Arizona regulator seeks efficient path for 80% clean energy rule

Commissioner Andy Tobin proposed July 5 to merge his Arizona Energy Modernization Plan into the state's existing Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff framework.

By Robert Walton • July 7, 2018

California lawmakers push 100% clean energy bill closer to governor's desk

If approved by the California Assembly and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, the state would target 100% renewables and emissions-free energy by 2045.

By Robert Walton • July 6, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Electricity Supply and Demand

After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

By Utility Dive staff

Future of Minnesota Power gas plant uncertain after ALJ ruling

Administrative Law Judge Jeanne Cochran found the utility did not give enough consideration to alternatives such as wind and solar power, energy efficiency or even a small gas-fired peaking plant.

By Peter Maloney • July 5, 2018

Surging heat fuels power demand records in 3 US markets

PJM, NYISO and ERCOT hit July power demand records in the past week, but the real test for the Texas operator will come later in the summer, when demand is forecast to approach its reserve margin. 

By Gavin Bade • July 5, 2018

DOE funds fossil fuel generation cybersecurity, operational enhancements

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected 15 projects to receive $8.8 million in federal funding to develop "innovative technologies that enhance fossil energy power systems."

By Robert Walton • July 5, 2018

FERC rejects ISO-NE Mystic waiver, orders quick fuel security reforms

Regulators said ISO-NE's waiver request was too broad, but directed it to file a short-term cost recovery proposal for the natural gas plant, as well as broader market changes. 

By Gavin Bade • July 3, 2018

EPA finds 20 states don't need more ozone pollution reductions to be 'good neighbors'

The agency has proposed to conclude the 2016 Cross State Air Pollution Rule Update satisfies the "good neighbor" obligations in the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards, rather than updating the rule.

By Robert Walton • July 3, 2018

PG&E to replace 3 gas plants with world's biggest battery projects

The projects would eliminate the need to keep three Calpine plants running as reliability must-run resources and shore up congestion issues.

By Peter Maloney • July 3, 2018

NRC employees fear reprisals when raising issues, leaked commission study shows

The study, acquired by the Union of Concerned Scientists, shows employees at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fear a "negative consequence" for utilizing the agency's Differing Professional Opinion program.

By Robert Walton • July 3, 2018

As the power sector transforms, can utilities and customers find common ground on ratemaking?

Rates are based on rate case assumptions about a utility's revenue need, but different ways to calculate that can serve the utility or its customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 2, 2018

FERC rejects PJM capacity market reform proposals, seeks quick resolution

In a 3-2 decision, the commission rejected PJM Interconnection's proposals to address capacity market failures, and instead initiated an expedited paper hearing to expand the minimum offer price rule.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2018

Powelson to leave FERC deadlocked on gas pipelines, grappling with resilience

Republican FERC Commissioner Robert Powelson said Thursday he will leave in mid-August, giving more weight to the two Democratic members' opposition of natural gas pipeline certifications.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 29, 2018

Sempra to sell 2.6 GW renewable portfolio, gas storage assets

The divestitures mark the start of a three-phase effort to "optimize" the company's business portfolio and come amid increasing pressure from activist investors.

By Peter Maloney • June 29, 2018

South Carolina cuts SCE&G rate 15%, imperils proposed Dominion-SCANA merger

The ball is in Dominion's court after the South Carolina legislature voted to cut rates and soften the blow from the failed V.C. Summer nuclear project.

By Peter Maloney • June 28, 2018

Assuring grid reliability in California — a view from Commissioner Randolph

A decade and a half after the energy crisis, market behavior and a changing portfolio have triggered new moves to ensure California has enough affordable generation to meet demand.

By Liane M. Randolph • June 28, 2018

GE streamlines focus on renewables, gas turbines and power services

The global conglomerate is searching for the sweet spot for its gas turbine business, intending to sell its distributed power unit and its interest in oil services.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2018

Perry stays vague on DOE's coal and nuclear bailout progress

Energy Secretary Rick Perry told reporters that details and a timeline for following the president's directive aimed at saving struggling coal and nuclear plants were not ready to be shared yet.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 26, 2018

Fuel cost risk sharing order for Hawaiian Electric seen as 'landmark' clean energy driver

The risk sharing between HECO and its customers is capped at $2.5 million per year to protect the utility from "significant unanticipated increases in fuel prices," while prodding it to reduce prices and fuel use.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2018

Amid national debate over grid security, NERC says reliability is improving

A new report from the electric reliability organization points out that the U.S. grid bounced back in record time after being hit by a pair of Category 5 hurricanes last year.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2018

PJM: Capacity Performance rules improved generator results, though less for coal and oil

The grid operator compared two high-demand periods in the PJM Interconnection, to see if new generator rules have made an impact.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2018

New York unveils roadmap to 1.5 GW storage by 2025

The state has considerations underway to set a more ambitious long-term energy storage target for 2030.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 21, 2018

Exelon, First Solar back bipartisan national carbon tax plan

Exelon has already contributed $1 million to the proposal, which would replace carbon regulations with a tax that would ultimately result in a monthly dividend returned to all Americans, according to Axios.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2018

'Restructured' by any other name would smell as sweet

On the subject of energy markets and their functioning, there's no free market electricity competition, with or without the Trump administration's baseload power supply subsidy plan, former FERC Commissioner Tony Clark writes.

By Tony Clark • June 21, 2018

Republicans tout tax law success in hearing on energy sector impacts

While Republican witnesses cited increased wages, capital expenditures and company growth from the recent changes to the tax code, the lone Democrat witness said the bulk of the benefits are bypassing the middle class.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2018

DOE: Puerto Rico has plenty of options for new generation

A new report on options for rebuilding the island's grid recommends considering a wide range of renewables and alternative fuels, an expansion of liquefied natural gas imports, microgrids and energy storage.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2018