Despite budget worries, DOE SunShot director 'bet his life' on program's survival

SunShot Director Charlie Gay is optimistic about Trump's approach to renewables and the DOE's controversial baseload study.

By Krysti Shallenberger • June 1, 2017

More than 30 states embrace grid modernization, new policy tracker finds

A new quarterly report from the folks who brought you "50 States of Solar" aims to chronicle grid modernization initiatives across the U.S.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 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

Younicos, Austin Energy sign deal for 1.75 MW, 3.2 MWh energy storage system

The project is part of the Department of Energy’s Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar PV program. 

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2017

Vermont utility offers $1,200 electric vehicle rebate

The offer is open to all residential and commercial customers, and would also help the city of Burlington meet a goal of becoming energy neutral. 

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2017

Pennsylvania bill would allow utilities to earn returns on microgrids, storage

House Bill 1412 would also allow for wholesale participation in markets with the benefits accruing to customers.

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2017

How can Tucson Electric get solar + storage for 4.5¢/kWh?

Subsidies and aggressive pricing strategies are key to the stunning Arizona PPA price, analysts say.

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

New Ohio bill would revamp state power market for full deregulation

HB 247 would require regulated utilities to divest their generation assets and put an end to lengthy procedings on utility resource planning. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

DOE lab embarks on two projects to help California hit 'zero net energy' residential goal

The state wants all new residential buildings to be energy-neutral by 2020.

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2017

ABB plans to roll out modular microgrid unit by end of 2017

The company says the unit can be applied to remote villages that are not connected to the grid, and as a back-up source of power for small commercial and industrial facilities. 

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

Nevada net metering bill clears Assembly, heads to Senate

The measure, which has bipartisan support, would restore the state's net metering policy close to its original retail rates. 

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2017

Powin, SDG&E ink contract for 6.5 MW, 26 MWh storage project

The project will help San Diego Gas & Electric meet its mandated storage goal of 165 MW by 2020. 

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

Sunetric, Sunnova team up to offer solar + storage systems in Hawaii

The partners will offer customers the PowerStack product on a lease basis with monthly payments and no money down.  

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

NY PSC order amends tariff to allow ConEd to export battery power to the grid

The PSC’s order also directs other utilities to study the effects of batteries to export power to the grid under existing dynamic load management programs.

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

Brattle: Wider electrification key to averting both climate change and utility death spiral

Tapping into power demand from EVs and electrified heating can help the utility industry thrive as it pushes the economy toward deep decarbonization, the consultancy says. 

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2017

Nevada lawmakers pass bills for storage incentives, possible mandate

The slate of bills, which also includes a boost to low-income efficiency programs, now goes to Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) for signature.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

As solar matures, rate design and incentive debates grow ever more complex

The newest national solar policy update finds policymakers considering more detailed programs to compensate DER owners and cover grid costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2017

Updated: Tucson Electric signs solar + storage PPA for 'less than 4.5¢/kWh'

While exact prices are confidential, the PPA for the 100 MW of solar and 120 MWh of storage would be less than half the cost of other major solar and battery contracts. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 23, 2017

New York Gov. Cuomo plans 16 MW microgrid in the state capital

The gas-powered microgrid will provide backup power for the 90-acre Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany.

By Peter Maloney • May 23, 2017

Growing interest in electric vehicles spurs Pennsylvania PUC review

The Public Utilities Commission wants to know what kinds of tariff designs might help establish clear rules for third-party electric vehicle charging stations as part of the review. 

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2017

California muni IID completes first US demonstration of black start battery capability

Imperial Irrigation District's 33 MW / 20 MWh battery was able to start its combined-cycle natural gas turbine at the El Centro Generating Station.

By Peter Maloney • May 19, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Energy forms partnership with Vivint for US solar + storage systems

The partnership will allow customers the choice of buying a system outright or financing it through institutions Vivint uses for its solar business. 

By Peter Maloney • May 19, 2017

Sunrun CEO: 'Long-term growth rate' for residential solar still strong

Lynn Jurich sought to restore confidence at the GTM Solar Summit this week after the residential solar market slowed year-over-year for the first time in Q1.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 18, 2017

SoCal Edison should go back to the drawing board on its grid modernization proposal

Officials from two top solar groups argue the utility is taking the wrong approach in its pending rate case

By Ed Smeloff, Sean Gallagher • May 18, 2017

The SoCal Edison rate case: A canary in the coal mine for DER policy debates

SCE wants $2.1 billion to upgrade its grid for distributed resources — a request that's raised ire from consumer advocates and DER providers alike.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2017

Electric vehicles can be grid assets or liabilities. How utilities plan will decide.

New communications protocols and time-varying rates are needed to help utilities managing EV charging, a new SEPA paper argues.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2017