Senators defend state energy policies in confirmation hearing for FERC, DOE nominees

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle told Trump energy nominees that the federal government should not preempt state policies on nuclear and renewables in a wide-ranging hearing Thursday morning.

By Gavin Bade • May 26, 2017

Report: Bechtel, Fluor interested in taking over Vogtle nuke construction

Toshiba’s nuclear development subsidiary Westinghouse Electric filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March, throwing the future of two nuclear projects into question. 

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2017

Missouri Senate to consider bill proposing lower rates for aluminum smelter

Lawmakers will take up a bill allowing regulators to adjust the rates of an aluminum smelting plant and possibly open the door for future rate negotiations with Ameren's industrial customers. 

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2017

Southern CEO: Decision on Vogtle's fate not likely until late summer

The utility previously said it would reach a decision on whether or not to proceed with construction on the nuclear plant by June.

By Peter Maloney • May 26, 2017

Report: EPA has early draft of Clean Power Plan rollback

The draft reportedly focuses on EPA's authority to rescind the Obama-era rule, but the agency has not made a decision on whether to replace it with a less-stringent carbon regulation. 

By Robert Walton • May 25, 2017

Investors lean on Southern Co. to tackle business risks of climate change

A shareholder proposal for more carbon-related disclosures from the utility received 46% of votes. It didn't pass, but a similar measure last year only got 34% of shareholder support.

By Robert Walton • May 25, 2017

Colorado regulators seize the climate fight in landmark ruling on carbon costs

The PUC's March decision is the first application of the Obama administration's social cost of carbon in utility resource planning. 

By Herman K. Trabish • 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

FPL plans to shutter St. Johns River coal plant, modernize older gas facility

It is the third coal plant Florida Power & Light will phase out in two years as the utility transition to a natural-gas heavy portfolio. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

Senate committee set to grill Trump's FERC nominees

The Thursday hearing is likely to feature questions on integrating state goals like RPS policies and nuclear subsidies into wholesale power markets. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

Ohio lawmakers mull perpetual subsidy for OVEC coal plants

Unlike other plant subsidy issues in Ohio, there may be broad support for keeping two plants online which have been operating since the mid-1950s.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 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

Westinghouse locks out union workers at nuclear reactor parts factory

Disruptions at the New Hampshire factory, which makes parts for the AP1000 reactor, could further complicate construction of the Vogtle and Summer nuclear plants. 

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2017

Westinghouse reaches deal to tap $800M in loans during bankruptcy

The firm assured the court that the debtor in possession financing would not be used for the company’s overseas operations, which have not been placed into bankruptcy.

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2017

Updated: Trump budget pushes EPA, DOE cuts, divestment from federal power assets

The White House's official budget proposal would cut the EPA 31%, nearly eliminate the DOE's renewable energy office and lease federally-owned transmission lines to private companies. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

PJM capacity auction: 2 Exelon nukes fail to clear as DR reels from new performance rules

New capacity performance standards helped push demand response offerings down 17%. Meanwhile, the Quad Cities and Three Mile Island plants continue to struggle. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

Facing quorum shortfall, Trump taps 3 nominees for Nuclear Regulatory Commission

With two seats empty, the NRC could be without a quorum if one of President Trump's nominations is not confirmed by July.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

EIA: Air conditioners make up 18% of annual household electrical use

According to EIA data, monthly home electricity consumption typically peaks in July and August when temperatures and cooling demand are the highest. 

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2017

PPL shareholders pass resolution for climate strategy assessment

The non-binding proposal, passed last week, expresses concern that PPL is "not properly accounting for the risk of its current high reliance on carbon-intensive generation."

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2017

Report: May heat spiked power prices in several regions in one day

Several grid operators saw real-time prices spike to triple digits one day last week. 

By Robert Walton • 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

Power & Gas Index: Wholesale electricity and natural gas price trends across the US

The Utility Dive Power & Gas Index, updated monthly, highlights the close relationship between electricity and gas markets in the US.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2017

Power & Gas Index: Enjoy the shoulder season — natural gas prices are about to rise

Coal generation may get a temporary boost, but the long-term future remains dim.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2017

Report: Vistra Energy in talks to purchase fellow generator Dynegy

An acquisition would create one of the largest independent power producers in the country, with more than 46 GW of capacity.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • May 22, 2017

FirstEnergy keeps pressure on for passage of Ohio nuclear subsidy bill

Ohio lawmakers last week suspended hearings on a bill to support two of the company's struggling Ohio nukes.

By Peter Maloney • May 22, 2017