Distributed Energy
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California OKs $100M SDG&E commercial EV charging plan, testing electric buses as grid assets
The school bus pilot program will test the ability to use electric vehicles as a distributed energy resource to improve the utility's load factor and reduce local air pollution.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2019 -
Simultaneous hack of EV chargers could cause Manhattan blackout, NYU researchers find
High-wattage public charging stations could be used by hackers to destabilize the electric grid and potentially cause blackouts, according to analysis from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019 -
Deep DiveEveryone loves a guaranteed discount: New financing approach drives community solar growth
Innovations are transforming community solar nationwide, but the technology is also booming in Florida where, despite utilities not using discounts to spur development, FPL is planning the world's largest community solar project.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2019 -
Deep DiveRenewables' variability sends wary utilities from traditional DR to DER and load flexibility
New technologies can expand utilities' options, allowing control of load with customer-sited resources to balance variable generation, but utilities say they need incentives.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 14, 2019 -
Deep DiveHollywood's next star could be virtual power plants as LADWP closes out natural gas
Power plant-scale VPPs are not in operation but pilots and proposals are about to get big tests.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 13, 2019 -
Microgrid deployments not driven by natural disasters: WoodMac
Interest in resilience is strong, but just one of the motivations behind the proliferation of microgrids.
By Max Witynski • Aug. 12, 2019 -
Deep DiveCrossed wires: Wisconsin transmission proposal sparks debate over best path to 100% clean energy
A major MISO transmission project could increase reliability and renewables in the Midwest, but opponents say there are better approaches to reducing carbon emissions.
By Max Witynski • Aug. 08, 2019 -
Hawaii regulators question lack of non-wires alternatives in HECO's integrated grid plan
The Public Utilities Commission asked if a "course of correction is necessary" for the utility's plan, particularly regarding the resilience benefits of microgrid solutions on the state's mountainous islands.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 08, 2019 -
What's the best role for utilities as EVs proliferate? With Pepco, DC aims to find the right balance
A Public Service Commission order raises questions about how and if third-party charging companies should be regulated.
By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 07, 2019 -
Deep DiveAs co-ops struggle with stranded fossil fuel assets, Tri-State may finally embrace the energy transition
"Our goal is a transition that lowers rates. It might be hard – but it might be beautiful," the G&T's new CEO told Utility Dive.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 07, 2019 -
OpinionMonetizing microgrids: Utilities are missing a unique opportunity
Utilities are uniquely positioned to operationalize and monetize the value of microgrids to all ratepayers instead of a select few, creating a distributed energy grid to many instead of a set of early adopters.
By Megan Kerins and Ana Sophia Mifsud • Aug. 06, 2019 -
Southwest Power Pool moves to boost reliability, storage amid CEO resignation
The buildout of cheap renewables and the large queue of battery storage projects prompted stakeholders to ask SPP to study the reliability impacts of a grid with less conventional generation.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 01, 2019 -
OpinionWholesale electricity market design for rapid decarbonization: A decentralized markets approach
What wholesale market design would provide the best framework for integrating reliably and at least cost the new, clean resources that will be needed to de-carbonize the power system?
By Rob Gramlich and Michael Hogan • July 29, 2019 -
OpinionIs SCADA your enterprise data speed bump?
The steep growth of distributed energy resources has sparked a correspondingly large growth of connected grid systems, devices, assets and Operational Technology data.
By Brad Harkavy • July 26, 2019 -
Apple leads second-biggest year for commercial solar installations: SEIA
Power purchase agreements and off-site installations play an important role as more companies add solar capacity.
By Max Witynski • July 25, 2019 -
DOE announces $16M in funding for 14 tribal energy projects, including solar, storage
Several multi-million dollar solar and efficiency projects are expected to save tribes even more over project lifetimes.
By Max Witynski • July 25, 2019 -
New York expands access to EV charging incentives, blocks Tesla from qualifying
The commission adopted a "technology neutral approach" to incentives available for new charging equipment, which it says will "better adapt to the rapid technological advancements in EVs."
By Robert Walton • July 22, 2019 -
Cincinnati to add more EVs to its city fleet
The city is also engaging in programs to increase citizens' awareness of and exposure to EVs through partnerships with local and regional bodies.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 18, 2019 -
North Bay completes Canada's first utility-scale microgrid
The Community Energy Park in Ontario will deploy natural gas and solar for combined heat and power.
By Max Witynski • July 17, 2019 -
Toyota to partner with world's largest electric car battery supplier
The partnership will help Toyota secure supply in an increasingly competitive race to scale up EV production in the next five to 10 years.
By Morgan Forde • July 17, 2019 -
Tendril targets utility customer care trend, merges into a new platform
The company shifted its strategy from acquiring market leaders to providing end-to-end service to customers through a more integrated load management platform.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 16, 2019 -
VW and Ford expand partnership on EVs, AVs
Volkswagen will invest $2.6 billion in Argo AI, signaling the latest collaboration between major automakers adapting to new mobility trends.
By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2019 -
Duke defends North Carolina EV pilot program after regulatory staff recommends rejection
Duke frames their request as a "pilot" with associated tariffs, but is "essentially requesting pre-approval of EV infrastructure investments that would be funded by customers," utility commission staff said.
By Robert Walton • July 15, 2019 -
Pennsylvania regulators outline criteria for alternative rate proposals to support new tech
Several technologies are pushing the need for updated ratemaking principles, according to the Public Utility Commission, including rooftop solar, gas microturbines and combined heat and power projects.
By Robert Walton • July 12, 2019 -
Arizona's new EV growth plan could save customers billions, groups say
State regulators on Thursday approved guidelines for electric vehicle pilot programs that include a focus on infrastructure, education and outreach as well as an analysis of where to locate charging stations.
By Robert Walton • July 12, 2019
