FERC proposal would 'gut' PURPA, could lower rates utilities pay to solar developers

The proposed rule would allow states to set the avoided cost rate based on changing market conditions, which would lessen small solar's ability to compete in the market, renewable energy groups contend.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Oct. 8, 2019

Trump administration threatens California emissions authority as state continues EV-focus

California passed six EV-related bills this legislative session, but its zero emissions vehicle rebate program could be threatened by EPA's actions.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 19, 2019

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

Virginia Gov. Northam orders 100% carbon-free power by 2050

The governor's order also calls for the state to reach 30% renewable energy and reduce its power consumption 10% below 2006 levels by 2022.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 18, 2019

Do your systems have what it takes for grid modernization?

To meet tomorrow's challenges, utilities need to maintain and deliver greatly expanded network information to all systems and stakeholders. GIS provides the technology to help utilities understand how to evolve the grid from where it is today to where it needs to be.

By Pat Hohl, PE • Sept. 18, 2019

IREC includes storage for the first time in its updated interconnection procedures

As storage becomes a larger player in the power system, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council recommends best practices for interconnecting the controllable distributed generation.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2019

Louisiana utilities to pay less for rooftop solar power under new net metering rules

The changes will also allow utilities to recover any lost revenues from the excess power provided by rooftop solar, "a pretty remarkable turn," says one opponent.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 13, 2019

Michigan urges MISO, PJM to improve regional reliability after Consumers compressor station fire

In a letter to the grid operators, the state's governor and head regulator called for quicker interconnection processes to improve regional resource diversity and a reexamination of demand response capabilities.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 12, 2019

As utilities scramble to manage explosive DER growth, is power grid autonomy a solution?

The U.S. electric grid could face hundreds of millions of distributed resource deployments in the near future. But optimizing these data points may exceed human ability.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 11, 2019

The unknown costs of a 100% carbon-free future

State approaches to 100% clean energy vary, and while several costs remain unknown, some utility solutions are emerging.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 3, 2019

Dominion launches electric school bus initiative, aims for 100% electric fleet in Virginia territory by 2030

The utility wants 1,000 electric buses by 2025, at no additional cost to school districts.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 30, 2019

Is PREPA ready for hurricane season?

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has "a fragile system," according to the utility's director of project management, and "it still hasn't been elevated to the codes and standards for a Category 4" storm.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 29, 2019

Let's reduce wholesale market costs by tapping the full potential of DERs

"FERC should continue to enable more opportunities for DERs to contribute to the future of the grid ... we must unlock the potential of this fleet to create a more efficient grid for all," writes Sunrun's Chris Rauscher.

By Chris Rauscher • Aug. 27, 2019

PG&E may answer the billion dollar grid modernization question

A step-by-step regulatory process in California confronts the technical challenges and "obscene expenses" of distributed resource investments.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2019

RMI calls for national mandates on EV purchases, AV testing

The Rocky Mountain Institute warned the U.S. could fall further behind on new mobility options without stronger central leadership.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 23, 2019

California calls for $100M to incentivize DERs in high-risk wildfire areas

The Public Utilities Commission proposed changes to the state's primary storage incentive that would create a budget for low-income customers in wildfire threat areas.

By HJ Mai • Updated Sept. 13, 2019

'Nearly all' high voltage EV charging stations lose money: Report

Lower-wattage electric vehicle charging stations are less likely to lose money in the current market, as some regions struggle to launch large-scale EV deployment.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019

Phase 2 of HECO's performance-based rate rollout would reward speedy DER interconnection

The company's proposal includes several performance-based metrics, including penalties and rewards for speed of connecting DER systems less than 100 kW.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2019

Colorado adopts California's zero emission vehicles mandate

The ZEV mandate requires automakers to develop more electric models and advocates say it will save customers $65 million annually by 2025.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2019

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040?

Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019

lllinois budget comes up 500K RECs short of 2025 goals

The Illinois Power Agency issued its draft resource plan last week, which outlines scenarios if funding becomes available through legislative action.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

Tesla relaunches solar division, will rent rooftop systems in 6 states

"With the new lower Tesla pricing, it's like having a money printer on your roof if you live [in] a state with high electricity costs," CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

Xcel needs a push to improve its grid transparency tools

Further improvements to Xcel's hosting capacity analysis and map are necessary to help Minnesota realize the full potential of DERs, including renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage, writes Yochi Zakai, an attorney for IREC.

By Yochi Zakai • Aug. 20, 2019

California OKs $100M SDG&E commercial EV charging plan, testing electric buses as grid assets

The school bus pilot program will test the ability to use electric vehicles as a distributed energy resource to improve the utility's load factor and reduce local air pollution.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2019

Simultaneous hack of EV chargers could cause Manhattan blackout, NYU researchers find

High-wattage public charging stations could be used by hackers to destabilize the electric grid and potentially cause blackouts, according to analysis from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019

Everyone loves a guaranteed discount: New financing approach drives community solar growth

Innovations are transforming community solar nationwide, but the technology is also booming in Florida where, despite utilities not using discounts to spur development​, FPL is planning the world's largest community solar project.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2019