FERC greenlights Spectra Energy's Atlantic Bridge pipeline project

It could be one of the last natural gas projects the agency will approve for some time, as a looming agency shakeup will leave it without a quorum.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 31, 2017

Trump appoints Kristine Svinicki as chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The NRC still has two vacancies, giving the president the opportunity to reshape nuclear oversight.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 30, 2017

California judge levies maximum fine on PG&E for San Bruno explosion

A jury found PG&E guilty of five counts of violating the U.S. Pipeline Safety Act regulations related to the fatal 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 30, 2017

After 'banner year,' power sector deal momentum set to carry through 2017

Despite policy uncertainty, low gas prices and stagnant load growth are set to drive more consolidation.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 30, 2017

AEP to push 'surgical' approach to power market reforms in Ohio

CEO Nick Akins said in an earnings call that he also expects the utility to "flourish" under anticipated policies from President Trump's new administration.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2017

Southern Co. faces shareholder lawsuit for Kemper project delays and cost overruns

Attorneys have filed a class action suit in federal court against Southern Co. for delays and cost overruns associated with Mississippi Power's Kemper IGCC project.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 26, 2017

Power & Gas Index: 8 regional charts show the link between gas and electricity markets

Introducing Utility Dive's Power & Gas Index, a new series that focuses on the relationship between electricity and gas markets throughout the U.S. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2017

Amid legal uncertainty, California agency proposes cap-and-trade expansion

The California Air Resources Board wants to extend and expand the world's second-largest cap-and-trade program, but faces legal challenges from business groups. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 25, 2017

Study: Deregulated power markets save $3B annually

Generators operating in organized markets are more likely to ensure their plants are available when most economical, meaning least-cost units run more frequently.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2017

What Australia's DER revolution can teach US utilities about the age of Trump

When federal support for clean energy faltered, states took the lead on the power sector transition. Sound familiar?

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 24, 2017

Hydrostor seeks $1B in contracts to replace peaking plants with compressed air storage

Hydrostor and its construction partner AECOM hope to replace retiring coal plants with their underwater compressed air storage technology.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 24, 2017

FERC approves TransCanada's Marcellus, Utica pipeline projects

The Leach XPress and Rayne XPress projects come with a $1.8 billion pricetag. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 24, 2017

FirstEnergy to sell 1,572 MW of generation to LS Power for $925M

The power plant sale is part of FirstEnergy's shift back to a focus on regulated assets. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 23, 2017

Report: Coal ash impoundment reports spark concerns for oversight in Illinois

The citizen watchdog group Prairie Rivers Network warns that some coal ash facilities in the state may not be safe.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 23, 2017

Aliso Canyon gas storage capabilities could stumble over proposed restrictions

Even if the facility comes back online soon, it will not likely be able to help mitigate fuel shortages for some time.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 23, 2017

EIA: Power sector emissions drop below transportation sector for first time in 4 decades

Carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector have declined since 2007 as more natural gas and renewable energy came online. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2017

Subscriptions or sales: Which community solar approach promises the best growth?

A rapidly maturing community solar market has developers weighing which strategies can get them to scale. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2017

Trump DOE pick Perry pledges to protect energy R&D, climate science

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry distanced himself from media reports that the Trump White House is preparing a budget that would gut the Department of Energy.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 19, 2017

What will Trump's EPA do? Scott Pruitt hearing offered few answers

Donald Trump's EPA nominee affirmed the agency "has an obligation" to regulate carbon, but offered little-to-no specifics on what that regulatory regime would actually look like.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 19, 2017

Report: Greens look to challenge proposed coal ash rules in Kentucky

Local media reports that lawmakers largely rewrote proposed rules with the help of utility officials, while environmental groups say they were shut out of the process. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2017

Third time's the charm? Inside Hawaiian Electric's new, new plan to get to 100% renewables

Stakeholders say the third edition of HECO's Power Supply Improvement Plan is a real improvement, but question its approach to DERs and $26.5 billion price tag.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 18, 2017

Political firestorm on tap as Senate girds for Scott Pruitt's EPA nomination hearing

The Oklahoma attorney general is among the most controversial of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet appointees. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 18, 2017

Minnesota lawmakers seek to back Xcel's proposed gas plant in legislation

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission wants more studies on the proposed plant's cost, but lawmakers could help Xcel sidestep regulators.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2017

EPA turns down Maryland's request to tackle cross-state pollution

The Environmental Protection Agency rejected a petition that would have helped address cross-state pollution, but only because the agency believes better avenues are available.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2017

NuScale submits designs for small, modular nuclear reactor

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will need years to consider the design, but if approved, the design could help usher in a new era of nuclear power.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2017