California sets (another) new solar generation record

The California ISO said solar generation on its system exceeded 6,000 MW at noon on the last day of May.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2015

RGGI chief: Northeast needs gas pipeline investments

The nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative needs more midstream pipeline capacity to feed the region's increasing reliance on natural gas.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2015

Maine lawmakers propose groundbreaking way out of net metering wars

The Market-based Aggregation Credit is a new way to apply a Value of Solar study.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 8, 2015

PNM seeks more time to complete San Juan coal plant deals

PNM needs time to buy all 4 units and complete a coal deal for the 2 units it will keep running. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 5, 2015

California Senate passes sweeping 12 bill climate & renewables package

Approval from the lower house is still needed to turn proposed mandates on renewable energy and CO2 emissions into law.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 5, 2015

Duke acquires rights to 80 MW North Carolina solar project

The project was initially being developed by SunEnergy1, with a construction price north of $200 million.

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2015

Danish company proposes over 100 floating wind turbines for Hawaii

The developer says the 400 MW installation could satisfy 30% of the energy needs for Oahu, Hawaii's most populated island.

By Robert Walton • June 4, 2015

PJM natural gas generation capacity surpasses coal for first time

Amid a wave of coal plant retirements, gas is now the dominant fuel in the PJM market.

By Robert Walton • June 4, 2015

Coal plant retirements April-June account for 3% of Q1 consumption

Analysis shows coal units being retired this year were dispatched frequently during the winter.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2015

PPL completes spinoff of competitive generation business

Combined with generation asssets held by Riverstone Holdings, the new entity is among the largest independent power producers in the country.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2015

BLM fast tracks permitting for 3 solar projects worth 440 MW on federal land

Streamlined permitting in pre-identified development zones shows the feds can move faster.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 3, 2015

SDG&E microgrid uses solar, storage to avoid outage in small town

In May, San Diego Gas & Electric used a microgrid to supply power to almost 3,000 people during planned maintenance of its system.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2015

Growing public utility Sonoma Clean Power ousts PG&E from county

Three more communities in Sonoma County, Calif., have made the clean energy agency their default provider.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2015

Central Hudson rate case will test REV rules on distributed resources

Central Hudson Gas & Electric included distributed energy resources in its new rate case, causing independent generators to question whether it violates state rules.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2015

How the EPA Clean Power Plan will transform the US energy system

Carbon regulations will mean huge changes for solar, but how fast the market grows will depend on a number of policy choices and economic conditions.  

By Gavin Bade • June 3, 2015

DC Circuit Court rejects challenges to EPA ozone regulations

The top federal appeals court in the nation rejected multiple challenges to the agency's broad powers to regulate ground-level ozone, caused by fossil fuel burning. 

By Gavin Bade • June 2, 2015

After Senate showdown, Buffett's Berkshire pushes PURPA reform in House

Berkshire Hathaway Energy wants to do away with requirements that utilities purchase power from small renewable and cogeneration facilities.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Utilities claim MISO charges millions in unjustified transmission fees

Southern Co. and three utilities located in Missouri claim the Midcontinent ISO has been overcharhing them by millions to bring power across the Entergy grid which the regional operator began managing in 2013.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Exelon to decide fate of Illinois nuclear plant in September, CEO says

The fate of two of Exelon's nuclear facilities may be tied to the upcoming PJM base residual auction; a third plant not in that market is also struggling.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Texas renewables mandate repeal bill flounders in state House

Sen. Troy Fraser's SB 931 to end the Texas renewables mandate and defund a transmission build out is going nowhere.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2015

Illinois AG, consumer group accuse Dynegy of MISO market manipulation

Federal regulators will take comment on the allegations until June 17.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2015

Kansas Gov. signs law directing agencies to comply with Clean Power Plan

While the state is still opposed to the Clean Power Plan, Gov. Brownback seems to believe making a state compliance ban is better than having the EPA do it for them.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2015

NRG, ITC partner in proposed $3.5B bailout Puerto Rico's troubled utility

The two companies have reportedly partnered with a private investment firm in a $3.5 billion deal to assist the island's ailing utility.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2015

SCE&G, Duke reach settlements to add 190 MW of solar in South Carolina

SCE&G will add 84 MW, and Duke will construct 106 MW, each split equally between utility-scale installments, and residential, C&I, and community solar projects.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 29, 2015

New Mexico regulators delay San Juan coal plant decision

Regulators delayed a decision on Public Service of New Mexico's plan to purchase additional power from the coal-fired facility.  

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015