Minnesota overhauls interconnection standards to streamline clean energy

The standards are the great equalizer in clean energy markets, and remain a key building block to support a strong foundation for continued clean energy growth, writes IREC Counsel Sky Stanfield.

By Sky Stanfield • May 25, 2018

Renewables boom is a bust for gas equipment suppliers like GE

If renewables fill the gap left by a wave of power plant retirements, gas turbine suppliers who expected strong growth could suffer. 

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2018

Does 112% growth in 2017 mean community solar has finally solved its complexity problem?

Growth doubled from 2016 to 2017 and is accelerating this year, with successful policies and best practices emerging.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 24, 2018

Generators slam ISO-NE cost recovery proposal for Exelon gas plant

The grid operator's plan to support a gas generator for its fuel security attributes would reach beyond its typical authority, generators and environmental groups warned FERC.

By Gavin Bade • May 24, 2018

Southern Co. unit to sell 33% of solar assets for $1.2B

Executives are exploring third-party equity financing for much of the subsidiary's wind portfolio.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 24, 2018

New Jersey Gov. Murphy signs bills creating zero emission credits for nuclear

The plan is to move the state toward 100% clean energy with nuclear power as an essential part of the mix.

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2018

How can existing coal plants run better? DOE wants to know

Continuing on President Trump's vow to resurrect the coal industry, the U.S. Department of Energy has opened an inquiry into improving the efficiency, reliability and flexibility of coal-based power plants.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2018

PJM loses a quarter of its nuke capacity in latest power auction

Cleared nuclear capacity fell by more than 7 GW from PJM's last base residual auction, while demand response, renewables, gas and coal all saw their shares expand. 

By Gavin Bade • May 23, 2018

New Mass., R.I. projects to add 1.2 GW US offshore wind capacity

While some question the economics of offshore wind, several states have made multi-gigawatt commitments to deploying more of the renewable resource.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 23, 2018

80% of transit buses expected to go electric by 2040, report forecasts

California regulators expect to vote in September on a proposal to transition all transit systems in the state to 100% zero emissions by 2040.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 23, 2018

No changes to Xcel nuclear cost recovery after bill dies in Minnesota House

The bill would have altered how Xcel Energy recovers investments in its nuclear fleet, but drew concern from customer advocates, large industrial customers and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton.

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2018

Invenergy widens capital base with investments in its gas, renewables arms

The latest equity infusions from Canadian and Australian fund managers are expected to consolidate its investor base, enhance the company’s financial position and fund development activities.

By Peter Maloney • May 23, 2018

US nuke rules soured acquisition interest from European utilities, former regulator says

Former NRC Commissioner Jeffrey Merrifield made the comment while testifying at a House hearing on four nuclear bills, including one that would push DOE to focus on more highly enriched fuels.

By Gavin Bade • May 22, 2018

RMI says rush to build gas plants could cost investors, customers billions

With thermal generators quickly aging, researchers at Rocky Mountain Institute say a clean energy portfolio can address U.S. power needs more cheaply than gas-fired plants.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2018

North Carolina lifts limits on Duke residential efficiency program

As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Duke is expanding its efficiency programs and expects cumulative energy savings to grow to 22,000 GWh by 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2018

Dominion invests seed money in GE-Hitachi small modular nuke

The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe reactor that is expected to require up to 60% less capital costs per MW than conventional light water reactors.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2018

Last year's weather, wildfires heighten utilities' storm hardening efforts

Utilities are taking measures to address those physical threats, but the number of outages has been slowly creeping up, as has the number of people affected. 

By Peter Maloney • May 21, 2018

DTE, Consumers pledge 50% clean energy, heading off ballot initiative

The Michigan utilities expect to reach most of the 2030 goal through efficiency initiatives, but at least 25% of the result will come from renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2018

Wind power poised for record year, despite initial tax law concerns

Clarity on tax policy and countdown to expiration of the production tax credit are combining to drive a significant increase in the U.S. wind power project pipeline.

By Peter Maloney • May 21, 2018

NextEra to buy Gulf Power, gas assets from Southern for $6.5B

NextEra has long wanted more regulated utility assets but failed to close two high-profile acquisitions in recent years. 

By Gavin Bade • May 21, 2018

Divided FERC restricts climate impacts in pipeline reviews

FERC will now only consider emissions associated with a specific proposed pipeline, rather than a broader approach to factor in a project's impact on production and consumption of natural gas.

By Gavin Bade • May 18, 2018

California regulators see signs of a new energy crisis — can they prevent it?

As the state's customer choice movement expands, energy sector stakeholders continue to struggle with what CPUC President Michael Picker calls "scar tissue" from the 2000-2001 energy crisis.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2018

Illinois can do without Vistra coal plants, greens claim

Shutting eight plants in Southern Illinois and replacing them with other options could save up to $14 billion, says a new report by Vibrant Clean Energy for NRDC and Sierra Club.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2018

FERC chair restarts PURPA review, pledging 'open mind'

Federal energy regulators also approved a new pipeline proposal and reviewed summer reliability conditions at their May open meeting.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2018

EPA air chief praises House efforts to alter New Source Review

The agency is working on its own rulemaking process to change the power plant permitting program.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 17, 2018