10 predictions for the electric sector in 2014

Our writers dare to gaze into the crystal ball.

By Davide Savenije , Ethan Howland • Jan. 6, 2014

Are utilities missing the rooftop solar opportunity?

Some companies are brushing aside "death spiral" talk and making major investments in distributed generation. Others not so much.

By Davide Savenije , Ethan Howland • Jan. 6, 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

APS added 410 MW of solar in 2013

The new solar is a mix of utility-owned, IPP and rooftop facilities.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 6, 2014

ISO-New England rejects plan to retire 1,500-MW coal plant

ISO-New England fears that shutting down the coal-fired plant would hurt grid reliability.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 6, 2014

Invenergy blasts proposed Duke Energy plant

Invenergy contends that Duke Energy's utility-owned proposal is more expensive than other options.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 6, 2014

OG&E gets time to appeal EPA emissions plan to Supreme Court

Oklahoma Gas & Electric contends EPA emissions plan for two coal plants would cost $1 billion.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 5, 2014

Grid modernization and Calif. solar: The week's most read utility news

These were the biggest stories in electric utility news for our readers in the first week of 2014.

By Brian Warmoth • Jan. 3, 2014

Conservatives sue over Delaware CO2 emissions limits

The lawsuit in Delaware contends the carbon limits are unconstitutional and will increase power prices.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 3, 2014

Report: Net metering policy changes won't affect solar in 2014

The net metering debate will focus on finding how much value rooftop solar offers all utility customers, according to IHS.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 3, 2014

Solar developers gain time for California project

California Energy Commission staff want CEC to reject the 500-MW project.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 2, 2014

Law judge recommends solar deal over natural gas in Minnesota

Next, the Minnesota PUC will vote on the recommendation for the 100-MW solar project to serve Xcel Energy.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 2, 2014

Idaho PUC, FERC reach agreement over small renewable projects

Idaho and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had been wrangling over the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 2, 2014

AEP Ohio spins off power plants into unregulated genco

Depending on developments in the wholesale market, AEP may sell the plants.  

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 2, 2014

Calif. PUC president: 50% renewables? No problem

Besides renewables, the PUC President sees a heavy dose of San Onofre for 2014's agenda.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 31, 2013

NRECA urges state lawmakers to oppose carbon rules

The rural cooperative group contends GHG standards for existing power plants would hurt utilities.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 30, 2013

UNS Energy to buy 550-MW natural gas-fired unit

The move is part of a plan to shift away from coal-fired generation.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 27, 2013

FERC: Solar outpaced wind, coal installations in 2013

Developers added 2,631 MW of solar in the first eleven months of 2013, up from 1,584 MW a year ago.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 27, 2013

EIA: Third-party developers drive Calif.'s residential solar market

Since 2012, more than two-thirds of installations were made by third-party developers.  

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 26, 2013

SDG&E sued over Montana wind contract

The dispute focuses on bird protection at a wind farm.  

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 26, 2013

PNM plans to retire two coal-fired units

PNM's plan is part of a trend of retiring coal-fired units in the West.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 23, 2013

Year in review: The most read utility news of 2013

These were the 25 most read stories on Utility Dive this year.

By Davide Savenije • Dec. 20, 2013

EDF Renewables buys 200-MW Texas wind project

EDF has bought three Texas wind projects totaling 561 MW this year.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2013

Direct Energy sells three Texas power plants

Blackstone bought them for $685 million.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 19, 2013

EOS: Battery storage will be cost-competitive in 18 months

EOS sees its batteries competing with gas plants.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 19, 2013

The state of the utility industry: 2013

Sluggish power sales top a list of issues that includes plant retirements and evolving business strategies.  

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 18, 2013