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

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

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

NRC hints at upcoming early site determination for TVA advanced nuclear project

The Tennessee Valley Authority has not determined whether it will move ahead with the project but wants the option to locate small modular reactors at the Clinch River Site.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2019

Top Arizona regulator spurs retail choice progress, pushes for rule drafting

The Arizona Corporation Commission had closed its retail electric competition docket in 2013, following the opposition of Arizona Public Service.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 16, 2019

ERCOT calls 2 energy emergencies in one week, 3rd in 5 years

Warm temperatures all week meant Texas generators ran overtime to meet cooling demand, ultimately creating more unplanned outages.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2019

Everyone loves a guaranteed discount: New financing approach drives community solar growth

Innovations are transforming community solar nationwide, but the technology is also booming in Florida where, despite utilities not using discounts to spur development​, FPL is planning the world's largest community solar project.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2019

ERCOT reserves drop below 2,300 MW, forcing Texas grid to call for energy emergency

Demand sent prices soaring and forced the grid operator to issue the emergency alert for the first time in more than five years.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2019

Renewables' variability sends wary utilities from traditional DR to DER and load flexibility

New technologies can expand utilities' options, allowing control of load with customer-sited resources to balance variable generation, but utilities say they need incentives.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 14, 2019

Consumers Energy agrees to clear PURPA queue, add 584 MW renewables by 2023

Michigan regulators approved the settlement, which will address over 3 GW of qualifying facilities waiting to interconnect.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Sept. 11, 2019