As utilities risk missing carbon reduction targets, analysts stress need for organizational change

Sierra Club and the Smart Electric Power Alliance published separate analyses on the shortcomings of utilities in their net zero emissions pledges, finding a common solution in new organizational approaches.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 1, 2021

'What in the world is happening with the weather': Western heat wave raises questions for grid planning

The heat wave showed that the region can face weather events outside of anything it has experienced in the past — "and a huge amount of utility planning is based on looking at our previous experience," one expert said. 

By Kavya Balaraman • July 1, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Transmission developer files complaint with FERC against PJM's 'Catch-22' on merchant-owned transmission

Under PJM's market rules, merchant-developed transmission projects have to be evaluated in the generation interconnection queue, causing years of delay for the SOO Green HVDC Link.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 1, 2021

FERC's Glick names former ratepayer advocate to lead Office of Public Participation

Glick selected Elin Katz, former head of the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, to run FERC’s new division, which aims to increase public involvement in the agency’s decision-making.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Oct. 13, 2021

Building a US clean manufacturing strategy to counter China and tackle climate change

The authors highlight four industries, including hydrogen production, that promise to become major export businesses as global markets for clean products grow.

By David Hart and Stefan Koester • June 29, 2021

Massachusetts state rep, favored by renewables industry, emerges among the frontrunners to fill FERC seat

Though a final nominee has not yet been announced, Maria Duaime Robinson has been vetted by the White House, according to sources.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 28, 2021

NRC special inspection at Vogtle could lead to more delays for troubled nuclear project

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission August 27 released initial conclusions from its June 21 inspection of Vogtle. If finalized without any changes, the findings will lead to increased oversight of the plant, the commission said.

By Jason Plautz • Updated Aug. 30, 2021

California braces for energy resource shortfalls amid extreme heat and drought

Customer conservation and demand response "are going to be critical to getting through the year," California Independent System Operator President and CEO Elliot Mainzer said Friday.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2021

California approves 11.5 GW of new clean resources in largest-ever single procurement order

"This is a landmark decision. I don’t think it's hyperbole to describe it as such," CPUC Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said at the Thursday meeting.

By Kavya Balaraman • June 25, 2021

Consumers Energy to end Michigan coal use by 2025, but critics wary of plan to buy existing gas plants

The utility plans to eliminate coal 15 years ahead of its current track, and by 2040 it would deliver more than 60% renewable energy.  

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2021

CPUC ditches natural gas in 11.5 GW proposal but leaves door open for future fossil fuel procurement

Regulators want further analysis of the potential reliability impacts before asking for additional fossil fuel procurement, they said in a new version of the proposed decision. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 24, 2021

'An unprecedented mess': DC Circuit rejects FERC approval of existing Spire gas pipeline

"FERC's ostrich-like approach flies in the face of the guidelines set forth in the Certificate Policy Statement" on natural gas pipelines, the court said.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 23, 2021

The hydrogen molecule's 'moonshot' moment

Hydrogen has the potential to help enable "our generation’s moonshot" — economy-wide decarbonization, the author writes.

By Neva Espinoza • June 23, 2021

North Carolina legislature retools Duke-backed bill after Dems, governor protest weakened oversight

The legislation is a high priority for Duke Energy, one of few stakeholders allowed in closed-door negotiations on the initial text.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 22, 2021

South Carolina regulators reject Duke's long-term power plant construction plans, call for changes

South Carolina utility regulators are calling upon Duke to rethink its long-term power plant construction plans and are urging the company to look more closely at solar, storage and other resources.

By Scott Van Voorhis • June 21, 2021

California groups clash over gas in 11.5 GW procurement proposal as CAISO calls for conservation

“We can’t overemphasize enough the need for procurement to be authorized and get underway,” a CAISO representative said.

By Kavya Balaraman • June 18, 2021

AEP seeks up to $317M for 3 West Virginia coal plant upgrades

American Electric Power is facing opposition from environmentalists on upgrades to a trio of coal-fired plants as the utility seeks to extend their lives until 2040.

By Scott Van Voorhis • June 18, 2021

Tri-State asks FERC to approve 'transparent and simpler' contract termination approach for members

The commission determined that Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association's tariff is unjust and unreasonable, based on the hurdles members face in considering whether to exit the G&T provider.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Sept. 3, 2021

FERC pauses ruling that would prevent states from blocking demand response under Order 2222

FERC also on Thursday established a joint federal-state task force on transmission development that will address planning and cost allocation issues.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 18, 2021

Duke-backed North Carolina bill would reduce carbon emissions 61% by 2030, retire some coal early

The legislation calls for Duke to own 55% of renewable energy generation and independent power producers to own 45%. It also establishes a multiyear rate plan — something the utility has long pushed for.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 17, 2021

California utilities object to fossil fuel requirements in proposed 11.5 GW procurement package

The proposed procurement is intended to maintain grid reliability after the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant is retired by 2025.

By Kavya Balaraman • June 15, 2021

Hybrid storage and renewable projects are popular. Are they the best for the market?

Using wholesale power market prices from 2012 to 2019 across the seven grid operators, researchers found that independently siting a battery could lead to a higher value in nearly all U.S. markets.

By Jason Plautz • June 14, 2021

Manchin defends coal-fired plants, expresses concern over 'aggressive' Biden climate goals

Sen. Joe Manchin, whose home state of West Virginia is in the heart of mining country, came out swinging in defense of coal-fired power plants in the U.S. at the annual EEI conference, arguing they are being singled out unfairly.

By Scott Van Voorhis • June 14, 2021

New gas turbines 'better be flexible' to someday accept carbon capture or hydrogen: New EEI chairman

Natural gas has a critical role to play as utilities pursue net-zero goals, said DTE Energy Executive Chairman Gerry Anderson, who was elected on Monday as the new chairman of the Edison Electric Institute.

By Larry Pearl • June 10, 2021

National Grid encourages FERC to provide better incentives for grid-enhancing technology

Xcel Energy, on a panel, agreed with many of the hurdles a National Grid representative laid out, including operational, technological and financial barriers.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 10, 2021