As renewables and DER expand, can IPPs be investment grade?

The few remaining IPPs must adapt to new market realities or face an uncomfortable future, writes Aneesh Prabhu, senior director of U.S. Energy Infrastructure at S&P Global Ratings.

By Aneesh Prabhu • Oct. 9, 2019

As CCAs take over utility customers, local renewable generation emerges as the next big growth driver

The demand for customer choice has the potential to quicken the power system's transition toward cheaper, cleaner electricity, and is moving beyond California.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 8, 2019

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

Don't just stop the bloodletting: Utility survival and prosperity in a DER-centric future

Utilities should stop trying to build better relationships with their customers and instead focus on building relationships with customers' assets, while using blockchain to bring it all together.

By Peter Bronski and Arno Laeven • Oct. 3, 2019

3 state commissions upending the way utilities do business

Oregon, Illinois and Hawaii regulators are disrupting the traditional utility cost-of-service model to bring more distributed energy resources online.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 2, 2019

The future of energy storage is here: An inside look at Rocky Mountain Power’s 600-battery DR project

The 12.6 MWh Utah project uses solar and battery systems as a virtual power plant.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 30, 2019

Uber, EVgo partner to expand ride-share electrification

The companies signed an MOU to research use of EVs on the platform and assess where more charging infrastructure is needed.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 27, 2019

PG&E wants EV demand charges to mimic smartphone plans. Regulators are skeptical

A proposed decision by the California Public Utilities Commission would slash PG&E's proposed 'subscription' fees for commercial EV charging.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2019

Minnesota, New Mexico propose clean car rules as Trump attacks California standards

State and city leaders as well as utilities worry the administration's proposed rules could threaten EV momentum and are setting their own rules.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 26, 2019

Northeastern utilities aim to 'crush and flatten' system peaks as DERs boost grid efficiency

DER providers and utilities have found shared market interests in New England, leading to cooperative BYOD programs that provide a range of benefits for customers and the power system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2019

Amazon buys 100K electric vans as part of net zero carbon goals

The e-commerce company revealed its total carbon footprint was 44.4 million metric tons in 2018, and it wants to achieve carbon neutrality 10 years ahead of the Paris Climate Accord's 2050 goal. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 20, 2019

Ex-Tesla exec wants to increase utility control of DERs, and has a smart panel to do it

The new electric panel combines smart metering capabilities with remote control of energy use in residences, while easing installation of solar, energy storage and EV chargers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 20, 2019

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

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