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

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

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

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

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

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

House GOP tax package boosts nukes, slashes wind, EV credits

The long awaited tax package includes an estimated $6 billion credit for nuclear power but would cut the wind PTC and end incentives for electric vehicles.  

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2017

Despite earnings tumble, Tesla deploys 110 MWh of storage in Q3

The company said it is on track to deliver its 100 MW, 129 MWh energy storage project in South Australia, which it promised to build in 100 days.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2017

Portland General to spend up to $100M for 39 MW of energy storage

The utility's plan will help it comply with Oregon's energy storage mandate, requiring major utilities to deploy a minimum of 5 MWh of energy storage by 2020.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2017

PNM issues RFP for 456 MW of resources, pushing for renewables and storage

The utility announced earlier this year that it plans to phase out coal-fired generation completely, replacing it with natural gas, storage, solar and its stake in the Palo Verde nuclear facility. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2017

Military microgrid spending could top $1B annually by 2026, Navigant finds

The U.S. Department of Defense is the world's largest consumer of petroleum, but it's exploring the use of microgrids to decrease its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2017

SoCal Edison looks to decarbonize grid, transportation in new climate plan

The utility devised a framework that would help California meet its goal to slash emissions 40% from 1990 levels by 2030. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2017

Is solar+storage eligible for net metering in Massachusetts? Tesla and others want to know

The state could become the first to provide comprehensive guidance on pairing energy storage with solar installations.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2017

Enel moves into EV charging space with eMotorWerks acquisition

The move will provide EnerNOC, a subsidiary of Enel, with grid balancing resources in the form of electric vehicle chargers capable of bidirectional flows.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2017