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

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Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

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

Zinke skirts climate science, touts 'all of the above' energy approach in DOI hearing

Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Interior said he supports both fossil fuel development and renewable energy in his confirmation hearing, but refused to be pinned down on climate science. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 17, 2017

EIA: Natural gas prices in 2016 were the lowest in nearly 20 years

But warm weather and increased exports are expected to push average gas prices higher this year.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2017

Wyoming lawmakers want to limit utility usage of in-state wind energy

Some GOP legislators are backing a measure that would block utilities from using wind power produced in the state and boost traditional generation, like coal. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2017

Secretary of State pick Rex Tillerson says US should 'maintain its seat' in Paris climate talks

Former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson appeared to split with President-elect Donald Trump on policies surrounding climate change in his nomination hearing.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2017

EIA: Low natural gas prices pushed down power prices in 2016

Depressed natural gas prices sent wholesale electricity prices significantly lower at major trading hubs in Q1 2016. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2017

Generators call New York nuclear subsidies an 'existential threat' to wholesale markets

Electric generators want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to take action against New York's plan to support struggling nuclear facilities. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2017

How will Ryan Zinke manage federal lands as head of the Interior Department?

Once seen as a moderate Republican, Zinke's recent record in Congress cast doubt on his conservation stances, critics say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 11, 2017

Kentucky lawmaker floats tax break for burning local coal

The proposal is similar to a tax credit that expired in 2009.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

CPUC judge rules San Onofre settlement talks to go forward

Southern California Edison requested a delay in renegotiating parts of a 2014 settlement in December. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

NRG completes Texas carbon capture plant retrofit

The Petra Nova plant, located near Houston, is the world’s largest post-combustion carbon capture system.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

Hawaii co-op signs deal for solar+storage project at 11¢/kWh

AES will pair a 20 MW, 100 MWh battery system with a 28 MW solar array to deliver dispatchable generation to the Kauai Island Electric Cooperative. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2017

Arizona utility mulls closing major Southwestern coal plant

Environmental compliance costs and cheap natural gas are making the Navajo Generating Station more expensive to operate. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

Navigant: Solar-plus-storage microgrid adoption 'more than just a fad'

The firm's most recent microgrid tracker identified nearly 1,700 projects worldwide, with more than half in North America. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

In new QER, Moniz leaves path for Perry to follow at DOE

The new Quadrennial Energy Review lays out more than 70 recommendations for a cleaner, more secure energy system. How will the Trump administration respond?

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2017

Entergy's Indian Point nuclear plant to shut down in 2021

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an agreement with owner Entergy to shut the down the plant. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2017