Supreme Court upholds EPA authority to regulate power plant emissions

The court also criticized the agency for its broad interpretation of the Clean Air Act.

By Claire Cameron • June 24, 2014

Google's Nest buys Dropcam for $555M

The company is buying the home security firm smart in a bid to grow its foothold in the growing smart home market.

By Claire Cameron • June 24, 2014

NERC: Grids can handle this summer's peak demand

The good news came with a warning that difficult times lie ahead.

By Claire Cameron • June 24, 2014

FERC seeks solution to capacity market issue

The agency looks to alternatives as a way to keep power plants running despite falling prices and the effect of new EPA regulations.

By Claire Cameron • June 23, 2014

What the EPA emissions plan means for energy efficiency and demand response

Demand-side efficiency is the biggest bang for your buck, the EPA says. But the agency's draft rule leaves "demand-side efficiency" open to interpretation. 

By Claire Cameron • June 23, 2014

Massachusetts leapfrogs New York in grid modernization race

Navigant's Brett Feldman explains how states are pushing utilities to modernize the grid.

June 20, 2014

Survey: Only 14% of utility customers participate in demand response programs

87% of consumers would participate given the right incentives, according to a new study by Parago. 

By Claire Cameron • June 20, 2014

NY-ISO highlights need for collaboration as it prepares for challenges ahead

The system operator released its annual power trends report, warning of "significant changes" ahead for the grid. 

By Claire Cameron • June 19, 2014

PSEG CEO Ralph Izzo: Utility of the future will sell less electricity, but play 'more meaningful role'

Electric utilities would be 'a very effective vehicle' for energy efficiency, Izzo told Utility Dive in an interview.

By Davide Savenije • June 18, 2014

PJM's wholesale power prices double as temperatures soar

The system operator projected its highest peak load since July last year.

By Claire Cameron • June 18, 2014

Reliant launches all-you-can-use electricity plan

Texas customers will be able to enroll in Reliant's unlimited electricity contract with monthly flat fees calculated according to customer needs.

By Claire Cameron • June 18, 2014

Ohio freezes renewables, efficiency mandates until 2017

Gov. Kasich signs controversial bill.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 16, 2014

ACEEE: 10% electric sales decline won't cause utility death spiral

Though mass customer defections are unlikely, new revenue sources are needed to sustain the profitability of electric utilities, according to a new report.

By Claire Cameron • June 16, 2014

Massachusetts utilities ordered to modernize the grid

Massachusetts electric utilities must start planning for a future with rooftop solar, electric vehicles, energy storage, microgrids and more.

By Claire Cameron • June 16, 2014

FERC seeks en banc review of demand response ruling

At issue is FERC's arguably "indirect" regulation of retail markets.

By Claire Cameron • June 13, 2014

Minnesota introduces statewide off-peak EV charging rate

Regulators have required utilities to offer a discounted, overnight refueling rate.

By Claire Cameron • June 13, 2014

Hawaii provides U.S. utilities a glimpse of the future

“While states are starting to debate these questions and looking to five to 10 years down the road, we are dealing with these challenges in real-time.”

By Davide Savenije • June 11, 2014

FirstEnergy, AEP seek regulatory relief from falling sales, rising costs

FirstEnergy takes issue with the role of demand response in PJM's most recent capacity auction.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 10, 2014

Why an energy services management marketplace for customers matters

In a guest post, Manifest Mind CEO Carol Stimmel shares her perspective on why an energy services management marketplace can bring utilities closer to their customers.

June 9, 2014

New MN rate plan would reward Xcel customers for conserving energy

If consumers use lots of electricity, they will pay for it at a higher rate.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2014

Energy efficiency's future is uncertain in Indiana

Ending the state's energy efficiency initiative early has put Indiana in a worse position to meet new EPA emissions targets, according to a consumer watchdog.

By Claire Cameron • June 6, 2014

Hawaii regulators kick off financing programs for rooftop solar, energy efficiency

The programs will make efficiency and solar more affordable to customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 5, 2014

Regulators approve Westar Energy's prepaid electricity pilot

The utility's customers would be allowed to pay in advance.

By Claire Cameron • June 2, 2014

Apple enters smart home race with new app

The company's new app will enable consumers to control smart home devices from a single control point.

By Claire Cameron • May 28, 2014

Jon Wellinghoff: Vertically-integrated utility business 'will break down completely'

Former FERC Chairman says utilities will have to change their business model if they want to remain competitive in the near-future.

By Claire Cameron • May 28, 2014