Report: EPA to rescind Obama-era carbon rules for new coal plants

Coal operators said that EPA's New Source Performance Standards made it too costly to invest in new plants, but rolling them back is not likely to change the economic outlook for the sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 5, 2018

Texas grid to face tighter electricity reserves this summer: 'Does that scare you?'

ERCOT says planning reserve margins for the 2019 summer could be the tightest ever, in part due to canceled generation projects and growing demand from oil and gas operations.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2018

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

EIA: U.S. coal consumption lowest in 39 years

Consumption of the resource is anticipated to drop 4% below 2017 levels by the end of this year and fall another 8% by the end of 2019. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 5, 2018

PacifiCorp shows 60% of its coal units are uneconomic

The Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary conducted the analysis as part of its 2019 integrated resource plan, finding that more considerations need further study "before future resource decisions are made."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 5, 2018

Xcel commits to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

The pledge makes the Minnesota-based firm the first multi-state utility to commit to a complete phaseout of the planet-warming gas, according to company officials. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Even in a carbon-constrained world, fossil fuels remain dominant: WoodMac

Wood Mackenzie's new analysis concludes that even with policies designed to accelerate development of clean energy resources, it will not be possible to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

Bellefonte nuclear deal implodes: Private developer sues after TVA cancels sale

Nuclear Development says it has already paid Tennessee Valley Authority more than $30 million for the plant, and wants its money back. It is also asking a judge to block the utility from selling the plant to anyone else.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

FERC vacancy allows Democrats to win rare battle over ISO-NE market rules

Commissioner Kevin McIntyre did not vote, allowing Democrats to push through acceptance of an ISO-NE proposal to treat fuel secure resources as price takers in its upcoming capacity auction. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Republican introduces 'technology neutral' tax credit bill to boost energy innovation, efficiency

Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY, proposed the Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act, which he says will encourage the U.S. energy market to stop "picking winners and losers."

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2018

ALEC members reject electricity competition resolution after EEI opposition

The vote at the meeting of the private conservative policy group illustrates the ongoing debate between backers of market competition and incumbent utilities keen to preserve monopoly power. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

CEO of the Year: Jim Robo, NextEra Energy

As the largest provider of wind and solar power in the world, NextEra's executive team, particularly CEO Jim Robo, has guided the company's steady, disciplined growth.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

Innovator of the Year: Lon Huber, Navigant

Huber has worked on a number of rate-design plans and policies, such as the Clean Peak Standard, aimed at offering longterm benefits for all ratepayers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 2018

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

Report: 42% of global coal capacity now unprofitable

United States coal plant owners could save $78 billion if utilities close down plants in line with the Paris climate agreement, according to a new analysis.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

Capital Dynamics, Tenaska to develop 2 GW of solar across the Midwest

The agreement envisions 14 projects across six states and would significantly boost solar capacity in a region poised for clean energy growth after several Democratic wins in the midterm elections. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 29, 2018

ISO-NE anticipates adequate winter resources, but sees 4 possible challenges

After system conditions were pushed to the brink during a cold snap last year, the grid operator says it has "made near-term improvements" to address energy security concerns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018

DC City Council unanimously advances 100% renewable energy bill

The Clean Energy Omnibus would also mandate that all public transport and fleet vehicles in the District be zero-emissions by 2045, including those operated for Uber and Lyft. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

Invenergy: Loss of New England capacity contract won't affect proposed gas plant

FERC allowed ISO New England to cancel a capacity supply obligation contract for the Clear River Energy Center, concluding it would have "undesirable consequences" for the region.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018

Electric Power Show Ep. 2: PJM CEO Andy Ott says 'the game has changed'

The CEO of the nation's largest wholesale power market talks fuel security, plant bailouts, capacity markets and how state policy preferences are putting stress on the market's founding principles. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

Nuclear industry pouring money into Georgia PSC runoff

The primary issue is the treatment of Southern Company's Vogtle nuclear project, with Democratic candidate Lindy Miller opposed to ratepayers continuing to pay for cost overruns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 27, 2018

Senate committee to push ahead with McNamee vote despite Democrat objections

Democrats want the FERC nominee to answer for comments criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups, but Republicans on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee declined to delay a Tuesday confirmation vote. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Nov. 27, 2018

Federal climate report: US energy, transportation sectors not prepared for warming

Experts say humans have about a decade to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and the U.S. is behind the necessary pace of emissions reductions.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 26, 2018

SCANA agrees to settle $2B class action suit over nuclear costs

But the agreement is contingent upon South Carolina regulators approving Dominion Energy's bid to purchase SCANA and its principle subsidiary, South Carolina Electric & Gas.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 26, 2018

Brown mandates a 'greener' Golden State

As California inches closer to a renewable-only grid, S&P Global Ratings Director of Sustainable Finance Michael Ferguson assesses which assets from a credit perspective could stand to either benefit or face heightened risks.

By Michael Ferguson • Nov. 26, 2018