As Clinton, Trump face off, utility sector braces for pivotal Election Day

This presidential election could set the trajectory for energy and climate policy far beyond the term of whoever is elected. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 8, 2016

Mississippi Power pushes back Kemper start date again, adding $25M to costs

The Southern Co. subsidiary risks losing tax benefits if it delays the clean coal project any further. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

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

Why Wall St. thinks renewables could be better off after tax credits expire

Bankers say the end of the production tax credit might not be so bad; it could result in less costly deals.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

PSEG close to approval for 33 MW of brownfield, landfill solar

A final decision is expected by the end of the year.   

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Big Oil commits $1B for carbon capture strategies in wake of Paris Climate Accord

But environmentalists say the amount of investment is tiny compared to the companies' budgets.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2016

FirstEnergy could sell up to 13 plants as it joins AEP in Ohio re-regulation fight

The company is pivoting away from competitive generation and will support efforts from its fellow Ohio utility to roll back electricity deregulation in Ohio. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2016

ScottMadden: California Duck Curve growing faster than expected

Utility-scale solar is contributing more to lower minimum daily loads than distributed generation, the consultancy said. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2016

How rising natural gas prices will affect the power sector in 2017

Analysts expect cooler weather and higher demand to limit fuel switching and raise residential power prices.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

Minnesota Power requests 18% rate increase, but says renewables plan could halve hike

The utility also filed its annual renewable resources rider plan, which it says would offset about half of the interim rate increase.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

Duke University gets cold feet for 21 MW CHP plant after environmental objections

Some on campus don't want to see the university install more fossil generation, leading officials to walk back their commitment.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

NRC issues environmental approval for 2 new reactors at FPL's Turkey Point nuke

The finding comes as Florida Power & Light is working to resolve an existing leak in its cooling canals at the plant, leaving environmentalists scratching their heads.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

Florida regulators hit pause on utility natural gas hedging programs

Regulators signed off on a joint stipulation for a one-year pause to gas hedging, which has cost consumers more than $6 billion since 2002.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

Retooling regulation: a closer look at integrating energy and environmental policy

Now is the time to merge discussions over air, energy, transport and building energy regulations, write RAP's Chris James and Ken Colburn.

By Chris James and Ken Colburn • Nov. 3, 2016

Indiana utility outlines plan to shutter coal units and replace with gas generation

Northern Indiana Public Service Co's long-term plan doesn't mention renewable energy as an alternative to replace lost generation. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2016

TransCanada to sell $3.7B of merchant generation to finance pipeline acquisition

Private equity is again the winner as another company turns away from volatile wholesale electricity markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2016

Why natural gas supply will be crucial in preventing winter power outages

Grid operators say enhanced coordination and upgraded operational tools will be tested in keeping gas-fired plants online through the coldest months.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Toshiba ships turbine for NET Power supercritical CO2 carbon capture plant

The demonstration plant will use a novel technique to capture carbon that NET Power hopes to scale up to commercial operation within the decade. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2016

MISO files 3-year auction plan for retail choice areas to meet long-term demand

Due to shrinking reserve margins, parts of Illinois and Michigan can no longer rely on excess capacity to meet demand, according to the grid operator. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Report: Bankrupt coal companies find ways to back state, federal candidates

Four companies in bankruptcy or recently exited have given almost $1 million through PACs, according to the Miami Herald.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

NRC denies Vermont's petition for oversight of Yankee nuke decommissioning

Vermont had requested oversight of the decommissioning, saying funds were at risk of being prematurely depleted. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 1, 2016

CAISO: Western EIM benefits surpass $100M since 2014

Profits for the third quarter this year came in at $26.16 million, $2 million more than the previous quarter. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

Fort Calhoun becomes 5th US nuke to shut down in 5 years

States are turning to a mix of renewables, natural gas and even coal to replace retiring nuclear generation.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

Report: Exelon's new Illinois nuclear subsidy bill recalls New York program design

Exelon's plan to save Illinois nuclear plants reportedly incorporates a social cost of carbon in determining subsidies, similar to a program in New York designed to skirt federal jurisdiction. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2016

Utah regulators approve shuttering Kennecott's 3 coal units ahead of schedule

A nine-year agreement between Rocky Mountain Power and Rio Tinto Kennecott aims to provide customer savings and cleaner air by shutting down the units.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2016

PNM withdraws plans for New Mexico gas plant, pipeline after lower demand forecast

The utility said the proposed gas plant and pipeline were no longer necessary due to lower energy demand. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2016