Mercom: Smart grid, storage and efficiency firms raised $1.3B in VC funding in 2016

Funding for advanced energy firms appears to be moving toward debt and public market funding, with that figure topping $4.5 billion last year. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 24, 2017

What Australia's DER revolution can teach US utilities about the age of Trump

When federal support for clean energy faltered, states took the lead on the power sector transition. Sound familiar?

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 24, 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

Trump White House hits pause on Obama efficiency standards

The White House has put a hold on finalizing all new regulations until President Trump's administration has agency leaders in place to approve the actions.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 23, 2017

FirstEnergy taps EnerNOC, CPower for C&I demand response programs

Three of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania utilities will offer demand reduction programs to commercial and industrial customers.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2017

Third time's the charm? Inside Hawaiian Electric's new, new plan to get to 100% renewables

Stakeholders say the third edition of HECO's Power Supply Improvement Plan is a real improvement, but question its approach to DERs and $26.5 billion price tag.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 18, 2017

Renewables, efficiency dominate robust job growth in energy sector

The solar and wind industries experienced the strongest growth, but the sector faces a number of workforce challenges — including retirements, skills gaps and a lack of diversity.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 17, 2017

As utilities turn to cloud-based DR platforms, cybersecurity is key concern

Industry experts say vetting vendors and testing platforms for security issues are important. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

Greens, FirstEnergy nail down settlement on efficiency program

But the state's consumer advocate remains skeptical, saying utilities will be collecting a high profit from shared savings. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

Utility regulators nix Hawaiian Electric grid upgrade plan

Regulators gave the utility six months to develop a new strategy that will integrate more renewable energy. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2017

Pennsylvania's retail choice program tracks growth despite December dip

December’s decline followed a November increase that was the greatest monthly growth in Pennsylvania residential electric shopping since February 2014.  

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2017

In new QER, Moniz leaves path for Perry to follow at DOE

The new Quadrennial Energy Review lays out more than 70 recommendations for a cleaner, more secure energy system. How will the Trump administration respond?

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2017

Maryland Gov. Hogan rolls out $65M environmental plan

The agenda includes incentives for electric vehicles and training for clean energy jobs. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 6, 2017

Predictions 2017: 8 sector insiders on what's next for power markets and regulation

Utility executives and analysts expect state clean energy policies and wholesale market changes to take center stage in the year to come.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 5, 2017

Predictions 2017: What the new year will bring for demand-side management

From mobile engagement to marijuana efficiency efforts and storage-as-a-service, sector insiders have bold predictions for the year ahead.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 4, 2017

Final batch of Obama efficiency rules could test Trump administration

New efficiency standards for five classes of products will need to be finalized by President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Energy. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 4, 2017

Ormat moves into storage, demand management with $35M Viridity acquisition

The geothermal developer will gain a platform to expand its project development experience into virtual power plants. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 3, 2017

Ohio Gov. Kasich vetoes bill extending freeze on renewables, efficiency standard

Kasich's action ensures those standards will go into force in 2017 unless legislators move again to stop them.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 27, 2016

Renewables challenge natural gas plants on price in latest Lazard analysis

Wind and solar are now well within the cost range of combined cycle plants, but still need generators or storage to support them on the grid.  

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2016

FERC proposes changes to large generator interconnection process

The Commission's notice focuses on large plants but also asks whether it could be expanded to distributed energy. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2016

MIT report calls for regulatory, market reforms to accommodate DERs

The lengthy paper argues regulators must be as innovative as the companies they oversee to unlock the potential of distributed resources. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 16, 2016

Michigan lawmakers scramble for energy bill compromise after late-night session

Legislators and Gov. Snyder worked until 5 a.m. and are still trying to finalize changes to the state's retail market and renewables goals. 

By Robert Walton, Gavin Bade • Dec. 15, 2016

ConEd Brooklyn-Queens non-wire alternative project installs first microgrid

The project, sited on a Brooklyn apartment complex, will include lithium batteries, solar PV and a fuel cell. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 14, 2016

Entergy approved to double efficiency spending by Mississippi PSC

The utility will increase its efficiency spending from under $4 million to more than $8 million next year. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 14, 2016

Marijuana growers are seeing the (LED) light on energy efficiency

Commercial cultivators in Washington state are cutting their power bills in half with LEDs — and earning huge utility rebates for installation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2016

Why Exelon's mammoth Illinois energy bill could set a precedent for other states

The grand bargain in Springfield may be a model to save nuclear plants in other jurisdictions, though not everyone is comfortable with the final deal. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2016