A new study defends ARPA-E in wake of Trump's proposed budget cuts

A congressionally mandated study found the Department of Energy's APRA-E secured $1.25 billion in private funding and 74 patents so far. 

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2017

Massachusetts bill would compel utilities to consider non-wires alternatives

Under H. 1725, utilities would have to submit any plans for system upgrades to a newly created Grid Modernization Board, which would evaluate the viability of NWAs.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • June 14, 2017

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

NRG unit GenOn files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

GenOn, with nearly 15 GW of gas and coal capacity across 18 states, is the latest victim of persistently low wholesale power market prices. 

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2017

Hot weather raises demand in PJM, MISO, but not prices

Both grid operators issued weather alerts last week as high temperatures spurred demand. But prices remained stable. 

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2017

Virginia to establish cap-and-trade program in push to regulate carbon emissions

A cap-and-trade program in Virginia would be the third in the U.S., and buck direction from the White House to pull back on carbon regulation.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2017

Texas city council rejects El Paso Electric proposed rate hike, solar fees

But the rate case will likely be finalized in November and is expected to go into effect at the beginning of 2018. 

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2017

BP: Global coal consumption drops to lowest level since 2004

Wind and solar power, on the other hand, accounted for nearly one-third of the increase in primary energy use last year.

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2017

Will California's 100% renewables goal survive the political process?

With current clean energy goals in sight, liberal lawmakers are pushing the state to ratchet up its ambitions. But utility companies could prove a powerful roadblock.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 14, 2017

EEI 2017: The utility sector's business case for deep decarbonization

Utility executives have discovered that cleaning up their power mixes and electrifying other sectors is their best chance at strong growth. But it's easier said than done. 

By Gavin Bade • June 13, 2017

Report: Trump administration to argue EPA overstepped authority on the Clean Power Plan

Details have slowly been taking shape as to what form a replacement for the Clean Power Plan will take. 

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2017

Sabal Trail gas pipeline gets FERC nod to start deliveries to Florida utilities

The pipeline will ultimately move about 1.1 billion cubic feet of gas through Alabama and Georgia to power plants in Florida.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2017

California regulators want to study alternatives to planned Puentes natural gas plant

The decision by the California Energy Commission follows Los Angeles' push to reconsider a $2.2 billion natural gas investment plan.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2017

Wordwide appetite for power sector M&A is rising, new reports find

An EY survey says 59% of power and utility CEOs expect to pursue an M&A deal this year.

By Peter Maloney • June 12, 2017

Dominion: Decision on a new North Anna nuke reactor years away

A utility official said more policy certainty is necessary before continuing construction on the proposed reactor

By Peter Maloney • June 12, 2017

Minnesota Power proposes a $700M 'renewable energy enabling' gas plant

The utility partnered with Dairyland Power Cooperative to build a $700 million gas-fired combined-cycle plant with a capacity of 525-550 MW. 

By Peter Maloney • June 12, 2017

Study: Texas residential rates cheaper in some competitive areas compared to non-competitive zones

A report from the Center for Energy Studies finds retail residential rates are approaching the wholesale price, indicating utilities are working to cut costs.

By Robert Walton • June 12, 2017

Southern, Westinghouse strike $3.7B deal to complete Vogtle nuclear plant

The ultimate fate of the plant remains unclear, however, as a regulatory staff report argues it would be uneconomic to operate even amid rising gas prices. 

By Robert Walton • June 12, 2017

Trump's Clean Power Plan replacement now at OMB

Details of the CPP rollback remain unknown, but submission to the Office of Management and Budget means the plan could be public in a matter of weeks. 

By Robert Walton • June 9, 2017

National nuclear, gas interests target Ohio plant subsidy debate

Exelon and API are seeking to sway debate over proposals to subsidize two FirstEnergy nuclear plants. 

By Peter Maloney • June 9, 2017

Texas PUC plans August workshop on generators' market reform proposal

Gas generators are concerned that persistently low prices in ERCOT markets could force plants offline, threatening reliability.

By Robert Walton • June 9, 2017

NRC head asks Congress for $30M to restart Yucca Mountain review

The Trump budget proposal would also set aside funds for a licensing review, but the nuclear waste repository faces continued opposition from local lawmakers. 

By Peter Maloney • June 9, 2017

Trump unveils infrastructure plan, but vague on details

The President's desire to ease permitting regulations could streamline oil and gas pipeline construction.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2017

What makes a successful utility-led community solar program?

An examination of shared solar programs across the country reveals diverse pathways to success — so long as the customer demand is there. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 8, 2017

Connecticut House fails to pass Millstone nuke support bill

Dominion has threatened a "strategic assessment" of the plant's viability if a support bill fails, but lawmakers could take the measure up again in an extended budget session.  

By Gavin Bade • June 8, 2017

CAISO considers making Aliso Canyon gas reliability measures permanent

A straw proposal indicates the grid operator remains concerned about reliability risks caused by a leak at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2017