US doubles solar manufacturing, but not jobs (yet)

Job creation is not guaranteed in the sector despite an increase in domestic solar panel manufacturing, according to analysts.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 31, 2018

Will batteries do for wind what they're doing for solar?

Experts say wind-plus-storage could become viable with longer-duration batteries. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Electricity Supply and Demand

After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

By Utility Dive staff

New wind project would move MidAmerican within reach of 100% renewables goal

The utility wants to generate enough electricity from wind to equal its customer demand for a year, though other assets will likely remain on the system. 

By Gavin Bade • May 31, 2018

Why natural gas' reign may come to a quick end

Turbulent markets and disruptive technology will require every fuel source — even those that are currently winning on low costs — to become even more efficient, writes Uptake's Michael Donohue.

By Michael Donohue • May 31, 2018

NERC: Texas, California will face tight markets this summer

Texas is facing a generation shortfall, due in part to plant retirements, and California is facing a limit on natural gas output due to Aliso Canyon storage facility constraints.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2018

FERC, DOJ support Illinois nuclear subsidies in court filing

The controversial nuclear payments do not interfere with FERC's jurisdiction over wholesale power markets, the agencies argued.

By Gavin Bade • May 30, 2018

Xcel to add 1.2 GW of wind to Texas, New Mexico mix, as PUC gives formal OK

The utility's plan nearly doubles the amount of wind capacity in that service area through two wind farms and a power purchase agreement from wind farms developed by NextEra.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 30, 2018

EPA proposes to maintain Obama-era standards for sulfur oxides

The agency is also seeking comment on whether there are "appropriate alternative approaches" for half of the measures used in determining air quality.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2018

N.J. sets 'aggressive' 2 GW storage target by 2030

Part of a broader recently-enacted law, the policy makes New Jersey the fifth state to set an energy storage goal.

By Peter Maloney • May 29, 2018

Congress, DOE continue carbon capture push, but utilities wary

Despite Trump administration support for coal and a newly extended tax incentive for carbon capture, the technology to reduce carbon emissions is too expensive for most utilities.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 25, 2018

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