There once was an energy storage system on Nantucket...

When the island's summer population swells, peak energy demand doubles. That's a recipe for disaster in a town dependent on tourism. But energy storage may be the answer.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2018

Why are the newest distribution system buzzwords 'hosting capacity analysis'?

To meet customer demand for distributed energy resources, utilities need to know what their systems can handle.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 17, 2018

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

SoCal Edison electric vehicle pilots focus on heavy-duty, fleet uses

To meet the state's carbon reduction goals, utility officials say California needs 7 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

CPUC approves Diablo Canyon retirement, 15 EV pilots, storage RFO to replace gas

Regulators allowed Pacific Gas & Electric to recover $241 million to retire California's last nuclear plant and directed it to consider how batteries could replace three natural gas generators. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

Could Florida be the next hot spot for energy storage?

One of the best new markets for energy storage might be the Sunshine State, a bastion of traditional, regulated utilities.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2018

Why 'secure' isn't secure enough in the utilities sector

With multiple vulnerabilities, companies should invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity approach that considers both protecting the communications layer and complementary physical security measures.

By Marco Berger • Dec. 27, 2017

Has Xcel Minnesota designed the ideal residential time-of-use rate?

The pilot program, to determine if price signals can get customers to shift energy usage away from peak times, has garnered wide acclaim. The main concern? it doesn't start soon enough.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 22, 2017

Is your grid communications infrastructure ready for DERs?

Converged field area networks could be the key to managing a sustainable stable grid.

By Fai Lam • Dec. 21, 2017

Enhancing customer engagement: A utility roadmap for the Amazon era

Utilities are well-positioned to provide new products and energy options, writes ICF's Phil Mihlmester, who offers several paths for companies to increase customer satisfaction and grow their business.

By Philip Mihlmester • Dec. 21, 2017

Electrify America taps Greenlots to support $2B community-based EV charging initiative

Greenlots will deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure for up to 900 stations in large cities, including Boston, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and others.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2017

Millstone nuclear plant is profitable, new Connecticut draft report says

However, Dominion says the report fails to reflect the "true financials" of the nuclear facility, which it said would have to retire absent any economic incentives. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2017

Will batteries and solar have a place in Puerto Rico's reimagined grid?

Reimagining the island's electric grid is an opportunity to modernize, but the need for poles and wires remains, say power sector experts. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2017

Path to zero carbon: Navigating the urban energy transformation

The emerging Urban Energy Cloud vision is of a smart city that integrates large- and small-scale energy initiatives and solutions, citywide improvements in energy efficiency and low carbon transportation.

By Eric Woods • Dec. 18, 2017

Energy tax credits appear safe as GOP tax bill speeds toward a vote

Incentives for wind and solar power are likely intact, analysts say, but credits for other energy technologies could end up in a separate bill. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 15, 2017

Digital transition vs. digital transformation

Once we rethink our technology, blow up our old habits and rituals, we begin to see the flaws in our old business models. Then we change them for the better.

By Bill Meehan • Dec. 15, 2017

Join or die: How utilities are coping with 100% renewable energy goals

Power companies are realizing that in many communities, the choice is between increasing clean energy or decreasing their own electricity sales.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2017

New York's REV Connect matches innovation with real-world utility needs

REV Connect fills an important market gap via up-to-date information access and the ability for interested parties to take immediate action online.

Dec. 13, 2017

Energy storage sees significant growth as more utilities include it in long-term plans

Deployments grew 46% in the third quarter compared to last year and are expected to rise nearly nine-fold by 2022, GTM and the Energy Storage Association report.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2017

The new demand response and the future of the power sector

New reports show system operators and utilities are turning distributed energy resources into demand response and leveraging two-way communications for new levels of price responsiveness.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 11, 2017

PG&E, Exelon deals underscore power sector's foray into energy storage

PG&E has teamed up with EDF Renewables to build a storage portfolio while Exelon invests in an energy storage startup.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 7, 2017

'But wait, there's more!' — Cuomo seeks update to New York storage bill

The governor's signing memo for the energy storage bill last month calls for the legislation to be amended in 2018.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 5, 2017

Analysts expect final GOP tax bill will throttle renewable energy

At least some aspects of the Senate bill harmful to wind and solar — like the BEAT provision and minimum corporate tax — are expected to survive this week's conference committee.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 5, 2017

As grid modernization accelerates, which states are in the lead, and why?

California, Illinois and Texas are at the top, according to the latest GridWise survey, with Rhode Island, Colorado and Washington showing the biggest improvement over the prior rankings.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 5, 2017

Policymaker of the Year: Scott Pruitt

Pruitt's ambitious deregulation agenda and his influence in the Trump White House could have lasting impacts for federal environmental policy.  

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2017

Hawaiian Electric transitions public EV chargers to time-of-use rates

At DC Fast Charger stations operated by the utility, electric vehicle drivers will soon pay per kilowatt-hour of electricity, with small and average-size vehicles expected to pay less than they do now.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2017