditional mowing, said Paul Davis, director of solar operations.
Lynn Freehill-Maye • Aug. 04, 2020 -
A blow to small solar, a win for states and utilities? Regulators, analysts assess FERC's PURPA rule
Federal regulators issued a ruling on the law earlier this month that stakeholders say could disproportionately benefit vertically-integrated utilities in non-competitive markets in particular.
Catherine Morehouse • July 30, 2020 -
Audit of Hawaiian Electric sends a postcard about the future of regulation
The utility's restructuring has supported and streamlined Hawaii's ongoing "transition to a 100% renewable future," the audit reported. But "costs and staffing levels have also increased," often without "a clear role or purpose."
Herman K. Trabish • July 13, 2020 -
Momentum grows for piloting Netflix-like fixed subscription rates, but not everyone's on board
For customers who want predictable bills, pairing automated smart distribution technologies with flat rates can resolve the overuse challenge of traditional fixed bills.
Herman K. Trabish • July 07, 2020 -
Battery energy storage is getting cheaper, but how much deployment is too much?
As renewable penetrations rise, batteries are the answer to variability, but it is not clear when buying more storage stops increasing reliability.
Herman K. Trabish • June 30, 2020 -
Permission granted by Charge Bliss
COVID-19 propels microgrids in healthcare sector, but regulatory, awareness hurdles remain
"If we think this is the last time we’re going to be dealing with something like this, I think we’re being foolish," said an executive at a Southern Company distributed power subsidiary.
Kavya Balaraman • June 29, 2020 -
A COVID-19 hit to public power? For some, it's not all bad
Municipal utilities and other public power entities have unique challenges, and some advantages, when dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic and recession.
Matthew Bandyk • June 25, 2020 -
Getty Images
Trump's grid security order sows confusion in power sector — but don't expect a quick fix
The executive order limits the installation of bulk power system equipment sourced from foreign adversaries, but experts say the vague wording has the industry 'freaked out.'
Robert Walton • June 10, 2020 -
California plans for future of gas system amid 'patchwork' of electrification policies
The California Public Utilities Commission has opened a rulemaking to "manage" a transition away from natural gas. But questions remain on what that transition will look like.
Kavya Balaraman • June 09, 2020 -
NASA Earth Observatory
When storms collide: Utilities' new approach to hurricane restoration in the age of COVID-19
The spread of the novel coronavirus has forced Duke, FPL and other utilities to alter their approach to storm restoration, utilizing smaller crews and more remote work while keeping a close eye on worker health.
Robert Walton • June 04, 2020 -
Herman K. Trabish
The 3 key challenges to expanding the West's real-time energy market to day-ahead trading
Driven by new Western state renewables and zero emissions mandates, the 11 active participants and nine new applicants in the Energy Imbalance Market are pushing to expand it to day-ahead trading.
Herman K. Trabish • June 03, 2020 -
Ex-FERC commissioners debate solutions to coal self-committments said to cost millions
Former FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly says the issue will have to be resolved at the state level, while former Chair Jon Wellinghoff argues such market distortions should be addressed by FERC.
Catherine Morehouse • June 01, 2020 -
Yujin Kim/Utility Dive
Observing recovery through a climate 'magnifying glass'
COVID-19 presented cities with fresh observations of climate trends, marking a crucial time for leaders to weave climate change mitigation into recovery efforts.
Chris Teale • May 29, 2020 -
As utilities tackle immediate COVID-19 impacts, analysts stress need to focus beyond the pandemic
Power systems across the country need new approaches for today's shifting loads, but focusing on recovery and tomorrow’s resources can be even better, analysts say.
Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2020 -
Fotolia
Colorado Tri-State ruling could provide co-op exit template amid rising tensions with G&T providers
Tri-State is struggling to respond to member demands for renewable energy. The conflict could have implications that drive an energy transition — or tear the electric cooperative system apart.
Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2020 -
As extreme weather spurs billions in utility resilience spending, regulators struggle to value investments
A new study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows the value of resilience depends on too many factors to easily quantify and moves regulators back to human judgment.
Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2020 -
GE Renewables
84 GW US renewables+storage pipeline has developers anxious for market integration rules
Utilities and developers are adding renewables plus storage hybrids so fast and cost-effectively that regulators had to schedule a conference on paired technologies.
Herman K. Trabish • April 23, 2020 -
Diminishing returns: Why an upcoming Utah rate case may signal the end of net metering
A move to end the compensation approach for rooftop solar owners has sent sales plummeting. Many other states are also looking at successor tariffs.
Emma Penrod • April 20, 2020 -
Photo illustration by Brian Tucker/Utility Dive; photograph by thinkreaction via Getty Images
Increasing renewables and DER demand new reliability approach, but California is falling short, groups say
Resource adequacy's planning reserve margin worked when supply and load were stable, but new system realities demand a more dynamic approach to protect reliability, emerging power providers and DER advocacy groups say.
Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2020 -
Fotolia
BlackRock, Morgan Stanley to utilities: Tackle climate-related risks or lose market value
Analyst research shows utilities that address climate-related physical and transition risks earn higher valuations from investors.
Herman K. Trabish • April 06, 2020 -
Distributed storage could see growth in demand amid COVID-19 pandemic, analysts say
The circumstances of the outbreak and the raft of restrictions that states have implemented to prevent its spread could spur interest in resources that provide resilience and self-reliance, analysts say.
Kavya Balaraman • March 26, 2020 -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565892277/in/album-72157713108522106/.
How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts
At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.
Catherine Morehouse • March 26, 2020 -
Coronavirus could disrupt normal refueling practices for nuclear facilities as staffing concerns grow
Across the U.S., nuclear sites need to accommodate an influx of workers during the spring for cyclical refueling procedures, which will be difficult based on public health restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2020 -
Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules
With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.
Herman K. Trabish • March 26, 2020 -
COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate
There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.
Chris Teale • March 24, 2020
