Solar groups pour money into Arizona utility regulatory election

Solar power funds are pouring into the five-way race for three seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, with SolarCity leading the pack.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016

Public purpose microgrids: Mixed-ownership models spur utility investment in growing sector

Thinking of microgrids as public infrastructure — and financing them like it — could point the industry to new growth.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 30, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants and their ability to balance energy supply and demand are increasingly sought by utilities as electricity demand increases, but their lack of standardization remains a barrier.

By Utility Dive staff

Maryland co-op challenges state's new community solar program

The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative has petitioned FERC to over Maryland's community solar program, saying regulators violated federal law by making them purchase excess energy at a retail rate. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 29, 2016

EIA: Monthly renewable generation beat levels from previous years

But other renewables, such as wind and solar, have exceeded hydro generation each month since February as the West recovers from a historic drought.  

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Headwinds ahead: Solar companies trim deployment expectations ahead of possible slowdown

A glut of modules and the ITC extension could temper the solar sector's rapid growth. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Walking a tightrope: ACC Chair Doug Little looks for balance in Arizona's solar debate

Arizona's head utility regulator says the state's ongoing value of solar docket will be key in informing future rate design.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

No time to think: How utilities are handling the deluge of grid data

The growth of smart grid technology is outpacing the ability to analyze all its findings, but recent advances in predictive technology and cloud computing may offer solutions for utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 24, 2016

FERC approves CAISO tariff changes for demand response, distributed storage

Federal regulators approved California Independent System Operator tariff changes that tweak how non-generator resources bid into markets.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

Global utility M&A up 105% in Q2 amid rush to renewables, regulated assets

Deal value hit $43 billion in the second quarter of 2016, with North American companies leading the way.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2016

Fixed charge battle looms in Texas as regulators tackle rate design reform

A legislative effort to chart new ratemaking mechanisms in the Lone Star State has the utility sector drawing familiar battle lines.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 23, 2016

Rocky Mountain compromise: Inside Xcel's landmark Colorado solar settlement

In a summer of solar contention, Colorado stakeholders chose a path of less-resistance. Their deal could be a model for more than just rate design.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2016

Washington commits $12.6M to grid modernization effort

The funds will be matched by five utilities and used for projects focused on renewable energy, battery storage and a "shared energy economy." 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

Report: DER providers question California DRAM second auction

In the second DRAM auction, utilities appear to have fallen short of their potential, according to third party providers. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2016

As states debate solar, contentious rate cases give way to broader valuation proceedings

Fixed charges and net metering dominated solar debates in the second quarter, but those conversations are increasingly leading to more comprehensive valuation attempts. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2016

Sun burn: Solar tax credits scorch state budgets

States are pulling back on swelling solar tax credit programs, but sector players say well-designed incentives can deliver additional economic benefits. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 17, 2016

Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

Heating up again: Arizona turns to solar valuation after demand charge decision delayed

Regulators want to wait for the conclusion of a value of solar docket to reform incentive policies, but politics remains a constant distraction.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 15, 2016

New Jersey to roll out $1M to fund community microgrid feasibility studies

The state will fund several community microgrid feasibility studies, to the tune of $1 million in a first round of funding. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Stem secures $100M in financing to fuel battery deployment

Borrowing from the financing models that helped propel solar growth, some storage companies are using financial engineering to offer customers no-cost-down financing options for battery installations. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 12, 2016

SolarCity trims solar installation expectations in wake of Tesla merger bid

An expected slowdown in installations is partially due to a focus on profitability over growth after Tesla offered to buy the installer. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law

The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison

The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016

SolarCity backs Arizona utility regulator Robert Burns for upcoming election

The move could mark a return to public political battles over solar policy, most of which had been confined to back rooms this year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 10, 2016

If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption

Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016