Market-based IRPs: A new paradigm for grid planning?

Instead of forecasts, utilities like Hawaiian Electric and Xcel are beginning to use real-world prices in their integrated resource plans, allowing them to better compare renewables and DERs to traditional grid investments. 

By Gavin Bade • April 2, 2018

As concern grows over bitcoin's energy use, what's next for cryptocurrency?

There are many cryptocurrencies out there, but Bitcoin is the biggest. And cities and towns where mining operations are greatly increasing energy demand are taking action.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Itron, Sonnen say battery partnership will let utilities maximize grid efficiency

The demand response-enabled system will store and discharge energy to keep electric bills low and maximize the use of solar energy, the companies said.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2018

MISO could reduce 22.5 GW from summer peak with demand-side management strategy, study says

Applied Energy Group said a combination of demand response and distributed energy resources could help reduce summer peak. Most of the savings will likely stem from efficiency, which could reduce it by 11 GW. 

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2018

C&I demand response grows half a world away from its starting point

Navigant Principal Research Analyst Brett Feldman looks at recent demand response initiatives in the commercial and industrial sectors in Australia and Japan.

By Brett Feldman • March 23, 2018

Energy groups see $1.3 trillion omnibus as repudiation of Trump priorities

The budget bill, approved by the House and Senate on Thursday, would boost clean energy funding at DOE and increase appropriations for co-ops to expand rural broadband service.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2018

Omnibus spending bill rejects Trump EPA, DOE cuts

EPA spending would remain stable under a Congressional budget bill released Wednesday night, while DOE clean energy funding would increase by nearly $1.5 billion.

By Gavin Bade • March 22, 2018

Time is not on their side: Utilities ill-prepared for EV demand, SEPA finds

Most utilities remain in the very early stages of preparing for a significant jump in demand, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2018

UPS develops 'radical new charging technology' for all-EV fleet in London

The delivery company says its new smart grid can recharge its delivery vehicles overnight without impacting any of its other operations.

By Chris Teale • March 21, 2018

CEC: California EV chargers will add 1 GW of peak demand by 2025

A new report from the California Energy Commission also details the "Dragon Curve" — expected electricity demand effects of electric vehicle growth. 

By Gavin Bade • March 20, 2018

Microgrids as Resilient Energy Infrastructure

The International District Energy Association/Microgrid Resources Coalition to submit comments on district energy/CHP microgrids as critical energy infrastructure for grid stability and enhanced resiliency.

March 20, 2018

Utilities pressure Congress to lift EV tax credit manufacturing cap

A group of 44 utilities, including Duke Energy and Southern Co., sent a letter to the House of Representatives saying that lifting the cap will help the sector.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 16, 2018

Pennsylvania proposal could bolster EV charging infrastructure

The Public Utilities Commission is proposing to declare that electric vehicle charging is not considered resale/redistribution.

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2018

New access to managing high-demand refrigeration loads in cold storage facilities

Thousands of megawatts now are able to be removed for around $1,000/kW with Thermal Energy Storage (TES).

March 15, 2018

For utilities trying to drive conservation, mixed messages may be best

More expensive electricity has a greater impact on customer power demand than non-price incentives. But why choose, when utilities can use both?

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2018

FERC tries to thread the needle in debate over markets versus mandates

Is FERC destroying markets in order to save them, Montana Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Travis Kavulla asks.

By Travis Kavulla • March 13, 2018

New TVA rate plan includes lower energy prices, grid access charge

The federally-owned utility says its proposed rate structure will "better align wholesale rates with the underlying costs" to serve its 154 local power companies. 

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2018

Cutting Connecticut efficiency spending will hurt state's economy, report says

The state dipped into its Energy Efficiency Fund for $127 million to help make up a budget shortfall in 2017. A new report found the cuts will raise consumer bills by $275 million.

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2018

Iowa Senate approves measure to drop efficiency program requirements

The bill would eliminate requirements that state utilities offer energy efficiency programs to help customers save. A similar measure is stalled in the state's House.

By Robert Walton • March 7, 2018

Maryland is 290K shy of its EV goal; Can a broad stakeholder process get it there?

State regulators brought utilities, customer advocates and charging companies to the table. The result could be the second largest charging network in the nation.

By Robert Walton • March 7, 2018

Salt Lake City removes EV charging fees to encourage use

The city will add more charging stations this year, in addition to the 28 it installed last year.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 7, 2018

Grid-connected appliances help utilities harness demand, spur renewables development, RMI finds

As water heaters, air conditioners and other technologies are gradually replaced, their successors are often built for connectivity and utility control.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 28, 2018

SEU 2018 survey: Utilities shaken, not moved, by Trump policies

Utility Dive's fifth annual State of the Electric Utility survey shows a sector committed to the clean energy transition, but wary of policies coming out of Washington.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 27, 2018

Team of rivals: Utilities, enviros unite to push electric vehicles

Old adversaries from the rooftop solar fights are finding common ground on transportation electrification.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 26, 2018

Ameren tries again to increase EV charging equipment in Missouri

The company's previous application to install chargers in the state was rejected by the Public Service Commission, but this time it is not seeking to own the equipment.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 23, 2018