ERCOT sets winter demand record, pushing prices above $2K/MWh

High prices are welcome news for generators, but analysts warn solar growth could depress such events in the future. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 18, 2018

ISO-New England: Maintaining reliability will become challenging as gas dependence rises

All but a few of the fuel shortage scenarios considered in the grid operator's report anticipate load shedding and rolling blackouts due to gas demand and poor infrastructure. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

There once was an energy storage system on Nantucket...

When the island's summer population swells, peak energy demand doubles. That's a recipe for disaster in a town dependent on tourism. But energy storage may be the answer.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2018

Why are the newest distribution system buzzwords 'hosting capacity analysis'?

To meet customer demand for distributed energy resources, utilities need to know what their systems can handle.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 17, 2018

Dominion CEO: SCANA deal off if cost recovery for Summer plant repealed

CEO Thomas Farrell told lawmakers if they alter the Base Load Review Act for existing projects, the defunct V.C. Summer nuclear project would be "SCANA’s management issue, not ours."

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 17, 2018

PJM to push capacity repricing at FERC, eschewing expanded MOPR

PJM staff will ask their board next month to approve a two-stage capacity market plan and send it to federal regulators, excluding consideration of an alternative proposal pushed by its independent market monitor. 

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • Jan. 17, 2018

Chatterjee 'under no illusion' that FERC resilience docket will end after 90-day timeline

The former chairman's comments may disappoint coal and nuclear backers, who want quick pricing changes in wholesale power markets following FERC's decision to reject a DOE subsidy proposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 16, 2018

Report: Coal generation decline continues in Montana

Coal-fired generating capacity only makes up 37% of the state's nameplate capacity — down from 55% in 2015. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Renewable plus storage bids in Xcel Colorado solicitation could set low-price benchmark

Preliminary results from the company's all-source RFP have been hailed as "really impressive." But a lack of details makes cost comparisons with current benchmarks challenging.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 16, 2018

Tampa Electric wants to convert 1,700 MW coal plant to gas

The conversion would cost about $1 billion and could take a decade to complete, say company officials.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Shuttered coal plant fixer-uppers for sale all over the U.S.

More than half of all coal plants are, or will soon be, shuttered. Collaboration and compromise by some are beginning to reveal ways to reclaim the sites for new purposes.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 16, 2018

Lower corporate tax rates no boon for renewables, analysts find

According to J.P. Morgan, $11 billion of tax equity financing was raised for renewable energy projects in 2016. Some of that may now be in jeopardy.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

FERC rejects FirstEnergy attempt to move coal plant into cost recovery

The company sought to sell the Pleasants Power Station, struggling in the PJM electricity market, to two of its regulated utility subsidiaries in West Virginia. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 16, 2018

Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces another setback in North Carolina

The Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources has rejected the pipeline's erosion and sediment control plan for the northern portion of the pipeline route across the state. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2018

Pennsylvania settlement would lower toxic discharges from 10 coal plants

The agreement would end a lawsuit led by the Sierra Club and yield updated water permits for the 10 plants.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

Puerto Rico governor calls for DOJ probe after power equipment stockpile found

Federal officials reportedly raided a warehouse last weekend, finding nearly 3,000 pieces of electric equipment that could be used to restore power on the island. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 2018

Moniz on DOE NOPR: 'No identification of a public good'

The former Secretary of Energy was "not surprised" by FERC's rejection of a coal and nuclear subsidy proposal, saying DOE failed to prove it would improve system resilience. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 2018

EPA provides details on new listening sessions for Clean Power Plan repeal

Kansas City and San Francisco will have public meetings in February, along with Gillette, Wyo., in March. Meanwhile, some states are hosting their own meetings to hear comment over the proposed repeal of the Obama era regulation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

CPUC approves Diablo Canyon retirement, 15 EV pilots, storage RFO to replace gas

Regulators allowed Pacific Gas & Electric to recover $241 million to retire California's last nuclear plant and directed it to consider how batteries could replace three natural gas generators. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

FERC will not overrule New York's denial for Constitution Pipeline permit

The agency previously overruled a New York Department of Environmental Conservation decision to deny a water quality certification to Millennium Pipeline lateral, but they say the situation with Constitution Pipeline is different.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

EIA: Low gas prices set to drive decline in coal generation

Continued plant retirements will likely drive even more attention to pricing reform discussions at regional grid operators and FERC.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

Dominion-SCANA proposal shows shareholder gains, few ratepayer benefits, analysts say

Dominion’s $14.6 billion purchase offer may be the only one on the table for the beleaguered South Carolina utility, but is it good enough to get across the finish line?

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

With proposal to join RGGI, Virginia would be first Southern state to cap carbon

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Governor-elect Ralph Northam unveiled legislation on Tuesday for the state to formally join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

PG&E moves closer to retiring Diablo Canyon nuke with proposed decision from CPUC

The ruling from an administrative law judge could set up a regulatory vote on retiring the nuclear plant as soon as Thursday.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Murray Action Plan release shows Trump followed many of its directives

One version of the memo, released by The New York Times, targeted carbon, ozone, mining and other regulations for elimination, including the endangerment finding.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018