Generation

Opinion

FERC takes steps to modernize PURPA, but will it do more harm than good?

Proposed changes to the funding mechanics for Qualified Facilities under the law could negate or reverse the cost reductions the renewable energy sector has benefited from in the past few years.

By Tanya M. Larrabee • Feb. 25, 2020

Final EPA coal ash proposal could allow some ponds to go unlined, despite DC Circuit ruling

The agency found its latest proposal could save utilities between $41 million and $138 million per year, siding with industry to give more "flexibility" on what kind of liners adequately protect human health and groundwater.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 24, 2020

Opinion

Cap coal ash in place? Duke and others have learned better

Forward-thinking utilities recognize that their communities and increasingly-stringent standards require more than leaving coal ash in polluting pits and have moved their coal ash to dry lined storage, the author writes.

By Frank Holleman • Feb. 24, 2020

Opinion

Duke's $10B coal ash cleanup breaks precedents and could cost North Carolinians much more

What is happening with Duke Energy in North Carolina is a major shift in the way the utility industry has been regulated and overseen for the last several decades.

By Stan Wise • Feb. 24, 2020

FERC deals blow to New York renewable, storage projects, adding hurdles to NYISO capacity market

The commission's Feb. 20 orders join actions in PJM and ISO New England that "go after clean energy policies," Commissioner Richard Glick said after announcing his dissents.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 21, 2020

Michigan finds 'fundamental flaws' in DTE's resource plan, directs utility to pursue renewables

DTE wants to operate its Belle River coal plant until 2030, but regulators directed the utility to file a renewable energy plan with alternative generation options, or see the plan rejected.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2020

American Electric Power 'feeds the beast' of earnings growth with more renewable capital projects

The former coal plant giant is looking for growth in renewable energy projects and expects all or some of its 1,485 MW North Central Wind project in Oklahoma, now in regulatory limbo, to move forward.

By Matthew Bandyk • Feb. 21, 2020

Southern Company decreases coal burn, moves closer to completing Vogtle nuclear project

Behind schedule and billions over budget, the first of two new nuclear units at Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle could be online in less than two years, executives said Thursday.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 20, 2020

Largest New England coal plant clears ISO-NE capacity auction, will stay online until 2024

Critics say the plant, which runs at just 10% of its capacity from a decade ago, is a sign the auction favors incumbent generators over new, clean resources.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 20, 2020

Jeff Bezos commits $10B to climate. How should he spend it?

The funding announcement "dwarfs other philanthropy in this realm," and could go toward anything from an amplified Beyond Carbon campaign to a mass electric vehicle rollout, stakeholders said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 19, 2020

RTOs need better market signals for using gas, analysts say, as ISO-NE preps related rule

NARUC stakeholders discussed how grid operators and regulators facilitate communication between natural gas pipeline services and electric system needs.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 18, 2020

Deep Dive

Utilities don't see stranded assets as a top risk. Should they?

Despite growing concerns that "bullish" utility investments in natural gas may lead to stranded assets amid rapid decarbonization, just 18% of utility employees surveyed by Utility Dive view those risks as a top concern.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 14, 2020

Virginia approves 100% clean energy legislation, pushing state toward 2.4 GW storage, RGGI

The Virginia Clean Economy Act gives the state extra powers to block new natural gas-fired power plants.

By Matthew Bandyk • Feb. 14, 2020

Coal ash, Atlantic Coast Pipeline remain a headache for Duke as it expands 5 year spending by $6B

Not allowing the utility to fully recover costs around its $8-9 billion coal ash cleanup could prove "detrimental" to the utility's balance sheet, CEO Lynn Good said on the company's Q4 earnings call.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 13, 2020

Opinion

Why DTE Energy gets failing grades on its 15-year energy plan

Advocacy groups gave the utility an "F" for ensuring equitable access to clean energy benefits, according to Vote Solar's Midwest director.

By John Delurey • Feb. 13, 2020

New Mexico's San Juan coal carbon capture project could put investors at risk for $450M: IEEFA

Farmington, New Mexico, remains determined to save the coal plant, but critics say the company planning the carbon capture project is underestimating costs and overestimating the fuel's viability.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 13, 2020

Glick joins grid operators' call for storage hybrid market construct

The FERC commissioner wants to see action on the measure and suggested a technical conference on how to treat storage collocated with energy generation in energy markets.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 13, 2020

Faced with potential 2020 Sanders, Warren fracking bans, Vistra CEO expects industry impact to be minimal

"Our coal plants are no more economic today than when the president took over," Vistra Energy's Curtis Morgan said, adding the Trump administration has ultimately just led to stronger state clean energy policies.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 12, 2020

Sustainability tops utility concerns, as SEU survey sees discrepancies on cybersecurity, stranded assets

Some 50% of utility respondents to Utility Dive's State of the Electric Utility Survey expect their organization to significantly increase the amount of grid-scale solar by 2030, a stronger forecast than for any other resource.

By Larry Pearl • Feb. 12, 2020

Utilities, regulators overlook recycling revenue options amid rising state tensions over coal ash: NARUC

Cost continues to be a major concern for regulators and utilities, but the report authors note the potential for beneficial use has yet to be fully explored.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 11, 2020

DOE Secretary announces $64M in coal efficiency and low-emissions research

The Department of Energy is committing more funding to improve coal plant efficiency and reduce emissions, including carbon capture use, while seeking ways to increase coal exports.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 10, 2020

ISO-NE capacity prices fall to new low, but latest auction shut out some renewables and storage

ISO New England's annual capacity auction returned the lowest clearing price yet, but confusion over federal and state interconnection processes kept more than a dozen solar and energy storage projects from participating.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 07, 2020

Indiana House passes controversial bill making coal plants harder to retire

HB 1414 was amended in the House to add a sunset clause of May 2021, which critics say makes the bill's purpose even more murky.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 05, 2020

GE Hitachi enters federal licensing process for new small modular nuclear reactor design

GE Hitachi claims its BWRX-300 will be cheaper on a capital cost basis than both conventional nuclear power reactors and other SMRs.

By Matthew Bandyk • Feb. 05, 2020

New York aims to kick off solicitation for up to 2.5 GW of offshore wind in 2020

The proceeding would be the state's second large scale solicitation of the resource, and could lead to state procurements of up to 4.3 GW of offshore wind.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 05, 2020