Energy storage could take off in Massachusetts with proposed compromise on capacity ownership

The tentative deal would allow owners of residential solar and storage facilities to retain the right to bid the resulting capacity into ISO New England's forward capacity market, if state regulators approve it.

By Peter Maloney • July 31, 2018

Community solar can address renewables accessibility gap, report finds

GTM Research mapped out a vision for community solar for the next few decades, encouraging states and utilities to consider low-to-moderate income households. 

By Catherine Morehouse • July 31, 2018

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

New York to consider enhancing payments for distributed generation

The Department of Public Service expects the proposals, outlined in two reports, could stimulate 1 GW of new community distributed generation.

By Robert Walton • July 31, 2018

Can a 'DER Authority' fix the utility information problem to boost clean energy?

Energy Innovation's Mike O'Boyle says utility ratemaking lags behind the technological potential for a cleaner, cheaper, more reliable grid as regulators have insufficient information to compare utility proposals against alternatives.

By Mike O'Boyle • July 30, 2018

Dominion targets 3 GW of wind and solar, $870M efficiency spending in grid mod plan

The utility issued the first phase of a larger plan, as directed by Virginia's Grid Transformation & Security Act, which took effect three weeks ago to reshape the state's grid.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2018

Green groups come out against Nevada retail choice ballot measure

Groups like the Sierra Club and NRDC had been neutral on the measure to end monopoly utilities until NV Energy promised to double its renewables if the proposal is defeated. 

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2018

Indiana cost consumers $140M by nixing efficiency program, AEC says

A new analysis from the Applied Economics Clinic joins a host of other research concluding the state's energy efficiency mandate was working before legislators eliminated the program in 2014.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2018

Aging grids drive $51B in annual utility distribution spending

Major utilities increased capital expenditures to their distribution systems by 54% since 1997, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration analysis.

By Robert Walton • July 25, 2018

Residential storage hits new record, deploying 36MWh in Q1

Changing policies in California and Hawaii led to 74% of the nation's residential storage deployments in the past quarter, according to GTM Research and the Energy Storage Association.

By Peter Maloney • July 25, 2018

California county brings in a ringer to champion the return of local net metering

Renova, the largest solar installer in the region, has stepped in to defend the county's new ordinance requiring Imperial Irrigation District to restart its net metering program.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2018

Beyond weatherization: Are utilities doing enough to engage low-income customers?

One woman's quest to bring resources to impoverished communities around Charlotte, N.C., highlights the great need for action from power providers.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2018

Tesla batteries save $500K for Green Mountain Power through hot-weather peak shaving

The utility said its residential battery storage project implemented in Vermont last year reduced peak demand and saved half a million dollars during the July heat wave.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2018

IPL rate deal largely avoids fixed charge hike

The utility had requested a $10 increase to fixed charges that opponents said would reduce distributed solar and harm elderly and low-income ratepayers. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 23, 2018

Massachusetts power players scramble for deal in critical storage, DER docket

Utilities and developers aim to reach a compromise this week over who owns the capacity rights for storage and renewable resources — a question central to their future growth.

By Peter Maloney • July 23, 2018

DOE rolls out $2B loan guarantee program for renewable energy on tribal lands

Solar-plus-storage projects could be the focus of the DOE's new loan guarantee program.

By Peter Maloney • July 19, 2018

Rise of net zero energy homes could boost utility-led community solar

Modeling of new energy-efficient home developments found community solar offers system advantages not available from rooftop solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2018

Transmission line is 'game changer' for AEP's $4.5B Wind Catcher, Texas PUC chair says

Texas regulators last week honed in on ratepayer risks and benefits of the proposed 2,000 MW wind farm and 360 mile transmission line.

By Peter Maloney • July 18, 2018

PLMA's leadership in sharing load management expertise

Member and industry partner collaboration creates a strong connection between load management strategy and implementation.

July 18, 2018

PG&E projects set new bar for battery size but fall short on transparency

The California utility proposed energy storage to replace peakers, but comparisons are difficult without more data on costs.

By Peter Maloney • July 17, 2018

Arizona regulators open first US transactive energy docket

Other utility reform dockets have considered elements of transactive energy, but the Arizona Corporation Commission is the first to address the issue in a specific proceeding. 

By Gavin Bade • July 17, 2018

California regulators approve 2nd SoCal Ed pilot to test DER over gas

The state's Public Utilities Commission authorized Southern California Edison to recover the costs of 19 contracts for preferred resources, including solar+storage.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018

As corporate PPAs surge, consultants aim to bring lower prices

A lack of transparency and reliance on bilateral deals could mean corporations are leaving money on the table.

By Peter Maloney • July 16, 2018

Duke region hits South Carolina net metering cap

As other utilities move toward the 2% limit on distributed energy resources, Duke Energy Carolinas will allow customers to sign up for the net metering program through the end of July.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 13, 2018

Hawaii opens microgrid tariff proceeding to spur customer adoption

The Public Utilities Commission opened the docket the same day Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed legislation focused on microgrids and how they can benefit the state's island communities.

By Robert Walton • July 13, 2018

Pennsylvania draft plan calls for 11 GW in-state solar

The Department of Environmental Protection issued a draft plan to expand solar resources to make up 10% of the state's retail sales by 2030.

By Robert Walton • July 12, 2018