Utility customer engagement — what you need to know

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By Gavin Bade • June 28, 2017

How New York City expects to save 75 MW this summer through demand response

The city's complex demand management program just registered its 400th facility and it's looking to expand further.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Distributed Energy Resource Growth

Distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicles, are experiencing significant growth in the U.S. as the power sector evolves to a cleaner, less centralized future.

By Utility Dive staff

California lawmakers mull expanding electric vehicle incentives

A proposed measure could designate up to $3 billion toward getting more zero emissions vehicles on the road.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

Southern Co. unit forms alliance with Advanced Microgrid Solutions

Southern will bring its experience at designing and building distributed generation solutions, mostly to commercial and industrial customers, to the partnership.

By Peter Maloney • June 28, 2017

As gas plants struggle, California seeks new flexible capacity strategies

With up to 6 GW of gas plants at risk of closure in the coming years, energy stakeholders are scrambling for new compensation techniques and zero-carbon alternatives. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 27, 2017

US mayors pass resolution to target 100% renewable energy by 2035

Leaders of more than 250 U.S. cities said they are committed to holding up their end of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trump's decision to withdraw from the pact. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

VectorStat's distributed software stack: An elegant solution for microgrids

These intelligent inverters use dynamic communication, resilience and visibility to lower power generation costs and optimize overall system efficiency.

June 27, 2017

GTM: Proposed solar tariffs could put 47 GW of planned installations at risk

The analysis firm predicts "unprecedented demand destruction" if Suniva's tariff proposal is approved, threatening up to two-thirds of planned solar deployments. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

Montana regulators vote to cut PURPA payment rates by 40%

Regulators also trimmed contract lengths from 20 years to five years, with an option to extend for another five. 

By Peter Maloney • June 26, 2017

NYSERDA announces $6.3M to commercialize storage for renewables support

The agency is looking for energy storage projects that can help advance the state's goal of obtaining 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2017

Updated: New York lawmakers clear bill creating energy storage targets

The measure directs the state Public Service Commission to develop an Energy Storage Deployment Program, including a storage procurement target for 2030.

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2017

Stop, collaborate and listen: California stakeholders want to open electric system communications

The state's utilities, DER providers and CAISO outline a new plan that would streamline communications between transmission and distribution operators and DER developers. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 22, 2017

Maui company aims for Hawaii's self-supply market with all-day storage option

HiVE Energy says its residential and commercial batteries can provide a full day of storage, making them appealing for Hawaii's non-export solar tariff. 

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Utility planning: Integrating distributed energy resources for a more robust future

Developing more comprehensive planning activities that accurately assess the role of DERs allows utilities to get out in front of business challenges, empowering them to capitalize on opportunity.

June 20, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017

Genbright, Ice Energy team up for non-wires alternative storage on Nantucket

The thermal storage project aims to provide 1 MW of peak load reduction to avoid the need for a new undersea transmission line.

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2017

Navigant sees hybrid storage installations growing to 2.1 GW by 2026

Battery-battery and battery-capacitor combinations are expected to dominate the hybrid market for the next decade. 

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2017

5 trends to watch in utility customer engagement

From smart thermostats to energy marketplaces, these are the trends shaping consumer engagement in the power sector. 

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

New England, California could see tight spots with reliability this summer, says FERC

The agency's annual summer reliability report highlighted possible reliability concerns in regions such as California, New England and Texas. 

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2017

CAISO finalizes proposed storage, DR rules

The goal is to lower barriers to energy storage and distributed resources participating in the California ISO market.

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

Apple issues $1 billion in green bonds in wake of US exiting Paris climate accord

The company said the second bond issuance affirms its commitment to sustainable projects and the Paris climate accord. 

By Peter Maloney • June 16, 2017

SMUD's holistic DER planning process could set new standard for utilities

Even solar advocates are praising the distributed resource planning done by Sacramento's municipal utility.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 16, 2017

Texas revives $2,500 electric vehicle credit

Tesla vehicles may be locked out of the rebate program, however, because of its direct sales model.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2017

Massachusetts bill would compel utilities to consider non-wires alternatives

Under H. 1725, utilities would have to submit any plans for system upgrades to a newly created Grid Modernization Board, which would evaluate the viability of NWAs.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • June 14, 2017

Will California's 100% renewables goal survive the political process?

With current clean energy goals in sight, liberal lawmakers are pushing the state to ratchet up its ambitions. But utility companies could prove a powerful roadblock.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 14, 2017