Consumers Energy announces first solar+storage project for Michigan city

The solar-plus-storage project is part of the utility's effort to help build an "energy district" in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2017

New Hampshire PUC halts C&I, residential renewable energy rebates

A flood of applications compelled the state Public Utilities Commission to put two popular renewable energy rebate programs on hold after Sept. 1. 

By Peter Maloney • July 19, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants and their ability to balance energy supply and demand are increasingly sought by utilities as electricity demand increases, but their lack of standardization remains a barrier.

By Utility Dive staff

Sonnen inks deal to install batteries in new Arizona homes

The contract is part of Sonnen's efforts to replicate its residential solar community approach in the U.S.

By Peter Maloney • July 19, 2017

Bloomberg: August eclipse could hurt 9,000 MW of solar output

California is expected to see the biggest impact from the eclipse because solar power serves as much as 40% of its load some days. 

By Peter Maloney • July 18, 2017

California Assembly committee clears measure for 100% renewables goal

If the bill becomes law, the state would be the second to strive for 100% renewable energy by 2045. 

By Peter Maloney • July 18, 2017

AEP Ohio taps Powerley's home energy management platform for residential program

The company's hardware and software platform will be available to 1.5 million customers in AEP's Ohio service territory.

By Robert Walton • July 17, 2017

New York PSC expands ConEd's non-wires alternatives program

The Brooklyn Queens Demand Management project intended to defer construction of a $1.2 billion substation.

By Robert Walton • July 17, 2017

Flow battery developer ViZn Energy says it can pair solar and storage for 4¢/kWh

If successful, the company could beat a previous price benchmark set by an Arizona utility, which signed a solar-plus-storage contract for less than $0.045/kWh.

By Peter Maloney • July 17, 2017

Southern will test Tesla batteries in 1 MWh pilot for Gulf Power subsidiary

Southern wants to study the batteries for two years in hopes of eventually offering storage to C&I customers. 

By Peter Maloney • July 14, 2017

Comprehensive vulnerability assessment is key to protecting the grid from cyberattacks

Vencore Labs executives say the only way to guard the grid is to first understand how its weak points have changed.

By Stan Pietrowicz, Tony Bogovic • July 13, 2017

California lawmakers aim for cap-and-trade vote next week

Leading lawmakers seek a two-thirds majority on the bill to protect the emissions trading scheme from legal challenges.

By Peter Maloney • July 13, 2017

Strategic review leads to management shakeup at Edison International consultancy

Edison launched its "energy-as-a-service" company last year as a way to help large corporate consumers lower power bills. 

By Robert Walton • July 13, 2017

Non-Wires Alternatives: What's up next in utility business model evolution

Utilities not already considering NWAs in planning processes should wise up quick, says Navigant analyst Brett Feldman.

By Brett Feldman • July 12, 2017

Can electric vehicle advocates resurrect Georgia's tax credit?

With electric vehicle sales expected to grow sharply nationwide, advocates fear the state will miss out on a chance to expand its economy.

By Robert Walton • July 12, 2017

Minnesota co-ops launch electric school bus pilot

The Canadian-manufactured bus runs on five batteries and has a range of 100 miles.

By Robert Walton • July 12, 2017

After sector outcry, Massachusetts energy chief defends 200 MWh storage target

Some storage interests expected a higher target, but DOER defends it as a first step in a comprehensive plan

By Peter Maloney • July 11, 2017

Competitive electricity retailing: Why restructuring must go on

Power consultant Erik Desrosiers offers five steps regulators can take to get electricity deregulation back on track.

By Erik Desrosiers • July 11, 2017

Going beyond 'net zero' to passive house

Understanding that the grid is not a bank is key to recognizing that current ‘net zero’ accounting could lead to suboptimal building design outcomes.

July 11, 2017

Advanced Microgrid Solutions raises $34M from utilities, investment firm in Series B funding

Apart from project financing, AMS has raised about $50 million to expand.

By Robert Walton • July 11, 2017

BNEF: Electric vehicles will compose more than 50% of new car sales by 2040

Bloomberg New Energy Finance ramped up its adoption expectations due to falling battery prices and stronger commitments from automakers.

By Robert Walton • July 11, 2017

Siemens, AES form new energy storage joint venture Fluence

The companies each hold a 50% stake in the venture, which can lay claim to more than 460 MW of storage worldwide.

By Peter Maloney • July 11, 2017

How wholesale power markets and state environmental policies can work together

Analysts from The Brattle Group lay out three paths for making state energy goals work in electricity markets.

By Sam Newell, Johannes Pfeifenberger, Judy Chang and Kathleen Spees • July 10, 2017

Tesla has 100 days to build a 129 MWh storage plant in South Australia

In March, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla could solve Australia's power crisis in 100 days or less. Now, he's getting his chance.

By Peter Maloney • July 10, 2017

North Carolina wind moratorium threatens hard-won solar compromise

Duke Energy and solar advocates worked for months on reforms to PURPA, third-party ownership and net metering. A last-minute hold on new wind projects could unravel the whole bill. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 6, 2017

Hawaiian Electric proposes new, cheaper grid modernization plan

A previous grid modernization plan was rejected in December for being too costly.

By Peter Maloney • July 6, 2017