FERC staff: Atlantic Coast Pipeline should move forward despite environmental impacts

The 600-mile gas line would have some environmental harms, but the staff report said most could be mitigated to "less-than-significant levels."

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2017

Spectra delays Access Northeast natural gas pipeline

The energy company is reconsidering how to finance the $3 billion project following a court ruling preventing utilities from charging customers for the pipeline.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2017

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

New York PSC rejects challenges to nuclear subsidy program

Regulators said they would not grant a rehearing on the nuclear supports, but would look again at eligibility issues for other zero-carbon resources. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 29, 2016

North Carolina project breaks ground to power state with animal waste

Carbon Cycle Energy has begun work on a $100 million project to turn swine waste into pipeline-quality gas.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2016

Florida Power & Light prepares to shutter Cedar Bay coal plant New Year's Eve

The move highlights FPL's strategy of purchasing coal plants with a goal toward retirement. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2016

NRG completes conversion of 4 coal plants to burn natural gas

The company said "power economics" spurred the conversion of nearly 3,000 MW of generation. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2016

How the Illinois energy reform 'fixed' the state's RPS, promising a renewables boom

A convoluted renewables standard stalled investment for years, but the new law aims for over 4 GW of wind and solar through a streamlined program.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 22, 2016

Georgia regulators strike deal over Vogtle nuclear construction costs

Georgia Power will accept a lower return on equity for project financing costs and construction, and agreed to meet project deadlines.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2016

Kansas regulatory staff recommends rejection of Great Plains-Westar merger

Staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission cited financial risk to customers in their filing, which could scuttle the merger if approved by commissioners. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 22, 2016

ERCOT: Cold front spurs new winter demand, wind generation records

Demand reached almost 58,000 MW for an hour this week, besting the previous winter peak set almost five years ago.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2016

Obama signs water bill that includes provisions for coal waste management

The measure allows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to permit state coal ash disposal plans.  

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2016

DOE commits $2B to Louisiana carbon capture project

Lake Charles Methanol LLC would be the world’s first methanol production facility to employ carbon capture technology.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2016

Platts: Higher gas prices could boost coal generation next year

Gas prices are expected to rise significantly next year, Platts reports. But renewable energy could snag a bigger share as well.   

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2016

MISO integrates first solar project into its wholesale market

The Midcontinent ISO has many solar arrays, but only North Star is currently participating in its wholesale market.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 21, 2016

How Microsoft and a Wyoming utility designed a data center tariff that works for everyone

Collaboration on corporate rate design makes Black Hills Energy "a banner for what utilities should be," but work remains to be done on renewables procurement. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2016

Renewables challenge natural gas plants on price in latest Lazard analysis

Wind and solar are now well within the cost range of combined cycle plants, but still need generators or storage to support them on the grid.  

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2016

EPA withdraws draft carbon trading model from agency review

But the draft trading rules will be available to the public, giving a glimpse of how the CPP might have worked. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2016

NextEra poised to operate 16.2 MW battery storage at Maine oil plant

The 16.2-MW project has a direct connection to the New England grid.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2016

Second time the charm? Washington Gov. Inslee proposes new $25 carbon tax in budget

Voters rejected a carbon tax in last month's election, but the governor included a similar proposal in a draft of the state's two-year budget plan. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2016

Greens protest Portland General Electric's plans to replace retired coal unit with natural gas

Environmental groups say the retrofit violates the spirit of a plan approved earlier this year to end fossil fuel use.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2016

Sky's the limit? Reducing wind energy costs through increased turbine size

A new Berkeley Lab study shows significant potential for further turbine scaling, write LBNL researchers. 

By Ryan Wiser, Joachim Seel, Bentham Paulos, Maureen Hand • Dec. 19, 2016

Proposed Massachusetts air regulations target 80% decarbonization by 2050

The new rules would require utilities to source 80% of their power from non-emitting resources by midcentury and limit GHGs from transport and fossil fuel extraction.

By Robert Walton, Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2016

Trump election throws wrench in California ISO plan for western power market

State leaders across the region want to see Trump's energy priorities before forging on toward a full ISO.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

Strange rumblings at PowerGen: Coal use could persist

New technologies and looser regulations could help coal, attendees at PowerGen said last week, but many utilities have already made other generation plans.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016

Two dozen states ask Trump to scrap Clean Power Plan on Day 1

It was a campaign promise of President-elect Donald Trump. Now 24 states want him to act on his first day in office.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2016