Pushed by REV, ConEd tests new utility business models in New York

The nation's largest city is the proving ground for a slate of REV pilot projects aimed at modernizing operations and diversifying revenue.

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2017

PJM: Gas plant buildout, coal retirements don't threaten reliability

A new report from the grid operator noted that more reliance on any single generation resource introduces resilience risks not accounted for under traditional reliability standards.

By Peter Maloney • March 31, 2017

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

How California lawmakers plan to align renewable generation with power demand

Two new bills present distinct approaches to align wind and solar output with the state's electricity load.  

By Herman K. Trabish • March 30, 2017

Businesses, energy industry pressure Maryland governor to sign efficiency bill

Lawmakers in both legislative chambers already approved a measure to extend the state's energy efficiency goals, directing utilities to reduce electricity usage 2% annually by 2020.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2017

Study: Efficiency programs return results — but not in all buildings

A study published in Nature finds energy savings as high as 30% for some efficiency programs in large buildings, but middle-sized and smaller C&I buildings are being left in the dust, researchers say. 

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2017

Why utilities don't think Trump will stop the clean energy transition

The next generation utility business model will rely on a cleaner, more distributed energy system regardless of what happens in Washington, according to our new 2017 State of the Electric Utility Survey.

By Gavin Bade • March 28, 2017

In search of a quorum: 3 potential FERC nominees bring deep business and energy backgrounds

The potential candidates for three open spots at FERC would restore a quorum and possibly align the agency more closely with big business interests. 

By Peter Maloney • March 27, 2017

'Million rate bases': TFC makes the case for a new IOU business model in Hawaii

A fledgling holding company wants utilities to connect their customers with distributed resources — and earn a rate of return for doing so.

By Gavin Bade • March 24, 2017

11 New York microgrid projects snap up $11M in state funds

Eleven projects advanced to the second stage of New York's microgrid competition to conduct more detailed engineering and business analysis. 

By Peter Maloney • March 24, 2017

Hawaii PUC chair lifts lid on NextEra rejection, ongoing DER dockets

Chairman Randy Iwase says he has "no regrets" over his decision to reject NextEra's proposed merger with Hawaiian Electric Co. 

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2017

Bidgely's business blooms as residential demand management matures

Utilities are eyeing cloud-based energy management solutions as more rate reforms and DER deployments loom. 

By Gavin Bade • March 22, 2017

California bill seeks to extend cap-and-trade program

The bill would support the state law that requires GHG emissions to be cut by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

By Peter Maloney • March 21, 2017

DC mayor to propose green bank for efficiency, renewables investments

Approximately $7 million in public funds would be used to boost renewable energy, lower energy costs, reduce emissions and create jobs.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2017

EnerNOC mulls company sale amid sluggish growth

Opportunities for the company's demand response and efficiency offerings "materialized much more slowly than we expected," said CEO Tim Healy.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2017

Trump budget would slash EPA funding 31%, eliminate ARPA-E in DOE cuts

The president's preliminary budget proposal makes good on his strategy to deconstruct the administrative state. 

By Gavin Bade • March 16, 2017

CAISO: Renewable energy curtailment could hit 8,000 MW this spring

As California heads toward its 50% renewables mandate, CAISO warned the curtailments could climb as high as 13,000 MW in 2024. 

By Peter Maloney • March 16, 2017

PJM Market Monitor: State plant subsidies 'threaten the foundations' of power markets

Once implemented, a series of state subsidies for nuclear plants could make it "virtually impossible" to preserve competitive wholesale power markets, the monitor said. 

By Peter Maloney • March 14, 2017

Ohio's REV: PUCO to explore grid modernization, utility reform in PowerForward initiative

Unlike other initiatives, which began with an end goal in mind, PUCO Chair Asim Haque says his proceeding will be more "exploratory" at the outset.

By Gavin Bade • March 8, 2017

PSEG proposes a $74M plan to expand New Jersey efficiency programs

The utility asked state regulators for authorization to fund five energy efficiency programs, including extending three popular existing initiatives.

By Robert Walton • March 8, 2017

Maryland Senate votes to expand efficiency following House vote

The measure would extend Maryland's EmPOWER program that directs the state's five largest utilities to reach a 2% energy efficiency goal by 2020.

By Robert Walton • March 8, 2017

Reports: White House could shutter EPA's Energy Star program

The Trump administration is expected to roll back energy and climate programs this week through a series of executive orders. 

By Robert Walton • March 7, 2017

California's largest utility offers farm rates, efficiency programs to marijuana growers

"Cannabis is a legal crop in our state, like almonds and tomatoes," said Deborah Affonsa, vice president of customer service at Pacific Gas & Electric.  

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2017

Maryland House votes to extend efficiency program

The vote is a first step toward to expanding the state's efficiency goals.

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2017

Virginia stakeholders wrestle with building code energy upgrades

Home builders and developers on the board of the state's Department of Housing and Community Development are fighting to maintain status quo. 

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2017

New Mexico gives quick approval to El Paso Electric demand response program

The small pilot will allow the utility to remotely communicate with smart thermostats to control participating customer’s electrical load. 

By Robert Walton • March 2, 2017