Looking to 'get ahead' of coal ash issues, utilities support bill for stronger state oversight

Utilities are throwing their weight behind an amendment that would give states a bigger role in regulating coal ash disposal.  

By Shalina Chatlani • Oct. 28, 2016

US to unveil decarbonization strategy during Morocco climate talks next month

The historic Paris climate accord comes into force in November after the necessary amount of countries ratified it this month. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 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

Exxon, Fuel Cell Energy to test new carbon capture tech at Southern Co. plant

The project will test a carbonate fuel cell that captures a portion of a coal plant's emissions as part of its generation process. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 28, 2016

PG&E requests 8-year rate increase to cover closing costs of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

The utility says the cost increases will be outweighed by future savings, but critics are skeptical. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2016

How new transmission can unlock 10 times more renewables for the Eastern U.S.

The Eastern Interconnect can handle 30% renewables within a decade, but hotly-contested power line construction will be key.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2016

Carlyle Group: Nuclear power needs subsidies to survive

But financial support for nuclear generation has run into challenges in some states, like New York. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2016

PJM, ISO-NE: Gas pipeline opposition could put power reliability at risk

As opponents ramp up attacks on new proposed gas pipelines, grid operators worry about availability of for generators fuel. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2016

Michigan energy choice bill could see lame duck vote following Chamber endorsement

The bill would amend utility planning processes, modestly increase the renewables mandate, and place new rules on alternative energy suppliers. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 26, 2016

Zombie wind and solar? How repowering old facilities helps renewables keep cutting costs

Wind and solar take a lot of space, but most often old facilities can simply be replaced with newer, more efficient technologies

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2016

BLM to host 5-state geothermal resource auction today

Almost 16,000 acres will be available, including a half dozen plots in Utah.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2016

What Trump and Clinton miss about clean coal and renewables subsidies

A deep dive into the facts reveals winners and losers on both side of the energy subsidy debate.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 25, 2016

Pennsylvania appellate court says PUC has narrower jurisdiction over net metering

A state appellate court upheld a ruling that said the PUC cannot alter rules for who qualifies for net metering programs.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 25, 2016

Entergy, Exelon defend FitzPatrick nuclear plant deal against suit

Arguments against the state's nuclear subsidy are not at issue in the sale, they told FERC.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2016

North Carolina regulators delay waste-to-energy mandate as utilities fall short again

Utilities blame slow technological advance as regulators put off the waste-to-energy deadline for the fifth time. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 24, 2016

Hawaiian Electric rolls out TOU rate pilot program

The utility is beginning to sign customers up for a rate program designed to incentivize the consumption of solar energy during midday hours.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2016

MIT breaks nuclear fusion record in bid to unlock new clean energy sources

MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center has set a new world record for plasma pressure in its Alcator C-Mod tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2016

NYISO: New ISO-NE capacity rules could spike New York power prices

Allowing the Roseton 1 power plant to export capacity next summer could cost consumers more than $300 million, according to the New York ISO.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2016

Minnesota Power to retire pair of small coal generators

​Four units operate at the Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset and Minnesota Power will retire two of them.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2016

SPP work group mulls multi-day market to boost coal dispatch

Day-ahead markets are difficult for coal plants, which can require more than 24 hours to reach full production.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2016

Generators: New York nuclear subsidies defy FERC jurisdiction, Supreme Court decision

A group of generators filed suit against New York's plan to subsidize nuclear generation, saying it runs afoul of the Supreme Court's decision in Hughes vs. Talen Energy.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2016

Clinton endorses linking US grid to Mexico, Canada in third presidential debate

In response to a leaked transcript of the Democratic candidate calling for a "hemispheric market," Clinton replied, "I was talking about energy."

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 20, 2016

Re-regulation on the horizon? State plant subsidies point to looming 'crisis' in organized power markets

State policymakers are increasingly dissatisfied with the outcomes of deregulation and could turn back to the vertically-integrated utility model, a new report warns. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 20, 2016

Fitch: Battery technology set to disrupt oil industry, boost renewables, autos

A new report from Fitch Ratings warns of disruption from advances in battery technology, particularly in transportation. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 20, 2016

A tale of 2 Dukes: Utility, university partner on 21 MW CHP project

Duke Energy wants to own and operate a 21 MW combined heat and power project on the campus of Duke University.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2016

Wikileaks emails show Clinton defended fracking, passed on carbon tax during primary

Sen. Bernie Sanders appears to have pushed the Clinton camp on environmental policy, sparking discussions over carbon taxes, natural gas production and long-term climate goals. 

By Robert Walton, Gavin Bade • Oct. 19, 2016