Case study: APS invests in microgrid as Phoenix metropolitan area grows

The 63 MW microgrid can swiftly pivot into operating on solar and storage. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 28, 2017

When the power goes out, sometimes the lights stay on

Microgrids are best known for the backup generation they provide, but the evolving electric grid means there are many more uses.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

NREL: 5 million commercial customers could benefit from BTM storage

The study identifies areas where customers have the greatest potential to benefit from investing in battery storage.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 28, 2017

DOE grid study sparks mixed reviews from power sector

The study's findings did not go against the broad industry consensus, as some feared they might. But the study still drew mixed reactions and disappointment, especially with its recommendations.  

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2017

IHS Markit raises global solar installation forecast by 14% over Chinese solar boom

The consulting group predicts 90 GW of solar panels will be installed this year, with 45 GW of those installations in China.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 25, 2017

RGGI states propose to cut power plant emissions another 30%

The proposal would set the regional cap at 75.1 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2021, which will decline by 2.275 million tons of CO2 in each succeeding year. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 25, 2017

California nets $640M for greenhouse gas fund in latest cap and trade auction

All allowances in the state's greenhouse cap and trade auction are sold above minimum prices.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2017

Driving meaningful customer engagement

Amena Ali, chief revenue officer at Whisker Labs, outlines how utilities can drive customer engagement. 

By Amena Ali • Aug. 22, 2017

Alevo's bankruptcy illustrates the pitfalls newcomers face in energy storage markets

Stationary energy storage is a commodity market, and it is not kind to new entrants.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 22, 2017

California utilities plot ways to prep grid for coming EV boom

Utilities are rolling out comprehensive pilot programs to boost EV deployment to meet the state's ambitious transportation goals and leverage grid benefits. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2017

Federal court rejects Allco's rehearing request in challenge to Connecticut's renewable RFP

The Allco case was closely watched by both sides in recent court battles involving states’ legal rights to craft policies aimed at fostering clean energy goals.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 21, 2017

Los Angeles muni speeds deployment of 20 MW battery storage project

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power accelerated the timeline for a proposed storage project to come online in 2018 instead of 2020. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 21, 2017

Grid modernization efforts heat up in Q2, but more are on the way

The latest quarterly report from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center sheds light on policy debates surrounding efforts to boost grid reliability and new technologies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2017

ComEd files tariff changes to enable community solar

Development of community solar projects is a result of Illinois' Future Energy Jobs Act, passed last year primarily to keep two nuclear plants afloat.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2017

Bloom claims largest fuel cell data center deployment with Equinix

The deal, which is between Southern Co., Equinix and Bloom Energy, will provide 37 MW of power through a phased installation that begins this year and stretches through 2019. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2017

New Mexico regulators amend resource plan to include energy storage

The amendment separates energy storage from demand response in the integrated resource planning rules.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 15, 2017

Massachusetts issues final proposed solar incentive rules

The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target program aims to add 1,600 MW of solar capacity through a modified declining block incentive program. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2017

BC Hydro taps Powerley for smart home pilot

Customers in the pilot will be able to manage both their energy and their smart home devices through the "HydroHome" app on their phones.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2017

Net metering debates rev up, but regulators are skeptical of utility proposals

More regulators are also revisiting net metering successor tariffs, according to a recent report, and are looking to valuation of distributed generation or cost-benefit analysis to craft new rates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2017

Sierra Club challenges Oklahoma's electric vehicle fees

Earlier this year, the state established a $100 fee for the purchase of an electric vehicle and $30 for the purchase of a hybrid. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2017

Rhode Island clean energy gets boost as governor signs bills

The bills streamline the permitting process for solar projects and extend the state's renewable energy growth program, among other steps.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2017

EIA: Solar eclipse will impact almost 2,000 utility-scale solar plants

At least 50% of 22 GW of solar generating capacity will be eclipsed, the agency says. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 9, 2017

Stem, CPower will pair DR, energy storage for dispatchable virtual power plants

The partnership will give utilities access to dispatchable virtual power plants, with both companies eyeing California as one of the first markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2017

California issues RFP for $44.7M in microgrid grants

The solicitation focuses on the deployment of microgrids that will help the state transition to a grid with more distributed energy resources.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2017

Valuing storage: A closer look at the Tucson Electric solar-plus-storage PPA

Solar-plus-storage is becoming more cost competitive, but a closer look shows the numbers aren't as simple as advertised.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2017