New Jersey will need nuclear at least until 2050, may extend ZEC cycle: PSEG CEO

The utility is focused on clean energy investments after completing the sale of almost 7 GW of fossil generation. CEO Ralph Izzo expects the process of subsidizing PSEG's nuclear plants will extend beyond the 3-year cycle.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2022

Largest US offshore wind lease auction attracts $4B

The Bureau of Energy Management concluded on Friday its auction for six parcels of land off the shore of New York and New Jersey, estimated to support 5.6 GW to 7 GW of development.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Feb. 28, 2022

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

DOE to offer $6B to keep struggling nuclear reactors online

The Civil Nuclear Credit Program included in the bipartisan infrastructure law is meant to be a lifeline for nuclear plants facing economic hardships. DOE has extended the application deadline until July 5.

By Jason Plautz • Updated May 19, 2022

PJM rejects generator trade group request to bar some renewables from capacity auction

The grid operator is preparing to re-evaluate how it accredits capacity for fossil-fueled plants to account for their outage risks.

By Ethan Howland • Updated March 7, 2022

On track to eliminate coal by 2035, Duke expands net zero carbon goal to include indirect emissions

Duke’s decision to broaden the scope of its climate goals signals a shift in the industry, activist investors say, but supply chain constraints mean some immediate solar projects have been delayed.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 14, 2022

Nevada tops new CUB state ranking on utility affordability, reliability, environmental responsibility

The ratepayer watchdog group aims to chart utility performance through the energy transition using state ranking reports.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 14, 2022

Texas gas generators fared better than wind during last week's winter storm: ERCOT

The Texas grid operator has made progress on weatherization and market reforms, but observers say last week's winter storm was not a real test of the electric grid.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2022

Biden administration promises 'a year of action' in drive to 100% clean energy for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority is preparing to sign contracts for 2 GW of renewables and 1 GW of energy storage.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 7, 2022

AEP withdraws request for FERC power plant deal approval under pressure from Kentucky PSC

The dispute over the Mitchell power plant could affect Kentucky Power's pending sale to Algonquin Power.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 7, 2022

Georgia Power to go coal-free by 2028, double renewables by 2035, but advocates decry gas plans

The utility's latest Integrated Resource Plan notes plans for 1,000 MW of energy storage by 2030, 2,300 MW of solar over the next 3 years, and more than 2.3 GW of natural gas from existing natural gas resources.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 3, 2022

The opportunity cost of not using nuclear energy for climate mitigation

Considering the existential stakes of climate change, advocates, innovators and governments should work together to promote all clean energy sources and reduce their costs to incentivize rapid decarbonization, the author writes.

By Alex Gilbert • Feb. 3, 2022

Hydropower has critical role stabilizing Western Interconnection during extreme conditions: report

Developing a better understanding of how hydropower supports the grid will help to better value the resource, as well as make the case for future investments in hydropower facilities as a way to boost reliability, the study's authors said. 

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 2, 2022

A year after widespread blackouts, Texas grid prepares for looming winter freeze

The grid operator for most of Texas says it is "anticipating high demand for power" from Wednesday through Sunday and has taken "early preventative action" to ensure the grid remains stable.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 1, 2022

Breakthroughs in generation and system integration are driving the utility of the future, analysts say

The new technologies will reverse the supply-demand equation and bring competitive procurement and a transaction platform to merge the bulk power and distribution systems.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 31, 2022

As utilities consider ESG options, Kinder Morgan's 'responsibly sourced natural gas' plan faces scrutiny

The Tennessee Gas proposal could set a precedent for transporting certified gas on pipelines, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 25, 2022

2022 Utility Dive Outlook

Utility Dive examines priorities, expectations and trends for three key subjects — FERC, rate design and renewable energy — along with a broader roundup of some of the U.S. power sector trends to watch in the year ahead.

Jan. 24, 2022

2022 Outlook: US solar and wind boom continues despite supply chain woes, Build Back Better uncertainty

Experts agree that many provisions in the pending legislation are essential to expand renewable energy deployment, but demand continues to build as more risk-averse investors show interest in the market.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 21, 2022

Tri-State ramps up GHG reduction goals in Colorado filing

In a settlement agreement with state agencies and environmentalists, the cooperative will accelerate its emissions goals and boost energy efficiency measures. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 20, 2022

Republicans, industry resist FERC oversight of pipeline reliability, security as Glick cites grid threats

A proposal to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission more pipeline oversight would transform "a relatively tiny agency into a behemoth," Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., said.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2022

'Unacceptable:' Texas market reforms will not be quick, electric grid operator tells dissatisfied regulators

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas may need two years to implement some market reforms, citing staffing shortages and the complexity of designing new market products.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2022

2022 Outlook: Top US power sector trends to watch

The Biden administration entered 2022 with some key strengths and significant challenges to implementing its clean energy agenda, but states, companies and others are continuing to advance the energy transition.

By Kavya Balaraman, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton and Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 18, 2022

MISO resource adequacy proposals garner mixed reviews from states, utilities, power users

The different views highlight the cross-currents MISO faces among its stakeholders as it aims to make sure it has the resources to keep the lights on.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 18, 2022

Biden decarbonization goals could triple reliance on electric grid: EPRI

For the U.S. to achieve a carbon-neutral economy, 60% of end-use energy could come from electricity, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. Today, that figure is around 20%.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2022

Interior Department announces New York Bight lease auction for up to 7 GW of offshore wind

The Biden administration sent another signal to the clean energy sector while continuing to press for passage of the Build Back Better bill.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 13, 2022

Senate energy committee considers calls to speed 'glacial pace' of hydropower permitting

A coalition of hydro, environmental and tribal groups plans to float a proposal next month to fix a hydro permitting process under which it can take longer to re-license a small hydroelectric dam than a nuclear power plant.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2022