Xcel strikes grid modernization settlement with Colorado stakeholders

The utility submitted a $562 million proposal last year to upgrade its grid system and security efforts.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 10, 2017

Software upgrade to old sodium battery marks shift in AEP's storage strategy

Tapping into a new revenue stream will help the utility to incorporate storage into its long-term plans. 

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 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

Virginia governor signs 11 energy bills, including solar, pumped hydro proposals

A slew of energy bills landed on the desk of Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), including measures on community solar pilot projects, green development zones and rate approval for new pumped storage projects.  

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 9, 2017

CAISO updates proposed rules for demand response, energy storage

The California ISO plans to present updated station power rules and standards assessing the DR potential of aggregated customers at its late July board meeting. 

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2017

NPCC: Northeast has sufficient power supplies to meet demand this summer

Even extreme weather wouldn't amount to enough power demand to cause reliability problems, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council said in its seasonal assessment. 

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2017

California ISO preps solar-heavy grid for total eclipse this summer

CAISO expects to see a 4,194 MW reduction in solar generation during the 82-minute eclipse on August 21.

By Peter Maloney • May 8, 2017

California's SGIP opens to strong demand for storage incentives

Tesla and AMS lead in allocations for large-scale storage in the first round of SGIP allocations. 

By Peter Maloney • May 5, 2017

EV charging group raise red flags over AEP Ohio proposal

AEP's plan would add almost 300 public stations and about 1,000 residential chargers over a four-year period.

By Robert Walton • May 5, 2017

As utilities embrace DERs, pilot projects emerge as key element of compromise

Utility DER pilots are helping build familiarity with new technologies and resolve sector disputes over distributed energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017

Myth-busting the 2017 electric utility customer

What would you do differently if electricity became THE ultimate object of desire, with your customers lining up to pay 24,000x its cost for power?

May 4, 2017

California PUC finalizes new 500 MW BTM battery storage mandate

The new utility mandate for 500 MW of behind-the-meter and distribution-connected storage is separate from private deployments under the state's SGIP incentive program, which re-opened Monday.

By Peter Maloney • May 4, 2017

Sonnen, German grid operator to pair blockchain tech with storage

The project will link Sonnen’s residential storage batteries with the grid controlled by TenneT TSO.

By Peter Maloney • May 3, 2017

Safety first: A microgrid project in Brooklyn tackles lithium-ion fire fears

A microgrid project in Brooklyn demonstrates progress in New York's efforts to adopt safety guidelines for lithium-ion energy storage installations.

By Peter Maloney • May 2, 2017

Tesla's SolarCity to end door-to-door sales

The shift appears to be part of the company’s wider efforts to reduce customer acquisition costs. 

By Peter Maloney • May 2, 2017

San Diego water authority wants proposals for 500 MW of pumped storage

The water authority is looking for more detailed proposals after 18 responses to a previous RFP issued earlier this year. 

By Peter Maloney • May 2, 2017

Consumer enablement: the future is now

As more consumers invest in distributed energy resources, utilities look for smarter ways to manage power output, substation automation and reporting.

May 2, 2017

California SGIP re-opens Monday with greater funding for energy storage

Under the revised program, 79% of SGIP’s $567 million budget through 2019 is now earmarked for energy storage projects.

By Peter Maloney • April 28, 2017

Pepco proposes off-peak charging rate for EV drivers in DC

The program would build on lessons in neighboring Maryland, where the utility found drivers readily changed charging behavior in reaction to rate design. 

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

California Senate committee clears bill for new energy storage rebate program

The bill passed out of the energy committee this week would establish a new storage incentive program to work alongside the existing California Solar Initiative and Self Generation Incentive Program.  

By Peter Maloney • April 27, 2017

Missouri utility partners with Swedish firm for energy storage pilot project

The 1 MWh project will allow the municipal utility to study how batteries can ease the integration of renewables. 

By Peter Maloney • April 26, 2017

Tesla looks to double size of global supercharger network

The company will increase the number of superchargers by 150% in North America. 

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2017

Stem expands into New York with plans for up to 14 MWh of battery installations

The company expects the first installations will be at four theaters in the New York City area as part of a NYSERDA technology commercialization program.

By Peter Maloney • April 26, 2017

Former FERC chair Jon Wellinghoff no longer at SolarCity

Wellinghoff left his role as chief policy officer at the solar company last week, according to media reports. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 25, 2017

Hydrostor comes ashore to turn old coal plants into compressed-air storage

The company's CEO says CAES can reduce the footprint of older coal plants, offering alternatives to new transmission lines and peaker plants. 

By Peter Maloney • April 25, 2017

Why utilities are more confident than ever about renewable energy growth

Concerns about integrating high levels of variable wind, solar and distributed generation are waning, Utility Dive's sector survey shows.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2017