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

Explore the Trendline➔

Distributed Energy Resource Growth

Utilities' traditional reliance on large power plants is shifting to a model that includes distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, battery storage and even electric vehicles.

By Utility Dive staff

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

New York energy storage target official after Gov. Cuomo signs bill

The state is now the fourth with an energy storage target, but specific details have yet to be unveiled. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2017

A tale of 2 states: Massachusetts and California provide different lessons on growing community solar

The Golden State has no privately developed community solar while the Bay State has the second most in the U.S. — why?

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 30, 2017

Last-minute provision in Senate tax bill could 'devastate' renewable energy

The so-called BEAT provision, introduced in committee mark-up, would reduce the value of tax equity deals that drive renewable energy investments.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2017

Familiar battle lines drawn in first day of EPA's single hearing on Clean Power Plan repeal

Coal barons, environmentalists and coal miners showed up at the agency's two-day hearing on the Clean Power Plan repeal in the heart of coal country. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2017

Xcel EV charging pilot would eliminate need for 2nd meter

The utility says customers who charge their electric vehicle during off-peak hours can save up to 50%.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 29, 2017

DOE identifies possible microgrid opportunities in Puerto Rico

The island continues to struggle with rebuilding its electric grid after Hurricane Maria, but federal officials say there is progress in making the power supply more resilient.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2017

SDG&E set to unveil renewables plan as alternative to San Diego's proposed CCA program

The initiative responds to San Diego's proposed government-run community choice aggregation program to meet the renewable energy target. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 27, 2017

Has California built its last natural gas plant?

Two pending decisions from state regulators will decide how the Golden State moves toward a clean(er) energy future. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 22, 2017

Storage for T&D deferral works, Arizona Public Service finds in Tonto National Forest

An Arizona Public Service project provides a case study in deploying energy storage to avoid transmission and distribution investment.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 21, 2017

PJM price formation proposal would dramatically change how prices are set in the RTO

A proposal from the grid operator to incentivize "inflexible" generation could fit squarely within the Trump administration's efforts to save baseload generation in power markets.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2017

FERC storage/DER integration proposal gets high marks, but other priorities loom

The commission’s proposed rule raises important issues, but could face delays as it tackles the grid resilience NOPR and other matters.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2017

As feds focus on baseload, grid modernization is sweeping the nation

More than 30 states are considering far-reaching modernization and utility business model reforms, including new initiatives to integrate battery storage into grid planning processes. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 14, 2017