New York ISO: Distributed solar largely to blame for declining load

New York's grid is aging needs an upgrade, but it's also undergoing rapid transition, due to a mix of policy and emerging technologies.

By Robert Walton • May 4, 2018

Solar at the crossroads: Is utility-scale, distributed or both the way to go?

Sunrun says solar's future is on rooftops, but solar advocates and utilities say an advanced power system with utility-scale and distributed energy resources is a better bet.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2018

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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

100-Hour storage? DOE launches $30M program to explore new technologies

The program is designed to address the needs of intermittent generation sources, such as wind and solar, by enabling a new set of applications that can provide long lasting backup power.  

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

Lithium-ion domination could block promising storage technologies, MIT finds

Li-ion batteries are good for transportation applications, less so for the grid. But their dominance is making it difficult for producers of alternative storage technologies to survive, much less innovate and scale up.

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

Utilities, oil interests clash over EV policy at conservative policy summit

The battle at the American Legislative Exchange Council shows how utility interests are diverging from those of the oil and gas sector in an era of growing renewable energy and electric vehicles. 

By Gavin Bade • April 30, 2018

Illinois energy law revives renewables while aiding nuclear

The Future Energy Jobs Act is also expanding energy efficiency in the state, but the nuclear subsidies are being challenged in court.

By Peter Maloney • April 30, 2018

New York to launch utility energy registry this summer in data-gathering effort

The online portal will offer public access to customer-load data for the major utilities.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2018

PJM generators, DR providers clash over seasonal resources at FERC

Demand response providers say rules barring seasonal resources from capacity contracts are little more than an effort to boost market revenues for generators.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

Hawaii Gov. Ige signs law mandating performance-based utility regulation

The law goes further than other performance-based efforts, directing the PUC to "break the direct link" between utility revenues and capital investments.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

New York regulators to mull advancing EV market with new proceeding

The move responds to demands from dozens of stakeholder groups to accelerate the state's efforts with electric vehicle adoption. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2018

Pacific Power analysis shows storage pilot projects currently uneconomic

Based on its projections, the utility estimates that energy storage has the potential to become cost effective in 2029.

By Peter Maloney • April 24, 2018

Hawaii launches performance-based rate proceeding to drive renewables

The state has a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. The Public Utilities Commission's new effort is meant to support that transition.  

By Peter Maloney • April 20, 2018

Nevada's retail choice battle will greatly impact solar, everyone agrees. But for better or worse?

Nevadans will vote in November on whether to amend the state's constitution to minimize regulations, eliminate legal monopolies and create retail choice in its energy market.  

By Herman K. Trabish • April 19, 2018

Short term pain for long term gain: EPRI assesses expanding US electrification

An electric vehicle may cost more than a gasoline-powered car today, but experts expect consumers to see past that hurdle to the lower operating costs.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2018

Line fault again plunges Puerto Rico into blackout

While nearly all the island's generation is back online after Hurricane Maria, the grid that supports it remains fragile and PREPA lacks sufficient reserves to resist minor disruptions. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2018

New Hampshire governor's energy plan leans on nuclear, gas

The new plan by Gov. Sununu aims to diminish the cost impacts of renewable energy procurement by neighboring states, assuming those contracts will be above market rates.

By Peter Maloney • April 18, 2018

Missouri utilities question data collection recommendations in DER report

The report by Public Service Commission staff wants regulators to direct utilities to collect detailed information about distributed energy resources and their impacts to the grid — but utilities have some concerns. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2018

State-federal concerns could dim FERC's landmark storage order

Wider access to a variety of markets has been hailed as the basis for energy storage growth, but jurisdictional issues could thwart an overarching solution.

By Peter Maloney • April 17, 2018

Exelon, FE nuke closures would reverse PJM wind, solar benefits: Brattle report

Closing four plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania would harm the environment and raise electricity costs for consumers, a recent analysis finds.

By Peter Maloney • April 17, 2018

New York agencies propose shifting EV fast chargers to non-demand charges

The New York Power Authority has also asked state regulators to direct utilities to develop broad plans to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, similar to proceedings in California and Oregon. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2018

NGOs challenge New Orleans regulatory plan, Entergy peaker

The New Orleans City Council approved Entergy's proposed gas plant earlier this year, but environmental advocates say the City Council failed to examine "more benign" alternatives, like renewable energy. 

By Peter Maloney • April 16, 2018

Transportation electrification should build on energy efficiency and renewables program success

States should build on the foundation of strong energy efficiency and renewable energy policies to accelerate the public benefits of transportation electrification, attorney Robin Lunt writes.

By Robin Lunt • April 13, 2018

DOE research, development and demonstration funding: Keep on growin'

The Trump Administration is proposing historic cuts in energy RD&D spending. Congress rejected similar cuts for FY 2018 and should do the same for FY 2019, ITIF's Colin Cunliff and David Hart write.

By Colin Cunliff and David Hart • April 13, 2018

GM to expand electric vehicle fast charger network with EVgo

The agreement expands the current pilot program, aimed at Bolt drivers, in several major U.S. cities.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2018

Utilities, DER providers face off over market access at FERC meeting

Grid operators and utilities want to ensure that new distributed resources do not threaten reliability, while DER providers are wary they will use the argument as an excuse to stifle competition.

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2018