California to put $26.5 million into microgrids

The California Energy Commission has announced $26.5 million in grant money for microgrid projects that primarily use renewable energy and energy storage technology. 

By Claire Cameron • July 20, 2014

NorthWestern Energy asks regulators for $870M to buy new hydro power

Consumer advocates say the deal will benefit the utility, but not ratepayers.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

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

Oregon regulators, ratepayer advocates, environmentalists pushing PacifiCorp away from coal

Retrofits are not good enough to meet the new EPA greenhouse gas emissions rule.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

Duke, EPRI execs offer utility solutions for 'the most sweeping changes in 120 years'

The answers are new technologies and new approaches to utility. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 18, 2014

Platte River Power Authority buys more wind, nears renewable mandate

With a portfolio comprised of 9% wind and nearly 30% renewables, the city-owned utility is almost set for Colorado's 2020 renewables incentive.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 18, 2014

Exelon appeals to New York to keep nuclear plant running

Exelon has filed an appeal with the New York State Public Service Commission to create a new power purchase contract to keep its R.E. Ginna plant running for four more years.

By Claire Cameron • July 18, 2014

Report: Utility scale solar to add 3.8 GW by year's end

The U.S. now has more than 7 GW of utility solar installations online, with a further three or more GW due to come online in the next year, according to a new report from GTM Research.

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

What the FERC Order 745 ruling means for demand response

Will the ruling kill demand response in wholesale markets?

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

Investors warned against 'yieldcos' as the utility business model evolves

An analyst cautions against utility ownership of generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2014

Texas regulators extend review of grid operator's power reserves

Demand response and efficiencies give the state time to think about power needs.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2014

New White House proposals could help shore up rural electricity supply

The Obama administration has released a set of initiatives designed to help rural communities keep the lights on during climate change-related events. 

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

NRG joins Japanese firm for carbon capture project

Carbon capture has the potential to cut harmful carbon dioxide emissions at existing coal plants, extending their longevity. 

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

Boulder paying $3M per year in fight with Xcel over power franchise

The utility warns the city that 40% renewables won’t come fast or easy.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2014

What the E3 study of Nevada net energy metering really says

An exclusive statement from NV Energy to Utility Dive suggests a new Nevada law could drive unforeseen changes for renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 16, 2014

Study: Waste can meet 12% of US electricity needs

Waste-to-energy generation could help solve some energy resource issues in the U.S., providing up to 12% of the nation's electricity demand.

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014

McCarthy: States should see new EPA rules as 'investment strategy'

The Environmental Protection Agency's Gina McCarthy said states should view the the agency's carbon cutting proposal as a chance for long-term investment in the industry.

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014

Solar advocates protest proposals to limit North Carolina solar supports

Smaller projects and shorter contracts could hamstring NC solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2014

Los Angeles proposes replacing net metering with feed-in tariff

The Department of Water and Power says the feed-in tariff beats rooftop solar’s cost shift.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2014

Iowa High Court approves third party-ownership solar lease deals

Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy are opposed, but new solar opportunities are coming to Iowa.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2014

New Maryland plants could lower costs, improve market competition

New plant construction scheduled to begin in Maryland could reduce the need to import generation, but critics disagree. 

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014

California's drought is redesigning the energy landscape

A third summer of drought is beginning with mass water shortages and wildfires. Energy resources are becoming increasingly vulnerable, but challenges could herald a new phase in California's electricity generation. 

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

Xcel seeks to buy Colorado Springs' municipal electric utility

...but the City Council wants to retain control of the city's power.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 14, 2014

Connecticut IOUs fight state agencies over standard offer supply limits

Do regulated utilities need more flexibility in deregulated power markets?

By Herman K. Trabish • July 14, 2014

Northern Pass line can help solve New England energy issues

The proposed transmission line could help the Northeast meet demand this winter without driving up prices.

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

Wisconsin nuclear plant shutdown leaves town stranded

The closing of the Kewaunee nuclear plant will impact affect local infrastructure for decades, reflecting the impact of plant closures sweeping the U.S.

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014