Utility buy-in fuels a boom in Colorado community solar

Xcel Energy is nurturing growth and Duke Energy likes the idea.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 28, 2015

CA tribe plans hybrid microgrid with wind, solar, storage

The tribe aims to use the JLM system to reduce demand from a community center during peak hours.

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

VA governor signs 6 energy bills, including boosts for solar, efficiency

The bills are designed to help grow solar energy- and efficiency-related jobs in the state.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2015

Kentucky utilities drop fixed charge increase proposal in rate case settlement

There will be no change to customers' monthly fees, which had been the most contentious portion of the case.

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2015

NC lawmakers extend tax credit for 'in construction' renewables one year

Big fights are still coming on a five year tax credit extension and third party solar ownership.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 23, 2015

Vermont solar advocates push lawmakers to expand net metering

Solar advocates want to drop restrictions limiting the size of net metered projects to 500 KW.

By Robert Walton • April 23, 2015

Tesla to unveil not one, but two new battery products next week

One will be the home battery many expected; the other will be a "very large" utility scale battery. 

By Davide Savenije • April 22, 2015

SolarCity plans to build 300 MW of commercial solar with $1.1B fund

The company finalized the fund in a deal with Credit Suisse in February.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 22, 2015

Arizona co-op asks regulators for exemption from net metering rules

The co-op says it is losing $1 million per year to the 2% of its members with solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 21, 2015

A new kind of utility: Why SolarCity wants to be 'more than a solar company'

In bid to win the customer relationship, solar companies like SolarCity are expanding their offerings.

By Davide Savenije • April 21, 2015

Hawaii PUC gives HECO, solar advocates until June 30 to resolve net metering dispute

Sharp cuts in remuneration could degrade the solar value proposition

By Herman K. Trabish • April 20, 2015

New Mexico AG joins solar lobby in opposition to PNM grid fees

The utility wants regulators to impose a $6 per kW fee on solar owners.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 20, 2015

New Hampshire lawmakers nix utility solar ownership bill, approve decoupling study

A proposed legislative study would find ways to fund utilities’ pursuit of energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 17, 2015

Critics say Consumers Energy is monopolizing community solar in Michigan

Critics of Consumers' 10-MW community solar project say it would monopolize the market and keep third-party developers from participating.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2015

Report: Hawaii can get to 100% renewables, 70% in short term

Hawaii can generate all of its electric power and transportation fuel from renewable sources, according to a new report.

By Robert Walton • April 16, 2015

Maryland lawmakers send community solar bills to governor

If signed into law, Maryland would become the 11th state offering residents access to community solar projects.

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2015

Oncor microgrid gives a peek into the future of distributed energy

The utility's new microgrid can power one of its essential control centers "nearly indefinitely."

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2015

New polls: Americans love solar more than any other type of energy

Support for a future based on renewable energy generation and enhanced efficiency cuts across generations and demographic divides.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2015

Mississippi will create net metering policy, requests public comment

A study last year found distributed solar generation could help avoid the need for additional infrastructure and could help take the pressure off of Mississippi's peaking resources.

By Robert Walton • April 14, 2015

Colorado's biggest coal users turn toward low-priced renewables

Tri-State G&T and Platte River Power discover the emerging affordability of wind and solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 14, 2015

Utilities, solar advocates at odds over Missouri net metering bill

The bill would order a solar cost-benefit analysis and, if needed, a “sub base rate.”

By Herman K. Trabish • April 14, 2015

SolarCity partners with Google's Nest to integrate smart thermostats with rooftop solar

A pilot project of 10,000 Learning Thermostats will show how homes with 'brains' can use solar most efficiently.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2015

NRDC: Low-income Americans will benefit most from Clean Power Plan

The Natural Resources Defense Council believes new carbon regulations will lead to healthier communities, financial savings, and give a boost to the nation's economy.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2015

How utilities can use solar to build new business models

A new RMI study offers three building blocks to make solar a grid asset.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 9, 2015

Montana will delay action on net metering until a study of its impacts is complete

NorthWestern Energy, concerned about a cost shift, supports the study.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 9, 2015