California regulators edge away from gas peaker plants

The CPUC rejected proposed upgrades to NRG's Ellwood peaker plant just days after CAISO pushed the state regulatory body to reconsider approval of upgrades to the Puente peaker.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 3, 2017

FERC seeks fast track on DOE baseload compensation proposal

Comments on the controversial DOE rulemaking will be due Oct. 23, FERC announced Monday, as 11 industry groups pressed for extended consideration. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 2, 2017

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

DOE rulemaking threatens to destroy wholesale markets with no tangible benefit

Newly proposed cost recovery for fuel-secure generators would spike power costs and emissions with little upside for consumers, Energy Innovation analysts argue.

By Robbie Orvis, Mike O'Boyle • Oct. 2, 2017

Silverstein: If I'd written the DOE grid study recommendations

Alison Silverstein, who drafted the technical portions of the DOE grid study, says its summary and recommendations missed key points on grid reliability and resilience.

By Alison Silverstein • Oct. 2, 2017

How DOE's baseload power rule 'would blow the market up'

Former FERC officials and energy experts say moves to guarantee cost recovery for generators with onsite fuel supplies could unravel wholesale power markets.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 2, 2017

Tesla pledges 'hundreds' of Powerwall battery packs for Puerto Rico

Only 5% of the U.S. territory's grid is working right now, The New York Times reports, and it could take up to six months to fully restore power. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 2, 2017

Report: Dominion to consider expanding Atlantic Coast Pipeline into South Carolina

The Associated Press obtained an audio recording that revealed a Dominion official speaking about the potential expansion plans, despite the developers publicly indicating it will terminate in North Carolina.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2017

Report charts a path for more corporate purchases of utility-scale solar power

To get companies to buy more solar, the report says utilities should consider working with stakeholders to develop purchasing options in areas where solar is most cost-competitive.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 2, 2017

FERC eschews social cost of carbon measurement in new downstream analysis

The agency issued a new draft EIS for a pipeline project in response to the D.C. Circuit Court ruling, but said the social cost of carbon calculation is not appropriate for its analysis.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2017

DOE guarantees $3.7B in loans for Vogtle nuclear plant construction

The decision comes the same day as DOE pushes for higher compensation for existing nuclear plants in organized markets. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 29, 2017

Updated: DOE proposes cost recovery for baseload generators in new FERC rule

DOE wants FERC to provide federal cost-of-service regulation for coal and nuclear plants, amounting to the biggest change in wholesale power markets in a generation.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 29, 2017

New lawsuit argues SCANA led 'misinformation campaign' on Summer plant

The suit comes as a newly released internal document from contractor Westinghouse shows senior executives were warned the project was "at risk" as early as 2011. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 29, 2017

Why it's time to fully embrace America's energy grid diversification

U.S. regulators should help drive more distributed resources into the grid, ICF's Philip Mihlmester writes, recommending how they can do so to the benefit of energy consumers and utilities.

By Philip Mihlmester • Sept. 29, 2017

Tampa Electric agreement calls for 600 MW of new solar power by 2021

The projects stem from an agreement reached with consumer groups and will significantly boost the utility's 27 MW of current solar capacity.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 29, 2017

Report: Blackstone, Apollo bid for bankrupt nuke firm Westinghouse

Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy in March after problems at two nuclear nuclear plants it is constructing in the United States. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 29, 2017

PacifiCorp launches RFP for 1,270 MW of Wyoming wind

Projects must be capable of interconnecting with PacifiCorp’s Wyoming transmission system, but could also be located in Oregon or Utah.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2017

Connecticut energy plan raises tough questions on comparative resource valuation

Critics say the state's comprehensive energy plan falls short in capturing the full costs and benefits of energy technologies.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2017

Entergy to keep Palisades nuke open until 2022 after PSC decision

The plant was slated to close in 2018, but Michigan regulators cut $36 million out of Consumer Energy's proposal last week to buy out its nuclear power purchase agreement with Entergy.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 28, 2017

South Carolina AG: SCANA should not charge customers for failed Summer nuke

SCANA's utility subsidiary is collecting almost $40 million every month to pay for the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear project.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2017

ABB shores up electrification business with $2.6B GE unit purchase

The Swiss company expects its acquisition of GE Industrial solutions will close by mid 2018 and increase its presence in North America.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 28, 2017

Maryland sues EPA to get 36 coal-fired plants to increase pollution controls

The plants, which operate across five upwind states, already have the technology installed, but are declining to use it.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2017

Report: Illinois EPA to loosen pollution limits to keep Dynegy coal plants afloat

New rules proposed by the Rauner administration would reportedly impose annual caps on pollution, rather than limit pollution rates, potentially keeping dirtier plants online longer. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 27, 2017

Nearly 1.3 GW of coal capacity slated for closure in Mississippi, Florida

Stagnant power demand, market expansion and cheap natural gas have spelled the end of two more coal generators.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 27, 2017

As Perry slams state pipeline decisions, lawyers say DOE has little authority to intervene

The Secretary of Energy has cast energy infrastructure as a national security issue, but his agency has little power over siting decisions.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 27, 2017

Crisis in Puerto Rico deepens as generator fuel supplies run low

Fuel is being delivered by armed guard to hospitals with generators to avoid looting, Reuters reported.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2017