PG&E taps EVBox to build up to 2.5K charging stations

The California utility announced its first supplier of charging stations, which it will own as part of its CPUC-approved electric vehicle charging program.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 9, 2018

Washington utilities need better carbon cost estimates in IRPs, regulator says

Washington utilities file an integrated resource plan every two years. Regulators want to see a more robust assessment of climate change risks in the next one.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 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

Illinois OKs Ameren plan to lower grid voltage, raise efficiency

New, cost-effective sensors, controls and communication systems will allow Ameren Illinois to maintain lower voltage levels on its system.

By Robert Walton • May 7, 2018

How can US utilities be ready when everything changes?

EY has modeled three critical tipping points for utilities on the way to a new energy system. In Europe and Oceania they're staggered, but in the U.S., they'll arrive in much quicker succession, Dana Hanson writes.

By Dana Hanson • May 4, 2018

HECO proposes 2 large battery projects to support renewables push

Proposals include 20 MW and 100 MW battery systems, which must be approved by state regulators.

By Robert Walton • May 3, 2018

15 minute charge for a 300 mile range? DOE moves to boost EVs

The agency on Monday announced $19 million for research on rapid charge times for electric vehicles, battery pack cost reductions and increasing vehicle range.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 2018

Iowa legislators approve steep cuts to energy efficiency programs

The bill would allow customers to opt out of efficiency programs and would cap program costs for utilities. It now heads to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2018

Dominion plans up to 3.6 GW gas, 4.7 GW solar in Virginia

The utility is counting on some form of carbon emissions regulation in the future as it laid out estimates of how much that might cost.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2018

How big can New England's regional cap-and-trade program get?

The RGGI program has worked so well for its nine Northeastern member states that some say it's ready to go nationwide.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 1, 2018

Utilities, oil interests clash over EV policy at conservative policy summit

The battle at the American Legislative Exchange Council shows how utility interests are diverging from those of the oil and gas sector in an era of growing renewable energy and electric vehicles. 

By Gavin Bade • April 30, 2018

Illinois energy law revives renewables while aiding nuclear

The Future Energy Jobs Act is also expanding energy efficiency in the state, but the nuclear subsidies are being challenged in court.

By Peter Maloney • April 30, 2018

Florida regulators approve 'experimental' DSM program for Gulf Power

Qualifying customers must commit to a minimum non-firm demand reduction of 4,000 kW.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2018

Energy use disaggregation is coming. Here are 3 ways utilities can make the most of it

Uttara Sivaram, who has managed product deployments for Bidgely Corp., says utilities need to make energy usage disaggregation part of a broader strategy. 

By Uttara Sivaram • April 26, 2018

PJM generators, DR providers clash over seasonal resources at FERC

Demand response providers say rules barring seasonal resources from capacity contracts are little more than an effort to boost market revenues for generators.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

Power system sustainability ratings program aims to follow the LEED

It's been 18 years since the LEED certification was introduced for the building sector. Now, a similar program is targeting power systems.  

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2018

Nest to provide 1M smart thermostats to low-income homes

Nest partnered with utility programs, government and housing finance agencies, and non-profit organizations to help low-income households reduce bills. 

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2018

Hawaii Gov. Ige signs law mandating performance-based utility regulation

The law goes further than other performance-based efforts, directing the PUC to "break the direct link" between utility revenues and capital investments.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

FERC approves PJM proposal to implement energy efficiency market restrictions

But the agency refused to revisit a December order that barred states from blocking energy efficiency from participating in wholesale markets. 

By Robert Walton • April 23, 2018

Access to data: Bringing the electricity grid into the Information Age

Timely and convenient access to utility and customer data is vital to moving the electric utility industry into the digital age, unlocking value and engaging customers in new ways, AEE's Coley Girouard writes.

By Coley Girouard • April 23, 2018

New York accelerates 2025 energy efficiency targets by 40%

The goal is annual electric efficiency savings of 3% of investor-owned utility sales in 2025.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2018

North Carolina regulatory staff reject Duke Energy's prepaid efficiency proposal

Staff at the state utility commission say the company's proposed efficiency program is not the appropriate approach to give consumers more power over their energy consumption. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2018

The shifting winds of near-term renewable energy demand drivers

As project economics have grown more compelling in recent years – particularly in the case of wind in the middle of the country – corporate investment has increased.

By Mason Smith, Matt Mooren and Lili Gao • April 17, 2018

Transportation electrification should build on energy efficiency and renewables program success

States should build on the foundation of strong energy efficiency and renewable energy policies to accelerate the public benefits of transportation electrification, attorney Robin Lunt writes.

By Robin Lunt • April 13, 2018

Utilities, DER providers face off over market access at FERC meeting

Grid operators and utilities want to ensure that new distributed resources do not threaten reliability, while DER providers are wary they will use the argument as an excuse to stifle competition.

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2018

Washington regulators require utilities to offer smart meter opt-outs

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission directed companies to minimize opt-out charges to remove any disincentives. Utilities plan to begin installing meters as soon as August.

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2018