'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

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

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

Midwest power plants face shutdown after EPA proposes denying requests to keep using unlined coal ash ponds

The move could affect plants owned by ArcLight Capital Partners, Alliant Energy and Ohio Valley Electric Corp. while setting precedent for other coal-fired facilities.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2022

Unused and useless: States must act to end flawed natural gas power plant buildouts

Nothing exemplifies the irrational utility business model more than the billions of dollars companies have spent expanding natural gas capacity over the last decade, the author writes.

By Grant Smith • Jan. 11, 2022

NRC denies Oklo Power's plan to construct 1.5 MW advanced nuclear reactor in Idaho

Federal regulators cited a lack of safety data in Oklo's application, including details on potential accidents, safety systems and components classifications.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2022

Data centers, EVs drive PJM's long-term load growth forecast, but it expects some utilities to see declines

However, the grid operator on Friday trimmed its forecast for its next capacity auction year by 0.5%, reflecting slower than expected load growth.  

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 4, 2022

Duke, SCE, other grid modernization proposals faced big cost questions, more regulator scrutiny in 2021

Regulators facing new climate and reliability urgencies and nearly 500 grid modernization proposals are more often favoring phased advances toward a smarter system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2022

'Anecdotal evidence' points to price gouging during winter storm Uri, NERC official says

Power shutoffs to gas compression facilities were not the primary cause of the February grid outages in Texas and the U.S. Southwest, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp. And price gouging may have played a part.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2021

Democrats plan to press ahead with Build Back Better bill, despite Manchin opposition

The legislation threatens grid reliability and increases U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains, according to Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2021

Extreme weather, plant retirements challenge US grid amid a looming Midwest capacity shortfall: NERC

Recent energy shortfalls and grid disruptions in California and Texas "should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the country," warned officials at the North American Electric Reliability Corp.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2021

Energy transition likely requires market changes, transmission growth, PJM finds

A report released Wednesday identifies gaps in PJM's markets and signals changes in transmission planning and system operations, per the grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 16, 2021

New Mexico denies PNM bid to exit Four Corners coal plant, citing lack of replacement resources

Transferring Four Corners would allow PNM to eliminate coal from its portfolio by 2024, but environmental groups say the deal would have actually prolonged the plant's operations.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2021

Will Tri-State's exit fee dispute at FERC shake up the cooperative utility model?

Even with United Power announcing plans to leave, Tri-State continues its pivot toward renewables and contract flexibility.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 15, 2021

NuScale Power plans to be the first advanced nuclear reactor company to go public

The company said Tuesday it will merge with Spring Valley Acquisition to form a new entity currently valued at $1.9 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 15, 2021

North American Energy Standards Board to tackle gas-electric coordination in 2022

The industry forum wants to improve coordination between natural gas and electricity markets following disruptions in Texas during Winter Storm Uri.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2021

DOD, GSA start process in federal shift to all carbon-free power by 2030

The federal government aims to begin buying emissions-free power in competitive markets next year in response to an executive order.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 4, 2022

New York’s landmark Reforming the Energy Vision framework remains both vital and unfinished, analysts say

New York's REV initiatives have given full value to distributed energy resources, but the utility business model transformation must be finished, regulators and other stakeholders agreed.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 9, 2021

Nuclear and carbon capture companies seek $20B as DOE revives loan program

DOE loan office head Jigar Shah said he would like the office to issue at least $2 billion in loans for key emerging sectors, such as battery recycling and "green" hydrogen.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 8, 2021

Fuel neutrality, pipeline environmental reviews and a return to common sense at FERC

In curtailing the Minimum Offer Price Rule and undertaking environmental reviews of pipelines, federal regulators are fulfilling their responsibilities while respecting state authority, writes former FERC commissioner John Norris.

By John Norris • Dec. 7, 2021

Wind developer joins $3B transmission project poised to be 'backbone' for Western power markets

The 730-mile TransWest Express project from Wyoming to Nevada could provide Southwest utilities with low-cost wind while facilitating participation in potential area-wide power markets, regional experts say.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 7, 2021

Texas power plants 'ready for winter' following weatherization assessment, ERCOT says

On-site inspections of more than 300 generating units mean consumers "can be confident" the power system will remain stable this winter, according to the grid operator.

By Robert Walton • Updated Jan. 5, 2022