5 drivers making 100% renewables possible

A new paper offers companies and governments a toolkit to implement five transformative opportunities and reach big renewables targets.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

Entergy Louisiana will reduce solar remuneration after hitting net metering cap

Other Louisiana utilities expected to hit the cap soon, leaving the state's solar future in doubt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

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

How remote microgrid systems are driving capacity growth for the sector

Microgrids in areas far from the traditional utility grid are driving rapid growth in capacity. But while the value proposition behind the projects may be simple, execution is anything but.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2015

How NRG is testing the next step of energy storage: Vehicle-to-grid integration

NRG EVgo and University of California, San Diego are testing out electric vehicle batteries on UCSD's microgrid as an energy storage option. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2015

Bill Gates heads largest ever public-private partnership to fund clean energy

The "Breakthrough Energy Coalition" includes more than two dozen investors from around the globe, focused on backing innovative energy technologies.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 1, 2015

New trouble for NextEra merger as regulators slam Hawaiian Electric power supply plan

Unless NextEra offers a better plan, and fast, observers say the takeover bid could be in jeopardy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

Tesla competitor Sonnenbatterie unveils community solar-storage system

The German company says its new solar-storage-control system will make conventional utilities obsolete.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2015

SolarCity leaves TASC, denies split with advocacy partner Sunrun

The leading U.S. solar installer is moving to the Energy Freedom Coalition of America for broader advocacy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 25, 2015

12 charts that show the state of the US clean energy revolution

A new DOE report highlights deployment and price trends for five key technologies in the clean energy revolution.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 24, 2015

Despite green outcry, CPUC approves SoCal Edison gas & storage plans

The California Public Utilities Commission approves 57 of 63 of controversial SoCal Ed procurement contracts, but sees room for improvment in the "all-source RFO process."

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 24, 2015

Siemens, RWE team up to develop mass-market virtual power plant

The two companies will expand on a 2010 virtual power plant pilot, which included combined heat and power systems, hydro units and backup power, to include a wider range of resources. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 24, 2015

Kauai co-op files plans for community shared renewables with Hawaii regulators

The plan calls for up to 3 MW of shared renewables currently priced from $0.101/kWh to $0.145/kWh.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 23, 2015

Montana utility withdraws bid for residential demand charge for DER customers

Montana Dakota Utilities withdrew its residential demand charge request, but still wants higher fixed charges and a boost in volumetric rates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 23, 2015

The top 5 trends in distributed energy policy and rate design

From coast to coast, regulators are focused on net metering and rate design considering distributed resources, but analysts warn that such issues are "just the tip of the iceberg." 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 23, 2015

Major solar installer advocates expiration of solar investment tax credit

The extension of the 30% federal tax credit is not needed for the continued health of the industry, Sunnova's CEO wrote to congressional leaders this week.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 20, 2015

The future of rate design: Why the utility industry may shift away from fixed charges

A focus on fixed charges is giving way to more comprehensive rate structures for utilities, but big questions loom on the horizon for regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2015

United Illuminating plans 2.2 MW microgrid for Connecticut town

The 2.2 MW microgrid project will complete the utility's commitment to build 10 MW of renewable generation under Connecticut’s Renewable Connections Program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

WGL plots $200M, 150 MW distributed solar investment in 2016

"The future of energy requires the integration of renewable resources," said WGL Energy President Sanjiv Maha.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

AES deploys new 10 MW battery it touts as Maryland's largest

The battery storage installation will offer flexible storage for ancillary and other grid services in the PJM market. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

Oregon saddles up to implement trailblazing energy storage mandate

Oregon's mandate is the second in the nation, but novel in the guidance it gives to regulators on how to value storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

Time-of-use rates can shape customer usage, cut pollution and costs, experts agree

Retail electricity rates tied to hourly wholesale power market costs could shape consumer usage, executives told Platts last week.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

In a bid to reimagine power delivery, TFC Utilities buys GridPoint

Formed earlier this year, Twenty First Century Utilities LLC wants to transform regulated utilities through the mass adoption of clean, low cost energy technologies. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015

Smart EV charger tested by Michigan researchers can be mini-microgrid in outages

University researchers in Michigan are working on technology to transform an electric vehicle charging stations into an extension of the grid.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2015

Rocky Mtn Power will compare cost to serve solar customers before fixed charge decision

Utah regulators want more information on the costs and benefits of distributed generation before a decision on fixed charges. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 16, 2015

Comcast launches energy offerings in 4th state, with more to come

The company, in partnership with Crius Energy, is on track with plans to enter the Texas market next month.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2015