Duke agrees to cut North Carolina grid modernization plan by $5.3B

The utility will deploy at least 300 MW of energy storage projects on its system in North Carolina by May 2026, as part of a deal reached with environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • June 4, 2018

California, New York, New Jersey see nearly $1.3B in new EV funding

The California PUC's approval of $738 million in utility electrification proposals represents the largest investment in charging infrastructure by a state to date, analysts said.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 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

NERC: Texas, California will face tight markets this summer

Texas is facing a generation shortfall, due in part to plant retirements, and California is facing a limit on natural gas output due to Aliso Canyon storage facility constraints.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2018

Vermont law 'ups the ante' on energy efficiency

To make up for federal inaction, Vermont has enacted energy efficiency standards for appliances, similar to the unpublished DOE standards released at the end of the Obama administration.

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2018

Sonnen's latest funding round nets $70M, led by Shell Ventures

The company's "strategic cooperation agreement" focuses on innovative integrated energy propositions, EV charging solutions and grid services based on a virtual battery pool.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2018

Pittsburgh sets goal of 50% energy reduction in revised climate plan

Behind local leadership and strong public support, the plan also calls for the city to turn its operations to 100% renewable energy and to adopt a 100% fossil fuel-free vehicle fleet. 

By Jason Plautz • May 24, 2018

PJM loses a quarter of its nuke capacity in latest power auction

Cleared nuclear capacity fell by more than 7 GW from PJM's last base residual auction, while demand response, renewables, gas and coal all saw their shares expand. 

By Gavin Bade • May 23, 2018

Navigant cuts growth estimates for customer-focused DSM

Navigant says it expects roughly $270.5 million to be spent globally in 2018, rising to $1.1 billion by 2027. Strong growth, but a significant cut from 2015 estimates. 

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2018

13 projects from the leading edge of the utility transformation

One nonprofit's invite-only policy forums provide utility stakeholders a "safe space" to work out contentious proceedings and advance ambitious projects.

By Gavin Bade • May 23, 2018

EV charging could significantly reduce storage needs, DOE lab finds

Electric vehicles could play a major role in balancing the grid by soaking up excess solar generation during the middle of the day, according to analysts at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2018

San Francisco to fully electrify bus fleet by 2035

Mayor Mark Farrell announced last month a goal to zero out the city’s net emissions by 2050. Transportation reportedly makes up 46%.

By Jason Plautz • May 22, 2018

North Carolina lifts limits on Duke residential efficiency program

As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Duke is expanding its efficiency programs and expects cumulative energy savings to grow to 22,000 GWh by 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2018

DTE, Consumers pledge 50% clean energy, heading off ballot initiative

The Michigan utilities expect to reach most of the 2030 goal through efficiency initiatives, but at least 25% of the result will come from renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2018

Utilities join with Tesla to sue EPA over fuel standard rollback

The D.C. Circuit case filed earlier this month is another indication that utilities are beginning to lean into the fight over electric vehicles. 

By Gavin Bade • May 18, 2018

FERC chair restarts PURPA review, pledging 'open mind'

Federal energy regulators also approved a new pipeline proposal and reviewed summer reliability conditions at their May open meeting.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2018

APS: Controversial RFP does not violate Arizona gas moratorium

Reliability concerns about energy storage prompted Arizona Public Service to limit its role in a pending contract request, executives said. 

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2018

Six big data challenges for the power industry

The digital transformation of energy will step up a gear in 2018, with advances in the Internet of Things and big data providing utilities with the chance to reinvent themselves.

By Pat Kennedy, Chief Executive and founder of OSIsoft • May 17, 2018

California utilities race to charge your electric car, bus, forklift

California utilities want to spend $1 billion on EV charging infrastructure. Regulators want to cut that in half. Earthjustice attorney Adrian Martinez suggests three tweaks for regulators to consider.

By Adrian Martinez • May 16, 2018

Tesla software update allows Powerwall 2 owners to optimize for time-varying rates

The Time-Based Controls update will enable customers to save on energy bills, but the rollout has not yet reached all customers.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2018

DOE unveils 'integrated strategy' to reduce utility cyberthreats

While major attacks have so far been thwarted, officials say hackers are getting better, faster.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2018

Nevada regulators allow utilities to own EV charging stations

The Public Utilities Commission also approved funding for storage and a low income solar program.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2018

'Stunning' APS RFP could violate Arizona gas moratorium, critics say

The request for 800 MW of peaking capacity limits renewables and energy storage to 100 MW, which clean energy advocates say could run afoul of a regulatory pause on gas investments.

By Gavin Bade • May 14, 2018

Massachusetts rejects smart meter rollout for 'weaknesses in the business case'

Regulators approved some grid-facing modernization benefits, but ordered utilities back to the drawing board on automated metering infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2018

Texas smart meter settlement could grow market for energy products

Customers are sometimes discouraged from enrolling in programs due to the time and complexity in accessing their energy usage data.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2018

California to require rooftop solar for new homes

The state is the first to mandate that new homes be built using advanced energy efficiency measures and rooftop solar, starting in 2020.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 9, 2018