Federal government issues RFP for 'coal plants of the future'

The request for proposals supports the Coal FIRST initiative to develop more modern coal plants. Critics say the program is designed to score political points and development of new coal facilities is unlikely.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 10, 2018

In first, Virginia regulators reject Dominion Integrated Resource Plan

Regulators said Dominion's power demand forecasts are unrealistically high, which could raise questions about a number of infrastructure investments, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 10, 2018

As coal economics worsen, rural renewables development propels Midwest growth: NRDC

While the region still relies heavily on coal and natural gas, a continued rural focus may be the key to unlocking the region's clean energy potential, the Natural Resources Defense Council report said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 10, 2018

Colorado co-op seeks exit from coal-heavy Tri-State to pursue renewables

The Delta Montrose Electric Association asked regulators to set a fair price for it to exit the Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 7, 2018

Black Hills Energy proposes coal plant purchase amid ongoing closures

The utility filed an integrated resource plan with Wyoming regulators this week, proposing to purchase the Wygen I power plant, near Gillette to address a 60 MW shortfall.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2018

Avista could face limited options in wake of Hydro One merger rejection

Washington regulators' rejection of the proposed merger leaves little room for Avista to negotiate a win.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 2018

EPA moves to rescind Obama-era carbon limits on new coal plants

The rollback is unlikely to spur new investment in U.S. coal plants, but the EPA hopes it could lead to the development of coal technologies that can be exported overseas. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 6, 2018

Senate confirms McNamee to FERC as coal recusal calls mount

The 50-49 vote came despite Democrat concerns over the nominee's past work crafting a coal and nuclear bailout proposal at DOE and the recent release of a video showing McNamee criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 6, 2018

Report: EPA to rescind Obama-era carbon rules for new coal plants

Coal operators said that EPA's New Source Performance Standards made it too costly to invest in new plants, but rolling them back is not likely to change the economic outlook for the sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 5, 2018

Texas grid to face tighter electricity reserves this summer: 'Does that scare you?'

ERCOT says planning reserve margins for the 2019 summer could be the tightest ever, in part due to canceled generation projects and growing demand from oil and gas operations.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2018

EIA: U.S. coal consumption lowest in 39 years

Consumption of the resource is anticipated to drop 4% below 2017 levels by the end of this year and fall another 8% by the end of 2019. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 5, 2018

PacifiCorp shows 60% of its coal units are uneconomic

The Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary conducted the analysis as part of its 2019 integrated resource plan, finding that more considerations need further study "before future resource decisions are made."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 5, 2018

Xcel commits to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

The pledge makes the Minnesota-based firm the first multi-state utility to commit to a complete phaseout of the planet-warming gas, according to company officials. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Even in a carbon-constrained world, fossil fuels remain dominant: WoodMac

Wood Mackenzie's new analysis concludes that even with policies designed to accelerate development of clean energy resources, it will not be possible to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

Bellefonte nuclear deal implodes: Private developer sues after TVA cancels sale

Nuclear Development says it has already paid Tennessee Valley Authority more than $30 million for the plant, and wants its money back. It is also asking a judge to block the utility from selling the plant to anyone else.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

FERC vacancy allows Democrats to win rare battle over ISO-NE market rules

Commissioner Kevin McIntyre did not vote, allowing Democrats to push through acceptance of an ISO-NE proposal to treat fuel secure resources as price takers in its upcoming capacity auction. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Republican introduces 'technology neutral' tax credit bill to boost energy innovation, efficiency

Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY, proposed the Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act, which he says will encourage the U.S. energy market to stop "picking winners and losers."

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2018

ALEC members reject electricity competition resolution after EEI opposition

The vote at the meeting of the private conservative policy group illustrates the ongoing debate between backers of market competition and incumbent utilities keen to preserve monopoly power. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

CEO of the Year: Jim Robo, NextEra Energy

As the largest provider of wind and solar power in the world, NextEra's executive team, particularly CEO Jim Robo, has guided the company's steady, disciplined growth.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

Innovator of the Year: Lon Huber, Navigant

Huber has worked on a number of rate-design plans and policies, such as the Clean Peak Standard, aimed at offering longterm benefits for all ratepayers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 3, 2018

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 2018

Report: 42% of global coal capacity now unprofitable

United States coal plant owners could save $78 billion if utilities close down plants in line with the Paris climate agreement, according to a new analysis.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

Capital Dynamics, Tenaska to develop 2 GW of solar across the Midwest

The agreement envisions 14 projects across six states and would significantly boost solar capacity in a region poised for clean energy growth after several Democratic wins in the midterm elections. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 29, 2018

ISO-NE anticipates adequate winter resources, but sees 4 possible challenges

After system conditions were pushed to the brink during a cold snap last year, the grid operator says it has "made near-term improvements" to address energy security concerns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018