If the center doesn't hold: Why the electric power industry could one day collapse

Carol Stimmel explains the dangers of inflating the importance of the grid edge.

By Carol Stimmel • March 23, 2015

South Carolina utilities and solar advocates finalize net metering at full retail value

The Act 236 agreement also settles rules for legal solar leasing.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 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

ComEd backs sweeping Illinois clean energy bill

The utility is supporting a measure that would call for development of six microgrids and broad support for clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

Senate hearing confronts the costs and benefits of distributed generation

Witnesses highlight the challenges and rewards of renewables and grid integration.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

Opinion: A view from Wisconsin on fixed charges and utility-solar troubles

The following is an opinion piece written by Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein. Huebner is the executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a renewable advocacy organization in the state. Klein is a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center, an environmental advocacy organization in the...

By Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein • March 19, 2015

Who should operate the distribution grid?

Grid edge reformers in some states are pushing to alter the utility's role beyond the substation.

By Gavin Bade • March 19, 2015

Is solar worth $0.33 per kWh? Inside Maine's valuation debate

A study finds solar has great value, concerning the state's utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

North Carolina bill would legalize third party financing, solar leasing

The state's utilities are expected to oppose the legislation introduced by four GOP reps.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

IHS: 9% of solar PV systems will have attached storage in 2018

The growth will be driven by commercial systems, as residential consumers will not likely see the same benefits.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

SolarCity moves to 'run the grid' with new microgrid service

The nation's largest solar installer launches a "microgrid-as-a-service" product to enhance reliability.

By Gavin Bade • March 16, 2015

PSEG and SEPA CEOs: Why utilities are critical to cleaner, smarter energy future

Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm argue that the 'solar vs. utilities' narrative only tells one side of the story. 

By Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm • March 16, 2015

Southern CEO: Advanced storage could remake utility industry

But utilities aren't going away any time soon, Southern Co. CEO Tom Fanning said in an interview.

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2015

Report: APS to propose higher rooftop solar fees

Arizona Public Service Co. wants to raise fees on rooftop solar from about $5 to $21 per month, reports say.

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2015

Colorado bill calls for 'alternative utility revenue models'

HB 1250 would reform utilities to better serve distributed generation, customer choice.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Why SRP's controversial demand charge unlocks a huge opportunity for solar-plus-storage

The utility wants customers to help with peak demand but they may buy batteries instead of more SRP electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

In New York, utility of the future will be 'air traffic controller'

The REV's perscription for problems at the grid edge: Have utilities develop and operate DER markets.

By Davide Savenije • March 12, 2015

Opinion: How solar advocates are overvaluing DG solar

Ashley Brown, executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, argues that rooftop solar is valuable, but should not be paid at full retail value. 

By Ashley Brown • March 12, 2015

ISO New England warns of threat to grid reliability over gas supply shortage

“Thousands of megawatts of generation” are at risk if there is a major gas pipeline outage, according to ISO NE. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

Solar made up 32% of all new U.S. generating capacity in 2014

The $17.8 billion market broke records for new utility-scale and residential builds.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 10, 2015

SolarCity pushes into Texas market

The nation's leading residential solar installer wants to awaken "a sleeping giant" — the Texas solar market. 

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Where is the U.S. energy storage market going?

Storage deployments could triple this year and open big new markets.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 10, 2015

Black & Veatch: Why fixed charges are a solution to the solar conundrum

B&V's Dr. Overcast explains why utility fixed charges are an efficient price signal to consumers. 

By Dr. H. Edwin Overcast • March 10, 2015

Kansas utility Westar Energy seeks higher fixed charges

Westar's proposed rate hike shifts a greater percentage of the utility's costs to fixed charges.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Post: Utility industry is 'waging a campaign' against rooftop solar

Back in 2012, the industry identified rooftop solar as a long-term threat to its business model, according to documents.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

What SunEdison's big buy into battery storage could offer utilities

Solar and wind power plants with storage means a new value proposition for utilities and independent power producers.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015