Minnesota’s distributed capacity procurement decision could shape the grid far beyond its borders

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission should approve a framework that supports open, competitive participation, writes Coalition for Community Solar Access CEO Jeff Cramer.

By Jeff Cramer • Feb. 12, 2026

Data centers can tap batteries, microgrids for faster interconnection: NEMA

Battery systems are “increasingly critical” for data center operators willing to pay a premium for resilience and faster time to power, industry analysts say.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 10, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

New Jersey utilities begin to develop virtual power plants

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities asked for information from utilities on distributed energy resource hosting constraints and how new interconnections can be accelerated.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2026

2026 US power sector outlook

Read Utility Dive's road map to the year ahead for FERC, affordability, renewable energy, distributed energy resources and more. 

By Meris Lutz • Jan. 30, 2026

Customers, don’t expect electric bill relief in 2026: ‘The cake is baked.’

Energy affordability has long been a problem for the poorest Americans, but now middle-income families are starting to feel the squeeze.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 30, 2026

In 2026, virtual power plants must scale or risk being left behind

The AI data center frenzy is shifting utilities’ focus to large-scale generation. But advocates say flexible, distributed energy resources still provide the biggest bang for the buck, according to our 2026 DER outlook.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 27, 2026

Massachusetts can make ‘bottom-up’ distribution reforms for a better grid

Adopting a distribution system operator, or DSO, structure would make the grid cleaner, more flexible and more affordable, writes Corrin Moss. 

By Corrin Moss • Jan. 22, 2026

Managed EV charging can save utilities and ratepayers money: report

By optimizing electric vehicle charging around peak times, utilities can delay costly distribution grid upgrades while cutting per-vehicle charging costs by 25% or more, Brattle Group said this month.

By Brian Martucci • Jan. 21, 2026

New Jersey governor orders state to accelerate solar, storage and virtual power plants

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who was sworn in Tuesday, also ordered regulators to study how to “modernize” the traditional electric utility business model, including by making utility profits “less dependent on capital spending.”

By Robert Walton • Jan. 21, 2026

The data center dependency crisis: When our grid can’t function without big tech

We're sleepwalking into a future where our electric grid depends on the voluntary cooperation of private technology companies because the short-term benefits are too attractive to resist, writes Mothusi Pahl of Hartwell and Loche.

By Mothusi Pahl • Jan. 16, 2026

Xcel defends storage ownership in distributed capacity pilot

The Minnesota utility floated modifications to its Capacity*Connect proposal, but it maintained it should own the batteries as it builds out the program. Stakeholders argued for more competition.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2026

Distributed load flexibility: The overlooked relief valve for the grid

As load growth accelerates, distributed flexibility can protect reliability and affordability.

Jan. 12, 2026

Illinois sets 3-GW energy storage target, requires utilities to develop virtual power plants

Electricity bills in Illinois rose 15% last year. A new law aims to reduce energy costs by incentivizing new resources, expanding solar and growing efficiency programs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2026

Utilities under pressure: 6 power sector trends to watch in 2026

Facing rising demand and aggressive load growth projections, utilities are rolling out massive spending plans. Now they'll have to walk a fine line with regulators and ratepayers.

By Meris Lutz , Robert Walton , Ethan Howland , Diana DiGangi • Jan. 8, 2026

How VPPs can help data centers connect to the grid faster

Virtual power plants can be developed quickly to satisfy data center demand, but reaching the scale required to meet soaring load growth will require new commercial models, according to RMI.

By Jesse Cohen, Mark Dyson and Lauren Shwisberg • Jan. 8, 2026

Prepaid leases, data center dollars key for DERs in 2026: Enphase executive

Analysts expect a residential solar-and-storage market already trending away from customer ownership to shift rapidly toward the lease and subscription model next year.

By Brian Martucci • Updated Dec. 24, 2025

Tribal nations regroup after loss of federal funding for clean energy

“We know the demand for energy is only going to continue in the coming years,” said Clara Pratte, founder of the solar company Navajo Power. “And in terms of tribal communities, we have to be players in this world.”

By Diana DiGangi • Updated Dec. 16, 2025

What’s ahead for utilities: Navigating demand, AI and customer affordability

Discover the trends reshaping utilities and what to expect in 2026.

Dec. 15, 2025

NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewables plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes

Developers with major solar, wind and storage projects in the New York Power Authority’s updated plan include AES, EDF Renewable Energy, Forward Power and Orenda.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 10, 2025

Utilities, regulators look to accelerate pilots to achieve speed-to-innovation

Stakeholders say clear cost limits, timelines and parameters for scaling can overcome the inertia of a traditionally risk-averse industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2025

Beyond new wires: The untapped path to grid resilience

The fastest, most affordable path to resilience lies in maximizing distributed energy resources already in homes and businesses, and incentivizing more installations, Uplight’s Hannah Bascom writes.

By Hannah Bascom • Dec. 1, 2025

Sunrun sees 400% growth in virtual power plant participation

The company says battery attachment rate is 70% for new customers in the third quarter of 2025, up 10 percentage points from last year.

By Brian Martucci • Nov. 10, 2025

The week in 5 numbers: Gas valuations soar, but solar leads new capacity

Other figures show a continued contraction in manufacturing, rising wind prices and interest in 765-kV power lines.

By Meris Lutz • Nov. 7, 2025

Bloom Energy says it’s on track for 2 GW annual production capacity

The California-based fuel cell company sees opportunity in serving AI data centers looking for on-site power.

By Brian Martucci • Oct. 30, 2025

In an era of rising rates, policies to strengthen power system flexibility can lower costs

The right policies can provide grid flexibility, which reduces demand-driven rate spikes and protects consumers while allowing utilities to build out the grid, experts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 29, 2025