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

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

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

Colorado electric co-op rolls out 'community battery' program

United Power Cooperative and SoCore Energy are developing a 4 MW, 16 MWh storage project to shave peaks and reduce demand charges as part of a new program. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2017

NRG Energy, Toshiba deploy 2 MW battery storage system in ERCOT

The project will help integrate wind power in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 13, 2017

Senate GOP tax bill preserves wind PTC, EV tax credits

The bill's significant differences from a House tax package — which would cut wind subsidies and eliminate the electric vehicle credit — could set up contentious debates in the weeks to come.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

One small step for Hawaii solar, one leap toward 100% renewables

After Hawaii regulators approved two new solar tariffs last month, solar customers in the state must now decide whether to buy, lease or pass on battery storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 9, 2017

National Grid plans to install a 48 MWh battery storage system on Nantucket

The Massachusetts island is currently experiencing a rise in power demand and aging diesel generators, which provide partial backup power. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

Getting on top of the next wave in energy storage: The utility-integrated era

Why is energy storage so important to managing ever-growing levels of distributed energy resources?

Nov. 9, 2017

Energy storage gets a bigger seat at the utility planning table

The growing inclusion of storage in integrated resource plans is, to some extent, the next step in the evolution of the technology at utility-scale.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Energy storage could hit 35 GW by 2025, new white paper says

The technology only makes up 0.5 GW of market share in the United States. But that's set to change, according to a new white paper.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Who needs a NOPR? 7 ways to make wholesale power markets more reliable

DOE wants to support coal and nuclear, but grid operators and experts say greater power system flexibility is what's needed.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 7, 2017

How Vistra's coal retirements could impact the Texas power market

Coal retirements are predicted to tighten reserve margins in ERCOT, but only time will tell if they will bring the higher prices fossil generators are looking for. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2017