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

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

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

SunEdison acquires leading battery storage provider Solar Grid Storage

The Solar Grid Storage CEO says he wants PPA-like certainty for financial returns on solar systems.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2015

Drawing controversy, solar net metering study finds $2M cost shift in Louisiana

Solar advocates call utility-funded study “biased.”

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2015

Why it's so hard to monetize the distribution grid

Utilities and regulators must move quickly to set up markets beyond the substation.

By Gavin Bade • March 6, 2015

SolarCity moves into New Mexico, its 16th state

The biggest U.S. installer will market to PNM customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

CA bill would let non-utilities sell electricity to commercial, industrial customers

SB 286 worries utilities and ratepayer advocates, but tech companies back it.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

Inside California's plans to jump-start community solar development

The California community solar market could be huge if regulators don’t make it unaffordable and unpredictable.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

What's behind solar price variability, and why utilities get the best deals

Solar prices can vary widely, but research shows the most informed customers always seem to stay ahead of the curve.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

Two Arizona solar companies admit fraud

Attorney General Mark Brnovich has reached settlements with two solar companies over false cost and benefit claims.

By Robert Walton • March 5, 2015

SolarCity sues Salt River Project over increased charges for solar customers

The anti-trust suit alleges SRP is an anti-competitive player in its market.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 4, 2015

Where the grid edge transformation is happening first and why

New analysis from GTM Research look at what factors will push the U.S. utility sector into the future.

By Robert Walton • March 4, 2015

All about the REV: How and why New York wants to develop distributed energy markets

Audrey Zibelman's vision: Taking deregulation to its logical conclusion. 

By Davide Savenije • March 3, 2015

Study: Net metering is a net positive for Missouri

A Missouri Energy Initiative study estimates solar owners pay only 20% less in grid infrastructure charges.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 2, 2015