Xcel strikes deal to cut pollution in national parks, end haze lawsuit

Some $50 million in emissions reduction upgrades will significnatly reduce the pollution coming from Xcel Energy's Sherco power plant in Becker, Minn.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Oklahoma legislators, wind industry reach compromise on tax breaks

Wind developers give up the property tax exemption, but get to keep the zero emissions tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

What a 50% renewables mandate means for California

A new report says billions of dollars in clean energy development could be unlocked, but it will mean big changes for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

Cheap emissions credits allow coal plants to pollute, worsening NJ air quality

Coal generators in states upwind of New Jersey have been shutting off carbon capture technology because it is cheaper to buy credits, taking a significant toll on the state's air quality.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Wright-Hennepin: A case study in utility transformation

Solar is helping the small co-op survive amist competition from large IOUs and flat load growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

New Mexico regulators reject PNM's rate increase, solar fee proposal

The utility failed to calculate its need for revenues accurately, regulators said.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Energy pushing for PURPA reform

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said Berkshire Hathaway Energy would stand to profit substantially from proposed changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Manitoba tribe battling Minnesota hydro bill

The Pimicikamak Okimawin tribal nation has been lobbying Minnesota lawmakers in opposition to a new hydro project and potential regulatory changes that could increase the state's dependence on the energy source.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Coal state senators introduce package of 5 'clean coal' bills

Senators from West Virginia and North Dakota have propsed several pieces of legislation aimed at keeping the resource in the United States' energy mix.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Report: RGGI changes will be needed under Clean Power Plan

A report from the Acadia Center outlines key changes member states of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will need to make in order to comply with the the Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Duke pleads guilty to nine coal ash charges stemming from Dan River spill

Multiple failures to avoid the disaster lead to $102 million in fines and reparations.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 15, 2015

SNL: Over 12,000 MW of coal plants will retire in 2015

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule now in effect, coal plants are retiring or converting at record rates.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

Duke Energy reaches agreement to expand community solar in South Carolina

The deal could grow Duke Energy's South Carolina solar portfolio from 2 MW to 110 MW.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

Report: Georgia Power's Vogtle nuclear plant may see more delays

The Associated Press has obtained a report showing delays to construct Georgia Power's Vogtle nuclear plant are likely to extend even beyond current estimates.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

Maryland Gov. Hogan signs community shared solar bills into law

The new laws authorize a 3-year pilot program and studies of costs, benefits, and best practices for community solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

Utah high schoolers petition PSC to block Rocky Mountain Power solar fees

The utility is asking commissioners for the second time for a solar fee to cover the cost shift.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

EIA: Gas-fired generation will approach coal levels in May

Coal- and gas-fired generation will be almost equal in April and May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

Senate Democrats propose national renewable energy standard

The legislation would target 30% renewables in the national fuel mix by 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

Georgia Gov. Deal signs solar third party ownership bill into law

The TPO compromise with Georgia Power is expected to give solar a big boost in the Peach state.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Why DOE says hydropower is poised for a comeback

A new Department of Energy report on the U.S. hydropower market shows the sector moving toward growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Indiana regulators deny Duke Energy, I&M Power infrastructure plans

Regulators denied the two utilities's seven-year plans, which would have cost ratepayers a combined $2.6 billion.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Lawsuit alleges Duke flouted coal ash regulations before Dan River spill

The allegations of the sealed lawsuit were made public in Duke's SEC filing.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

EIA: Capacity additions slowing in U.S.

Data form the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates capacity additions through 2017 will average about 17 GW per year — and about half of that will be non-hydro renewable power.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Minnesota solar company teeters as lawmakers debate pulling incentives

Module manufacturer Silicon Energy is struggling to keep its Iron Range facility in operation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

Report: Iowa wind can help nearby states meet EPA emissions standards

Iowa wind’s capacity factor makes wind cheap enough to serve Illinois, Indiana, and other points to the east.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015