Michigan regulators trim Consumers Energy's proposed nuclear plant buy-out

The Michigan Public Service Commission approved financing for securitization bonds at about $40 million less than Consumers requested, throwing into doubt plans to shut down the Palisades facility next year.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2017

Duke Energy to disclose coal ash data following lawsuit threat

Environmental group Earthjustice announced plans last week to sue the utility in Kentucky over public access to coal ash storage and emergency planning information.  

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 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

Helping the Sun Shine Everywhere

A National Grid project delivers the benefits of solar energy to an underserved Buffalo community.

By Chris Warren • Sept. 26, 2017

More renewables, much less coal in Ameren Missouri's future

Ameren Missouri has filed a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan calling for more renewable power and the closure of the coal-fired Meramec Energy Center by the end of 2022.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2017

Despite setbacks, DOE continues funding carbon capture research

The agency is providing $36 million to help bring the technology to engineering scale.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2017

Perry: DOE still weighing state policy intervention for gas pipelines, grid reliability

The federal agency could intervene in state energy policies when there is a national security interest, particularly in interstate pipeline disputes, Secretary Rick Perry said at a Monday event in Washington, D.C.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 26, 2017

Puerto Rico power grid 'devastated' by Maria, PREPA CEO says

The bankrupt utility may have lost 80% of its T&D infrastructure, its CEO said on Friday.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 25, 2017

Sempra-backed study slams San Diego community choice aspirations

While the city believes developing a community choice aggregation program could grow clean energy, a consultant says the cost could reach into the billions.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2017

North Carolina joins climate alliance to meet Paris accord target

North Carolina joins more than a dozen other states committed to the agreement, but there are limits to what can be accomplished without federal efforts as well.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2017

Earthjustice to sue Duke Energy over coal ash data disclosure

The environmental group announced this week it intends to file legal action in Kentucky to compel Duke to disclose critical information to communities near coal ash ponds.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2017

High returns on new pipelines spur unnecessary capacity, report argues

Returns on pipelines can be 40% higher than on other utility projects, a new report from Oil Change International notes.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2017

Xcel considers splitting off North Dakota operations

Divergent state renewable energy policies are pushing Xcel to consider separating its North Dakota and Minnesota operations.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 22, 2017

US Attorney subpoenas SCANA for Summer nuclear project documents

Action from the federal attorney in South Carolina comes after an internal audit raised questions about when SCANA and its partner knew of problems at the troubled nuclear project.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 22, 2017

Ohio fines Rover Pipeline $2.3M for alleged water, air violations

Energy Transfer Partners is reportedly resisting payment of the fine, saying FERC has jurisdiction over the pipeline. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2017

Reporter's notebook: Utility pilot projects could soothe contentious regulatory proceedings

Utility Dive reporter Herman Trabish says pilot projects can bridge divides between utilities and stakeholders. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 21, 2017

In effort to boost resiliency, CAISO starts automated modeling of power plant losses

Separately, the grid operator's board authorized extending a reliability must-run contract with three 55 MW generating units located in the Oakland area through 2018.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2017

Gas pipeline protesters turn up heat on FERC

Activists disrupted the federal agency's first open meeting since January, saying regulators disregard environmental risks and facilitate land grabs by pipeline companies.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 21, 2017

Westinghouse CEO: The firm is exiting the construction business

Instead, the bankrupt construction firm will focus on its "traditional businesses," which includes nuclear fuel, engineering, and decontamination and decommissioning. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 20, 2017

Georgia regulators to decide Vogtle's fate in February

The Public Service Commission approved a series of hearings to review spending on the nuclear facility's construction, with a final decision on completing the project due in February. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 20, 2017

Class action lawsuit targets FPL, Hurricane Irma recovery

Filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, the lawsuit claims Florida Power & Light did not harden its system against storms in recent years, despite collecting monthly fees for just that purpose. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 20, 2017

Chamber of Commerce: 'Diverse and balanced' power portfolio saves more than $100B annually

A new study finds power prices are 27% less expensive than they would be without significant coal and nuclear contributions.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 20, 2017

Michigan regulators make changes to state's choice program

The full impact of a local clearing requirement on the state's electricity choice market is not yet known.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2017

Solar insiders expect ITC harm finding, handing tariff decision to Trump

Sector leaders are confident the International Trade Commission will find that imported solar panels have hurt domestic manufacturers, but how the president will respond remains unclear. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 19, 2017

Puget Sound Energy, stakeholders reach partial settlement over Colstrip cost recovery

The settlement could boost electric rates by 1%. But the Washington utility argued the increase in rates is necessary to recover costs tied with shuttering two units in the Colstrip power plant. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2017

Storage gets boost as 100% renewables, grid expansion fail in California

The state isn't yet following Hawaii and its mandate to achieve a 100% renewable electric sector, but the Los Angeles area got an energy storage stimulus.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 19, 2017