Why 'a lot has become the new normal' in state solar policy debates

A new report outlines 5 key decisions and 4 trends from the solar sector's busiest policy quarter yet.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 10, 2016

Tangent and Cummins team up to offer gas generators with DER controls for C&I

While backup generators are usually deployed during outages, this venture could put them to use managing demand charges for C&I customers. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

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

Idaho regulators approve state's first utility-owned community solar project

The 500 kW community solar project is designed to give access to solar power to all customers. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Federal appeals court puts clean energy RFP on hold in Connecticut

The case could have implications for state and federal jurisdiction over markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

How IPL wants FERC to transform MISO energy storage tariffs

Current dispatch rules, designed for flywheels, could degrade batteries much quicker than anticipated, the utility argues.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

PSEG close to approval for 33 MW of brownfield, landfill solar

A final decision is expected by the end of the year.   

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Hawaiian Electric: self-supply solar incentive starting to take off

HECO has seen a surge in solar self-supply applications, one of two options designed to replace the state's retail net metering program.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2016

ScottMadden: California Duck Curve growing faster than expected

Utility-scale solar is contributing more to lower minimum daily loads than distributed generation, the consultancy said. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2016

Dept. of Transportation unveils national electric vehicle charging network

EV drivers can expect a charging station about every 50 miles on a new network of interstate highways announced by the Department of Transportation.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

Duke University gets cold feet for 21 MW CHP plant after environmental objections

Some on campus don't want to see the university install more fossil generation, leading officials to walk back their commitment.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

Interconnection delays can be costly, but some utilities have found ways to save time and money

Interconnection times are going up nationally, but a new report outlines lessons from some leading utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2016

Mercedes-Benz launches new US storage arm with former Sonnen CEO von Bormann

Mercedes takes aim at Tesla with new offerings that will "combine the advantages of electric vehicles and energy solutions into one holistic platform." 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 3, 2016

One massive merger later, Pepco's CEO eyes 5 rate cases and grid modernization

David Velazquez says his utility is looking at residential demand charges and the future of microgrids.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 3, 2016

Updated: Florida Supreme Court won't take solar Amendment 1 off ballot

Solar groups asked the state Supreme Court to nullify a ballot initiative they believe is intentionally misleading.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2016

Chasing aggressive EV goals, California boosts rebates for lower-income buyers

Higher-income households will no longer be eligible for rebates.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Survey says: Customers want innovation. How can utilities deliver?

Utilities want more flexibility. Customers want new apps. It's a win-win.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Tesla: SolarCity merger will add to balance sheet in Q4, insulate against net metering changes

The battery company posted a lengthy blog post Tuesday outlining the financial health of SolarCity and its business plans for the combined companies.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2016

Younicos, Panasonic team up for 1 MW solar-plus-storage system in Denver

The storage system is being designed to tap into five revenue streams, including frequency regulation.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 1, 2016

5 unanswered questions after Tesla's big solar roof and battery announcement

As the dust settles, the details of Elon Musk’s new integrated solar-plus-storage offering and its effect on the sector remain unclear.  

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 31, 2016

Indiana utility files with FERC for changes to 'outdated' MISO storage tariffs

Current storage tariffs were designed for flywheel technologies, not modern lithium batteries, argues Indianapolis Power & Light. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2016

Tesla-SolarCity merger: A utility's worst nightmare or sweetest dream?

Tesla’s customer loyalty rivals that of Apple or Amazon and they have the potential to impose similar levels of disruption on the power sector.

By Brian Boler • Oct. 28, 2016

KCP&L puts on hold parts of EV charger rollout after regulatory rejection

Kansas regulators rejected the utility's bid to ratebase the charging stations last month. But the Missouri part of the project is still going. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2016

New York staff recommends transparent rate reforms, 'full value' of DERs in new report

New York's regulatory staff wants a transparent look at rate reforms and quantify all value streams to find the right value for distributed generation. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2016

VC funding down for smart grid, efficiency firms, but BTM storage bucks the trend

Funding for smart grid, efficiency and storage firms was down in the third quarter, but residential and commercial battery applications were a bright spot for the sector. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 27, 2016

Updated: Sunrun partners with LG for home batteries, but will continue using Tesla as well

Sunrun will add LG to its residential battery suppliers for the Brightbox, where it had used only Tesla batteries before.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 27, 2016