US added more coal capacity than wind in July: FERC

Coal is still in the negative from January through July, with retirements resulting in an overall loss of 40 MW of capacity, the report said.

By Diana DiGangi • Oct. 1, 2025

DOE’s reactor pilot: A turning point for US nuclear energy?

The Department of Energy’s nuclear program could be transformational for the energy sector if even one reactor demonstrates commercial operation safely, writes Foley & Lardner partner Jocelyn Lavallo.

By Jocelyn Lavallo • Oct. 1, 2025

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

North American energy professionals report slower hiring: AEE survey

North Americans also displayed more skepticism toward their infrastructure, with 83% saying their local grid could not handle rapid electrification within the next 10 years. 

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 30, 2025

EPA mulls postponing coal plant wastewater compliance, changes to Regional Haze Rule

Extending compliance timelines for EPA’s effluent limitations rules would save between $30 million and $200 million annually, the agency said. Coal waste contains contaminants including mercury, cadmium and arsenic. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2025

Democratic House bill would reverse Trump energy policies, bolster RTO oversight

The Trump administration is driving up the cost of electricity by creating barriers to clean energy investment to support higher-cost fossil fuel sectors, Rep. Sean Casten said.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 30, 2025

DOE announces $625M for ‘beautiful, clean coal’ and gas

The U.S. Department of Energy did not immediately respond to questions about the structure of the funding, including whether it would be made available as loans or grants. 

By Meris Lutz • Sept. 29, 2025

Vistra announces Comanche deal, plan to add 860 MW of natural gas

Vistra has inked a 20-year power purchase agreement for Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant and will expand Permian Basin Power Plant’s capacity from 325 MW to 1,185 MW.

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 29, 2025

Texas backs NRG’s 721-MW Cedar Bayou gas plant with low-interest loan

It is the third loan finalized under the Texas Energy Fund’s In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program and the second to support an NRG Energy project.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2025

Pending NRC guidance to streamline advanced reactor maintenance: experts

The fresh approach to “in-service testing” of pumps, valves and dynamic restraints could slash field testing workloads by 75%, a TerraPower engineer said.

By Brian Martucci • Sept. 26, 2025

This week in 5 numbers: Rising demand, rising rates

A wildfire settlement and lengthy transmission timelines are also among the notable numbers in the electric utility sector this week.

By Meris Lutz • Sept. 26, 2025

2.1-GW SOO Green transmission project advances with Iowa agreement

The project developers aim to bring low-cost clean energy from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator into the PJM Interconnection while bolstering grid reliability.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 25, 2025

Is nuclear fusion for real this time? These utilities think so.

Three years after a vital scientific breakthrough, Dominion Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority have struck deals with nuclear fusion startups. Some experts remain skeptical.

By Brian Martucci • Updated Sept. 26, 2025

PJM CEO Asthana responds to criticism, says states must address supply challenges

“If our [power] plants run into a hostile siting and permitting regime, they will not get built,” PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana said.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 24, 2025

Analysts see possible early signs of demand growth in EIA’s latest update

Total net electricity generation and retail sales were up 3.8% and 2.6%, respectively, this July compared with the same month last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

By Meris Lutz • Sept. 24, 2025

GHG Protocol prioritizes looking good over doing good

The focus of the GHG Protocol should not be to back usage claims about what power a company is consuming, but to measure carbon emissions as accurately as possible, writes Lee Taylor, CEO of REsurety.

By Lee Taylor • Sept. 24, 2025

Carbon markets are incomplete without nuclear

Major carbon standards do not allow nuclear projects to generate credits, distorting the market, writes Guido Núñez-Mujica, director of data science at the Anthropocene Institute.

By Guido Núñez-Mujica • Sept. 23, 2025

States threaten to leave PJM without expanded role in grid operator

“If PJM refuses to change, we will be forced to go in a different direction,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 23, 2025

Utilities are backtracking on climate commitments: Sierra Club

The report named six utility companies reversing course on emissions reductions: Entergy, Duke Energy, Evergy, Cleco, American Electric Power and Arizona Public Service.

By Robert Walton • Updated Sept. 23, 2025

AI’s electricity demand is a challenge utilities can’t ignore, but subsidies aren’t the solution

Utilities need portfolios that balance renewables and natural gas with long-duration storage, writes Stefan Pastine, CEO of semiconductor materials company Thintronics.

By Stefan Pastine • Sept. 22, 2025

Powering up: What facilities must do to prepare for the “nuclear renaissance”

The key to a successful “nuclear renaissance”? A resilient workforce. Here’s how facilities can build the nuclear workforce of the future.

Sept. 22, 2025

House passes bill to fast-track dispatchable generation interconnection

Power projects that are shown to address grid reliability needs could jump ahead in interconnection queues under the GRID Power Act.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 19, 2025

New FERC Chairman Rosner outlines priorities: ‘We need to build, build, build.’

At the agency's open meeting, Commissioner Lindsay See highlighted the tension between issuing orders swiftly and ensuring those decisions are “worth their weight” in court.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 19, 2025

DOE seeks comment on large-scale generation, transmission development

The “Speed to Power” initiative could boost grid reliability and affordability, but only if all energy resources are included, said John Moore, director of the Sustainable FERC Project.

By Robert Walton • Updated Sept. 22, 2025

Keeping America’s lights on: a pragmatic path forward

Policymakers have a vital role in ensuring that a lack of energy does not become America’s Achilles’ heel.

By Brigham McCown • Sept. 18, 2025

Bipartisan House group releases permitting reform ‘framework’

This and other permitting reform efforts — supported by groups like the Edison Electric Institute — come amid rising electric demand and increasing electricity bills.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 18, 2025