Colorado lawmakers eye bond markets to help stranded coal assets

Proposed legislation would help to refinance retiring coal plants, lowering customer repayments and generating funds to assist communities.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

EPA to review MATS rule limiting mercury emissions from coal plants

The White House asked the D.C. Circuit Court to delay an oral argument on the rules scheduled for next month, mirroring previous moves to review Obama-era regulations.  

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

FERC chair outlines three paths for power market reforms ahead of technical conference

Without a negotiated solution to generation subsidy issues, acting Chair Cheryl LaFleur fears states may back themselves into an unplanned re-regulation of their power markets. 

By Gavin Bade • April 19, 2017

EIA: Natural gas will be top generation source this summer

A cooler forecast will also likely lead to lower power demand, as gas retakes its place as the top fuel.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

PJM delays planned closure of New Jersey coal plant again

Transmission constraints prompted the delay, and the plant will be closed once those are resolved, PJM Interconnection officials said. 

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

Is the EPA shutting down its Chicago office?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says no, but rumors still abound with some saying closing the regional office would hurt the monitoring Midwestern coal plants.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

MISO planning auction clears 135 GW of resources

All local resource zones in the MISO footprint cleared at $1.50/MW per day. The grid operator also said it continues to support state-directed resource adequacy planning.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2017

ISO-NE proposes two-part capacity auctions to handle subsidized generation

The ISO's proposal is meant to allow the entry of significant subsidized resources into the market while preserving price formation for unsubsidized plants. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

The great capacity market debate: Which model can best handle the energy transition?

Cheap natural gas and generation subsidies have exposed vulnerabilities in capacity and energy-only market constructs. Can grid operators preserve reliability and maintain fair prices for consumers and generators alike?

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

Is grid defection still a threat to the utility business model?

Three studies debate solar-plus-storage economics, but all agree the technology will disrupt the power sector.

By Peter Maloney • April 18, 2017

SoCal Edison, GE complete first hybrid gas-storage turbine

The 10 MW/4.3 MWh battery and gas turbine system will provide fast-start and ramping services, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions in Southern California Edison's service territory.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017

EPA to review toxic discharge rule for coal plants

The Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines sought to cut toxic heavy metals discharged into lakes and rivers.

By Robert Walton • April 18, 2017

Arizona Public Service's long-range plan still leans heavily on gas

After taking heat for its plans to increase natural gas generation, APS still expects to rely on the resource to meet demand over the next 15 years.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

Microsoft, PSE draft settlement allowing the tech giant to buy green energy on open markets

The deal includes a $23.6 million "transition fee" that would go back to Puget Sound Energy customers.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

Ohio power auctions for DP&L, Duke Energy clear above $50/MWh

Despite coal retirements and a shift toward gas generation, clearing prices in DP&L auctions have remained above levels seen in 2013. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

SoCal Edison in talks to resolve lawsuit challenging San Onofre fuel storage plan

A plan to expand interim dry cask storage at the San Onofre nuclear plant has been tied up in court for two years.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Siding with Trump, DC Circuit Court puts EPA ozone rule case on hold

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a request by the White House to delay the fight over Obama-era smog restrictions.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Coal giant Peabody searches for owner to save Navajo plant in Arizona

The Navajo plant is the sole customer of Peabody's Kayenta mine, which will close along with the generating station in 2019 if a new owner does not step in.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Westinghouse bankruptcy could grind US nuclear sector to a halt

The contractor's financial woes could sink the Vogtle and Summer plants and "doom" new nuclear construction in the U.S.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

As New York rejects gas pipeline, developer raises reliability concerns

National Fuel Gas CEO Ronald Tanski warned the state that utilities could run short of gas if regulators don't stop denying pipeline permits.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

Portland commits to 100% economywide renewable energy by 2050

Portland and Multnomah County want to meet all electricity needs with renewable power by 2035 and then shift all remaining sectors to renewables by 2050.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

With new group, Pennsylvania nuclear critics look to 'get ahead' of subsidy proposal

Pennsylvania lawmakers have yet to draft a bill to subsidize the state's five nuclear plants, but generators and business groups are still organizing to stop them. 

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

'America's Greece' and its insolvent electric utility

Former Puerto Rico Sen. Ramón Luis Nieves calls for an energy revolution to transform the island's ailing utility.

By Ramón Luis Nieves • April 11, 2017

'Enabler of the smart city': CPS Energy's CEO on democratizing distributed energy

Electric utilities have a central role to play in spreading the energy technologies that make smart cities possible, Paula Gold-Williams, CEO of San Antonio's municipal utility, told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2017

Chicago to power city-owned buildings with 100% renewable energy

Chicago will purchase renewable energy credits, buy wind and solar from utilities and invest in on-site generation to offset power demand from 900 buildings. 

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2017