North Carolina calls on Duke to examine coal retirement scenarios in next IRP

Duke officials say they are pleased with the decision and will provide regulators with "additional analysis as we continue this transition to even cleaner sources of energy."

By Robert Walton • Aug. 30, 2019

EPA proposes to roll back methane rules for oil, gas industry

The move is expected to save the multi-billion dollar industry up to $19 million annually.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 30, 2019

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

Rhode Island issues 10-year tax credit to draw offshore wind business

The state uses its Qualified Jobs Tax Credit program to attract companies to relocate or expand, and wind O&M companies have been approved for $2.8 million in credits over a decade.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 29, 2019

EIA data shows coal generation continues precipitous slide

New data from the U.S. Energy Information Agency illustrates the fuel's decline. EIA expects coal to make up less than a quarter of U.S. generation this year.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 29, 2019

Is PREPA ready for hurricane season?

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has "a fragile system," according to the utility's director of project management, and "it still hasn't been elevated to the codes and standards for a Category 4" storm.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 29, 2019

Santee Cooper to shutter half its coal over next decade

Santee Cooper's incoming CEO, Mark Bonsall, is steering the utility in a new direction with plans to lower carbon emissions.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 29, 2019

Renewable natural gas: The climate change solution with limited awareness of its potential

RNG's immediate benefits include new revenue streams for cities, farmers and others. Long term benefits include enhanced energy security through a diversified resource supply and climate change mitigation, writes Michael Bakas.

By Michael Bakas • Aug. 28, 2019

DTE resource plan ignores dynamic modeling, undervalues solar, stakeholders complain

The utility's long-term plan is rigid in its resource assumptions, allowing uneconomic coal to stay online longer and undervaluing the potential benefits of renewables, according to expert testimony.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 27, 2019

Achieving 100% renewables by 2050 cannot be summarily ruled out

A Utility Dive opinion piece recently said 100% renewable energy is not possible in the next 30 years. Senior policy advisor Robert Borlick goes point by point to provide a different take.

By Robert Borlick • Aug. 23, 2019

TVA board approves long-term plan adding 14 GW solar by 2038

The board also called for the addition of simple cycle gas units to follow the variable loads created by renewable energy additions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 23, 2019

An uncertain path to a cleaner future: Zero carbon electricity legislation in New York and California

How should California, New York and other states plan to meet their new 100% zero carbon electricity market goals with minimal impacts on reliability and affordability?

By Thomas R. Brill and Steven C. Russo • Aug. 23, 2019

Vistra to shutter 4 Illinois coal plants, totaling over 2,000 MW

The closures are necessary to stay compliant with changes to Illinois' Multi-Pollutant Standard Rule, but the utility says changing economics made the early retirements "inevitable."

By Robert Walton • Aug. 23, 2019

FirstEnergy Solutions' bankruptcy plan hits snag as judge presses utility to resolve union contracts

FES wants to scrap FirstEnergy labor contracts, including pensions for long-time nuclear plant workers, while emerging from bankruptcy with up to $1.1 billion in cash, witnesses say.

By John Funk • Aug. 22, 2019

Virginia regulators allow customers to exit Dominion service for 100% renewables offerings

The utility was ordered to restart processing exit applications in August from customers this summer, as its own 100% renewable energy plan is pending before regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Controversial Duke multiyear rate plan upended in North Carolina House

House lawmakers were concerned "the biggest paradigm shift in North Carolina electricity regulation in 100 years" did not go through a full stakeholder process.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 22, 2019

Coal sector outlook drops from 'stable' to 'negative': Moody's

Mounting pressure on the industry caused the ratings firm to downgrade the sector in just a month.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Storage developer plans to bring batteries to 149 MW Texas wind portfolio in SPP territory

GlidePath says integrating battery storage in markets with a large penetration of wind resources can help prevent emergencies similar to ERCOT's two last week.

By HJ Mai • Aug. 21, 2019

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040?

Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019

LCUS: A New Way to Accurately Measure Energy Storage Costs

The Levelized Cost of Using Storage method combines data into a single meaningful metric to compare different energy storage technologies.

By C. Michael Hoff and Roger Lin • Aug. 20, 2019

Xcel needs a push to improve its grid transparency tools

Further improvements to Xcel's hosting capacity analysis and map are necessary to help Minnesota realize the full potential of DERs, including renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage, writes Yochi Zakai, an attorney for IREC.

By Yochi Zakai • Aug. 20, 2019

New Mexico city fights for federal carbon capture funding in next move to save San Juan coal plant

Farmington, New Mexico, signed an agreement to transfer 95% of the plant's ownership from other stakeholders to a local energy company.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

How grid operators forecast weather and output from renewables

RTOs and ISOs told Utility Dive their top challenges and initiatives when it comes to forecasting output from intermittent resources.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 19, 2019

Wisconsin governor orders 100% carbon free by 2050, despite lack of legislative support

Gov. Tony Evers, D, signed an executive order on Friday after being unable to pass more aggressive energy policy through the state's budget.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

New Mexico senator moves to impeach utility commissioners as tensions rise over San Juan closure

A legislator frustrated with what he says is politically motivated opposition to the state's comprehensive clean energy law is heightening pressure on regulators.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 16, 2019