Why natural gas supply will be crucial in preventing winter power outages

Grid operators say enhanced coordination and upgraded operational tools will be tested in keeping gas-fired plants online through the coldest months.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Toshiba ships turbine for NET Power supercritical CO2 carbon capture plant

The demonstration plant will use a novel technique to capture carbon that NET Power hopes to scale up to commercial operation within the decade. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2016

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

MISO files 3-year auction plan for retail choice areas to meet long-term demand

Due to shrinking reserve margins, parts of Illinois and Michigan can no longer rely on excess capacity to meet demand, according to the grid operator. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Report: Bankrupt coal companies find ways to back state, federal candidates

Four companies in bankruptcy or recently exited have given almost $1 million through PACs, according to the Miami Herald.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

NRC denies Vermont's petition for oversight of Yankee nuke decommissioning

Vermont had requested oversight of the decommissioning, saying funds were at risk of being prematurely depleted. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 1, 2016

CAISO: Western EIM benefits surpass $100M since 2014

Profits for the third quarter this year came in at $26.16 million, $2 million more than the previous quarter. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

Fort Calhoun becomes 5th US nuke to shut down in 5 years

States are turning to a mix of renewables, natural gas and even coal to replace retiring nuclear generation.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

Report: Exelon's new Illinois nuclear subsidy bill recalls New York program design

Exelon's plan to save Illinois nuclear plants reportedly incorporates a social cost of carbon in determining subsidies, similar to a program in New York designed to skirt federal jurisdiction. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2016

Utah regulators approve shuttering Kennecott's 3 coal units ahead of schedule

A nine-year agreement between Rocky Mountain Power and Rio Tinto Kennecott aims to provide customer savings and cleaner air by shutting down the units.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2016

PNM withdraws plans for New Mexico gas plant, pipeline after lower demand forecast

The utility said the proposed gas plant and pipeline were no longer necessary due to lower energy demand. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2016

Looking to 'get ahead' of coal ash issues, utilities support bill for stronger state oversight

Utilities are throwing their weight behind an amendment that would give states a bigger role in regulating coal ash disposal.  

By Shalina Chatlani • Oct. 28, 2016

US to unveil decarbonization strategy during Morocco climate talks next month

The historic Paris climate accord comes into force in November after the necessary amount of countries ratified it this month. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2016

Exxon, Fuel Cell Energy to test new carbon capture tech at Southern Co. plant

The project will test a carbonate fuel cell that captures a portion of a coal plant's emissions as part of its generation process. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 28, 2016

PG&E requests 8-year rate increase to cover closing costs of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

The utility says the cost increases will be outweighed by future savings, but critics are skeptical. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2016

How new transmission can unlock 10 times more renewables for the Eastern U.S.

The Eastern Interconnect can handle 30% renewables within a decade, but hotly-contested power line construction will be key.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2016

Carlyle Group: Nuclear power needs subsidies to survive

But financial support for nuclear generation has run into challenges in some states, like New York. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2016

PJM, ISO-NE: Gas pipeline opposition could put power reliability at risk

As opponents ramp up attacks on new proposed gas pipelines, grid operators worry about availability of for generators fuel. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2016

Michigan energy choice bill could see lame duck vote following Chamber endorsement

The bill would amend utility planning processes, modestly increase the renewables mandate, and place new rules on alternative energy suppliers. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 26, 2016

Zombie wind and solar? How repowering old facilities helps renewables keep cutting costs

Wind and solar take a lot of space, but most often old facilities can simply be replaced with newer, more efficient technologies

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2016

BLM to host 5-state geothermal resource auction today

Almost 16,000 acres will be available, including a half dozen plots in Utah.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2016

What Trump and Clinton miss about clean coal and renewables subsidies

A deep dive into the facts reveals winners and losers on both side of the energy subsidy debate.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 25, 2016

Pennsylvania appellate court says PUC has narrower jurisdiction over net metering

A state appellate court upheld a ruling that said the PUC cannot alter rules for who qualifies for net metering programs.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 25, 2016

Entergy, Exelon defend FitzPatrick nuclear plant deal against suit

Arguments against the state's nuclear subsidy are not at issue in the sale, they told FERC.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2016

North Carolina regulators delay waste-to-energy mandate as utilities fall short again

Utilities blame slow technological advance as regulators put off the waste-to-energy deadline for the fifth time. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 24, 2016

Hawaiian Electric rolls out TOU rate pilot program

The utility is beginning to sign customers up for a rate program designed to incentivize the consumption of solar energy during midday hours.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2016