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

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

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

How Wellinghoff, Rabago, and other grid reformers would design their own electricity markets

SEPA asks stakeholders to design the "51st State." Here's a rundown of the contributions from industry analysts and academics.

By Gavin Bade • April 9, 2015

CPUC backs new SDG&E Carlsbad gas facility, with conditions

San Diego Gas & Electric wants to construct a new power plant in Southern California to replace the San Onofre nuclear facility.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2015

Florida utility battles pit solar advocates against natural gas expansion

A left-right political coalition has formed to pressure the state's utilities to invest in more solar, rather than natural gas.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2015

PPL, Peco join list of utilities seeking big fixed fee hikes

The utilities say falling revenues and aging infrastructure must be addressed.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2015

Why utilities could soon face massive load defection, and how they can prevent it

A new study from the Rocky Mountain Institute shows that in coming decades millions of customers will be able to get off the grid completely, and that spells trouble for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2015

Illinois Gov. signs law extending smart grid cost recovery

The law allows Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to continue recovering costs associated with grid improvements through 2019 without regulatory approval.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2015

APS proposes higher fixed charges for rooftop solar customers

Arizona Public Service wants fees raised to about $21 per month from about $5.

By Gavin Bade • April 6, 2015

DOE: Initial results show employee solar discount program growing

More than 1,400 employees engaged with a program that tied solar power to workplace benefits.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2015

World solar PV grew 26% in 2014, now more than 1% of electricity globally

Annual growth was only 2.9% higher than 2013, and the European market is fading.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 2, 2015

Why it can take so long to get rooftop solar connected to the grid

A new study on interconnection reveals that utilities and installers can both do more to cut delays.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 2, 2015

What's next in the energy storage boom, and what utilities need to know

Storage is growing fast, but where and how depends on the right mix of regulations and utility involvement.

By Gavin Bade • April 2, 2015

Three trends that get the grid to 70% renewables by mid-century

System operators and renewables builders have new metrics, new rules, and a new vision of the electricity delivery system.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 1, 2015

Solar runs up against net metering cap in Massachusetts

When no more solar is eligible for net metering, what will developers do?

By Herman K. Trabish • April 1, 2015

Settlement money from Duke Edwardsport case funds storage research

$1 million in Edwardsport settlement money will be invested to research renewables integration and resiliency capabilities of behind-the-meter batteries.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 31, 2015

Inside the new approach to finding the true value of solar

A new study argues that a well-designed value of solar program is the way out of the battles over net metering and fixed charges.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 31, 2015

Report: Los Angeles muni should boost solar to wean off coal

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power needs to streamline the permitting process to boost community solar projects.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2015