Why utilities are more confident than ever about renewable energy growth

Concerns about integrating high levels of variable wind, solar and distributed generation are waning, Utility Dive's sector survey shows.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2017

MATS compliance, coal contract disputes ignite bankruptcy fears for FirstEnergy

A series of coal contract disputes with two railroad companies could force the utility's hand over the future of its merchant power business.

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

NextEra will ask Texas regulators to reconsider rejection of Oncor acquisition

Company officials also said baseload plant retirements and cost declines mean "the market potential for new renewables is larger than it has ever been."

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

Trump's 'credibility problem' threatens to undermine DOE baseload power review

The president's past comments supporting coal and bashing renewables leave analysts doubtful that his Department of Energy can conduct an impartial power sector review. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

PNM's latest long-term plan proposes ending coal usage by 2031

The utility's proposed Integrated Resource Plan calls for retiring the San Juan Generating Station entirely by the end of 2022 and exiting a contract to obtain power from the Four Corners Power Plant.

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

North Carolina lawmaker revives push to eliminate renewables mandate

Previous attempts to eliminate the state's renewable energy standard were defeated the last two legislative sessions.

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

National Grid files to build 40 MWh storage project on Long Island

The utility filed with the NY Public Service Commission to lease land for Long Island energy storage project.

By Peter Maloney • April 24, 2017

Salt River Project signs PPA for 20 MW solar+storage project

A 10 MW battery paired with a solar array will help the utility study how to integrate more variable renewable generation. 

By Peter Maloney • April 24, 2017

TransCanada closes $1B sale of hydro assets

The sale included more than a dozen hydroelectric facilities in New England. 

By Robert Walton • April 21, 2017

Power & Gas Index: Texas, California gas plants under pressure; Nor'easter spikes prices

Gas generation is in the spotlight for power market operators across the nation — but for very different reasons. 

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

Storage companies file FERC complaint against PJM regulation market rules

The Energy Storage Association argues PJM should have sought FERC approval for changes to the regulation market it says are unsuitable for short-duration batteries.  

By Peter Maloney • April 20, 2017

Regulators, environmentalists clash in court over Southeast pipeline projects

The D.C. Circuit Court heard oral arguments this week in an attempt to block three gas pipelines known as the Southeast Market Pipelines Project.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

EPA to reconsider methane rule for new oil, gas facilities

Last year, the agency estimated the rule would reduce methane emissions by 510,000 short tons in 2025, the equivalent of reducing 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. 

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

Colorado lawmakers eye bond markets to help stranded coal assets

Proposed legislation would help to refinance retiring coal plants, lowering customer repayments and generating funds to assist communities.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

EPA to review MATS rule limiting mercury emissions from coal plants

The White House asked the D.C. Circuit Court to delay an oral argument on the rules scheduled for next month, mirroring previous moves to review Obama-era regulations.  

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

FERC chair outlines three paths for power market reforms ahead of technical conference

Without a negotiated solution to generation subsidy issues, acting Chair Cheryl LaFleur fears states may back themselves into an unplanned re-regulation of their power markets. 

By Gavin Bade • April 19, 2017

EIA: Natural gas will be top generation source this summer

A cooler forecast will also likely lead to lower power demand, as gas retakes its place as the top fuel.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

PJM delays planned closure of New Jersey coal plant again

Transmission constraints prompted the delay, and the plant will be closed once those are resolved, PJM Interconnection officials said. 

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

Is the EPA shutting down its Chicago office?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says no, but rumors still abound with some saying closing the regional office would hurt the monitoring Midwestern coal plants.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

MISO planning auction clears 135 GW of resources

All local resource zones in the MISO footprint cleared at $1.50/MW per day. The grid operator also said it continues to support state-directed resource adequacy planning.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

ISO-NE proposes two-part capacity auctions to handle subsidized generation

The ISO's proposal is meant to allow the entry of significant subsidized resources into the market while preserving price formation for unsubsidized plants. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

The great capacity market debate: Which model can best handle the energy transition?

Cheap natural gas and generation subsidies have exposed vulnerabilities in capacity and energy-only market constructs. Can grid operators preserve reliability and maintain fair prices for consumers and generators alike?

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

Is grid defection still a threat to the utility business model?

Three studies debate solar-plus-storage economics, but all agree the technology will disrupt the power sector.

By Peter Maloney • April 18, 2017

SoCal Edison, GE complete first hybrid gas-storage turbine

The 10 MW/4.3 MWh battery and gas turbine system will provide fast-start and ramping services, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions in Southern California Edison's service territory.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017

EPA to review toxic discharge rule for coal plants

The Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines sought to cut toxic heavy metals discharged into lakes and rivers.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017