6 US regions leading the way on electric buses

A new report found that electric buses can be successful in a diverse mix of cities, even those with cold winters such as Chicago and Cambridge, MA. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 11, 2019

DOE must implement 4 long-delayed efficiency standards, 9th Circuit Rules

The rules, initiated under the Obama Administration but delayed by President Trump's Energy Department, could save U.S. households and businesses at least $8 billion over 30 years, advocates say.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 11, 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

Mayors announce Global Green New Deal at C40 Summit

A coalition of 94 mayors showed support of the deal, intended to encourage emissions reduction in the transportation, buildings, industry and waste sectors.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 10, 2019

Boston to require carbon-neutral design for new city buildings

The city's updated Climate Action Plan calls for decarbonizing large buildings, which could cut citywide emissions nearly 40% by 2050. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 9, 2019

Minnesota shuts down oil, manufacturing groups' attempt to derail Xcel EV pilot

Five industrial groups asked the state to reconsider approval of Xcel's $25 million electric vehicle program. Clean energy and EV stakeholders say oil-backed opposition is expected to increase as EVs rise in the market.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 9, 2019

As CCAs take over utility customers, local renewable generation emerges as the next big growth driver

The demand for customer choice has the potential to quicken the power system's transition toward cheaper, cleaner electricity, and is moving beyond California.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 8, 2019

These trends are defining the future of energy efficiency: Here's how utilities can prepare

Utilities must leverage technology to modernize their business models, maximize program value and maintain relevance in the new, customer-centric environment.

By Michael Mernick • Oct. 8, 2019

Attracting next-gen urban EV consumers will require fancy footwork from charging companies

The environmental and financial rewards are substantial for companies that figure out how to provide reliable, cost-effective charging in public parking garages.

By William Sierzchula • Oct. 7, 2019

NYC picks 9 buildings for 'deep energy retrofits'

The retrofits follow passage of the Climate Mobilization Act, which set a goal to reduce government operation emissions 50% by 2030. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 2, 2019

Maryland sees biggest energy efficiency improvements, Kentucky largest decline: ACEEE

Maryland's EmPOWER program expansion bumped it up three slots in the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's annual state rankings, while Kentucky dropped nine slots.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019

Renewable gas or electrification? Minnesota's high stakes experiment on building decarbonization

CenterPoint Energy proposed a green tariff for renewable natural gas that was rejected by Minnesota regulators, but the utility says the fuel is a viable path to decarbonization.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 1, 2019

Pittsburgh becomes second city in the world to join UN energy efficiency program for buildings

The United Nations and Green Building Alliance signed an agreement with the city to establish an International Center of Excellence on High Performance Buildings in order to cut building emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 30, 2019

Uber, EVgo partner to expand ride-share electrification

The companies signed an MOU to research use of EVs on the platform and assess where more charging infrastructure is needed.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 27, 2019

Northeastern utilities aim to 'crush and flatten' system peaks as DERs boost grid efficiency

DER providers and utilities have found shared market interests in New England, leading to cooperative BYOD programs that provide a range of benefits for customers and the power system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2019

ACEEE: 'Ambitious' energy efficiency could halve US emissions by 2050

If cities are to hit climate goals and remain in step with targets outlined in the Paris climate agreement, they will need to take bold action, a new American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy report finds.

By Chris Teale • Sept. 19, 2019

San Jose becomes largest city requiring all-electric buildings, as local climate actions rise

The new requirements go into effect next year and aim to decrease solar and storage costs, increase the availability of electric vehicle charging and encourage the use of more efficient appliances.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2019

Trump administration threatens California emissions authority as state continues EV-focus

California passed six EV-related bills this legislative session, but its zero emissions vehicle rebate program could be threatened by EPA's actions.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 19, 2019

Virginia Gov. Northam orders 100% carbon-free power by 2050

The governor's order also calls for the state to reach 30% renewable energy and reduce its power consumption 10% below 2006 levels by 2022.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 18, 2019

Burlington, Vermont's net zero energy roadmap showcases how utilities can lead on climate

The city's goal of eliminating fossil fuel use across the electric, thermal and ground transportation sectors, may be one of the most ambitious local climate goals in the nation, writes Burlington Electric's Darren Springer.

By Darren Springer • Sept. 18, 2019

The value of customer-sited storage: It's about more than demand charges, study finds

Surprise findings in the report from the Department of Energy's Berkeley Lab can help inform new rate structures for customer-sited storage.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2019

New England grid operator sees potential for year-round power constraints

Despite a tight supply-demand balance, ISO-NE said it expects to operate a reliable and affordable electric grid through transmission investments and a reliance on energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2019

Michigan urges MISO, PJM to improve regional reliability after Consumers compressor station fire

In a letter to the grid operators, the state's governor and head regulator called for quicker interconnection processes to improve regional resource diversity and a reexamination of demand response capabilities.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 12, 2019

City grids risk being overwhelmed by EV growth: Report

Electricity supplies could suffer without partnerships between utilities and city agencies, The Rocky Mountain Institute and Seattle City Light warned. 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 10, 2019

Duke updated IRP projects around 2.2 GW load growth, met with new natural gas

The utility plans to retire around 3.6 GW of coal by 2033, and plans to meet that capacity plus its projected load growth with gas as well as some solar and storage technologies.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 6, 2019

DOE downplays impact of new light bulb rules, but NGOs ready to sue

The U.S. Department of Energy says new standards for general service incandescent lamps are not economically justified. Efficiency advocates say they would save consumers billions. The fight is likely headed to court.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 4, 2019