TVA weighs solar, wind for distributed generation

The Tennessee Valley Authority is reviewing the value of solar and wind generation as part of its move to integrate more distributed energy into the grid. 

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

We Energies wants to burn cheaper coal at Milwaukee plant

The utility wants to spend up to $100 million retrofitting its Oak Creek coal plant.

By Claire Cameron • July 11, 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

Exelon: No plans to shut down nuclear plants

Utility's nuclear fleet plagued by bad economics.

By Claire Cameron • July 11, 2014

FERC: Natural gas pipeline congestion sparked high winter power prices

Both heating and electric utility companies sought additional gas supplies to meet demand during this winter's Polar Vortex.

By Claire Cameron • July 11, 2014

Central Maine Power agrees to decouple rates, add 4% bill charge

The average $3 per month charge would cover distribution costs for distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 10, 2014

Report: U.S. has at least 61 GW of untapped hydro

The gap between what’s possible and what’s affordable is huge for hydropower.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 10, 2014

Virginia regulators weigh cost risks of new nuclear, natural gas

Dominion’s least cost option and emissions-free option have risk trade-offs.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 10, 2014

SolarCity, SunPower lead solar industry towards vertical integration

Big Solar's control of everything from raw silicon to the rooftop could let them compete with utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 9, 2014

Navasota wants to build three new peaker gas plants in Texas

New peaker gas capacity makes more renewables easier.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 9, 2014

Officials: Kentucky does not need more coal closures to meet EPA emissions rule

Plans to meet pollution standards will cut coal from 92% to 78% of state electricity. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 9, 2014

Why solar advocates are suing to stop the Missouri PSC's action on Ameren and KCPL

Is the utility math fuzzy or does solar cost too much?

By Herman K. Trabish • July 9, 2014

ConEd seeks efficiency, distributed energy to avoid $1.1B substation

Rising electricity demand in Brooklyn and Queens has created the need for a new substation.

By Claire Cameron • July 9, 2014

Apple to build solar for data center in North Carolina

Apple will bring up its total solar generation to about 60 MW -- but that number is set to only grow further. 

By Claire Cameron • July 9, 2014

High temperatures drove up peak demand across U.S. on Monday

Air conditioners were on full blast as high temperatures drove peak demand beyond expected levels and increased prices for electricity significantly.

By Claire Cameron • July 8, 2014

Study: Net metering no cost burden to non-solar owners

An E3 assessment shows the benefits to the system balance the costs in NV Energy's service territory.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

4 residential solar trends to watch this year

Residential solar will be more affordable in more places.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

Kauai Electric to build pumped storage, buy hydro power

Storage is needed to integrate renewables, but batteries are too expensive.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

Maine utilities partner on wires to deliver wind to New England

This could start a rush for Maine’s abundant wind.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

Calpine sells six power plants for $1.57B

The fading of coal makes 3.5 gigawatts of Southeastern natural gas generation a buy.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

SEPA: Utilities should own solar inverters

A new report makes the case for utility-owned inverters, which help integrate rooftop solar onto the grid. 

By Claire Cameron • July 8, 2014

N.C. regulators to weigh value of small renewable projects

Utilities are currently required to sign contracts with 5 MW or less renewables projects at a standard rate based on avoided costs with no negotiations.

By Claire Cameron • July 7, 2014

Report: Renewables to make up 65% of global energy investments by 2030

The Bloomberg New Energy Finance 2030 Market Outlook projects a rise in renewable and natural gas-fired generation.

By Claire Cameron • July 7, 2014

DOE announces $4B in loan guarantees for clean energy

Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects get a multi-billion dollar boost.

By Claire Cameron • July 7, 2014

Electricity prices up in California on drought, shift to natural gas

PG&E is holding back hydro. Will conservation work?

By Herman K. Trabish • July 7, 2014

Alliant seeks $150M to retrofit coal unit

A total $900 million investment will keep some coal power in Wisconsin.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 7, 2014