SEPA: Transactive energy can support grid modernization, DER coordination

Much work is needed on the regulatory and infrastructure side to advance transactive energy concepts beyond pilots, the report says.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2019

Green Mountain Power aims for 100% renewables by 2030 with up to 100 MW storage

Vermont's largest utility is 90% carbon free, but reaching 100% renewables will require the utility to increase its deployment of distributed resources and storage.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 16, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Distributed Energy Resource Growth

Distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicles, are experiencing significant growth in the U.S. as the power sector evolves to a cleaner, less centralized future.

By Utility Dive staff

Colorado passes bill to avoid urban-rural divide on EV chargers

The legislation authorizes the Colorado Energy Office to direct more money from the state's EV Grant Fund to areas where station revenues likely would not defray costs.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2019

Bipartisan group of lawmakers proposes extending tax credits for electric, fuel cell vehicles

Sales of electric vehicles in the United States increased by more than 80% in 2018, but advocates say the market is still just getting started and tax credits remain key to that momentum.

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2019

Montana approves bill to allow utility power sales to EV charging stations

The bill headed to Gov. Steve Bullock also determines the EV charging companies are not public utilities and directs regulators to set rates for EV charging. 

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2019

What role for utilities in deploying public EV chargers, Wisconsin PSC asks

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is soliciting public comment on a range of topics as it looks to develop an EV policy, including appropriate rate design and impacts on the distribution and transmission system.

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2019

Grid modernization is the best new deal

A Grid Modernization Act could accomplish many of the Green New Deal's goals by improving public health, creating jobs, spurring innovation, strengthening national security and making our communities more resilient.

By Hon. Dennis McGinn and Roger Sorkin • April 9, 2019

Will FERC trample state and local authorities in DER rulemaking?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may soon upset a long-standing balance among local, state and federal decision-making as it considers aggregating distributed energy resources in a way that eliminates local jurisdiction.

By Jim Matheson • April 5, 2019

New control technologies lower microgrid costs, ease renewables integration

A new concept uses decentralized, autonomous control algorithms that can reduce costs by eliminating the need for a master controller or central storage unit to set voltage and frequency.

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2019

NYPA initiative targets quicker commercialization path for storage, EV startups

A partnership between New York Power Authority and New York University's Urban Future Lab will support businesses pursuing technologies that can help the state reach its zero carbon power goal.

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2019

Duke proposes adding nearly 2.5K EV chargers in North Carolina

Depending how quickly state regulators act, the $76 million program could be operational as soon as Q3, according to Duke Energy's director of electrification strategy, Lang Reynolds.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 2, 2019

Exclusive: PG&E's future rests on board picks, CPUC president says

California regulators could reorganize the company or revoke its license to operate if they do not like new selections for its board of directors, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker said in a wide-ranging interview. 

By Gavin Bade • March 29, 2019

Hawaii regulators approve HECO's $86M grid mod plan, 6 solar + storage projects under $0.10/kWh

Hawaiian Electric said the decisions, including the "largest and lowest-cost portfolio" of renewables assembled at one time in a state, will enable "foundational" changes on the electric grids of five islands.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2019

Dawn of the utility microgrid

Distributed energy resources are vital for cities. Learn how communities are juggling sustainability with extreme weather and disaster preparation when integrating these resources.

March 28, 2019

What happened to the Tesla solar roof?

The iconic company's biggest promise was trifecta-integration of solar generation, energy storage and electric cars. So far, that has not happened.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2019

ISO-NE files short-term fuel security plan to relieve gas constraints

The ISO's proposed Inventoried Energy Program would provide higher payments for resources that can store fuel onsite in the winters of 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

By Gavin Bade • March 27, 2019

ChargeWheel nets funding for mobile EV and scooter charging trailers

The company will deploy fleets of solar-powered trailers that are capable of simultaneously charging up to four EVs or 400 electric bikes and scooters.

By Jason Plautz • March 27, 2019

The biggest numbers game in the power sector: Data analytics and the utility community of the future

Data analytics are helping utilities improve operations and customer engagement, but a decentralized transactive energy network is in the works and will require additional computing advances.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2019

Oslo, Norway to install wireless electric chargers for taxi fleet

It is poised to become the first city in the world with such infrastructure, as part of an effort to deploy only electric taxis by 2023.

By Jason Plautz • March 25, 2019

As Arizona's EV policy takes shape, demand charges come under focus

Tucson Electric Power told state regulators it supports a demand-side management surcharge to fund electric vehicle programs, particularly in the "early stages" of infrastructure development.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2019

What can power companies learn from iTunes?

In a way, utilities are looking to emulate the iTunes business model, leveraging their customer base to become a trusted provider of third-party products and services, writes Rainer Sternfeld of Intertrust Corporation.

By Rainer Sternfeld • March 22, 2019

As 100% renewables mandate nears, Puerto Rico sees new microgrid initiative, resilience focus

The U.S. territory's legislature expects to send a bill to the governor's desk on Monday, mandating the use of 100% renewable energy generation by 2050.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 22, 2019

Can modern, high-tech warehouses rely solely on the power grid?

As warehouses add automation, facilities managers explore alternative energy and smart sensors to reduce reliance on the grid.

By Jen A. Miller • March 20, 2019

As US solar expands, states increasingly tackle compensation and community project complexities

Years of debate by "nerds in beige rooms" has led to today's booming solar market, but solar policy is becoming even more complicated.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 14, 2019

It's time to Spotify the grid with DSO functions

If you don't get working on implementing distribution system operator functions now, you probably won’t be ready for a DER-filled world where everything we knew about the energy market gets put on "shuffle."

By Stuart McCafferty • March 13, 2019