Ohio PUC approves AEP, FirstEnergy plant subsidy requests

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved requests to guarantee income for some aging nuclear and coal plants for American Electric Power and FirstEnergy, but modified the proposals to ensure rate stabilization for consumers. 

By Krysti Shallenberger, Gavin Bade • March 31, 2016

Report: EEI hired brand crisis consultant to improve utility industry's image

Facing growing criticism from environmentalists and other stakeholders, investor-owned utilities are looking for a way to change the conversation and win back customer trust and loyalty.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 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

Georgia Power to close half of its coal ash ponds in 2 years

Almost half of the waste reservoirs will be closed within 2 years, the utility said, and almost all will be mothballed within a decade.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2016

Ohio PUC to decide FirstEnergy, AEP plant subsidy cases today

Ohio regulators today will decide on income guarantees for a handful of power plants run by American Electric Power and FirstEnergy, the culimination of months of debate over the state's energy future.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2016

Industry experts worry over natural gas 'overbuild'

While conventional wisdom in some regions calls for more pipelines to feed gas generation, new questions are arising about federal regulators' willingness to approve projects and how many are really needed.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2016

ISO-NE: Solar capacity expanding faster than expected

A 2016 draft study of New England's energy needs shows 30% more solar power will be developed than predicted last year. State support and the U.S. Congress' extension of the investment tax credit has given a boost to developers.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2016

EPA files 1st defense of Clean Power Plan

The Clean Air Act, says regulators, provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with "well-established authority to abate threats to public health and welfare."

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2016

Oregon utility sues construction insurers for cost overruns on power plant

Portland General Electric is suing the two companies who insured Abiensa, which was developing the utility's Carty Generating Station. The cost of that project could rise 30%, and some of the costs could be pushed on ratepayers. 

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2016

Turtles, coral delay Puerto Rico utility's power plans to convert large plant

The island's largest power plant could be forced to shut down, and face almost $40,000 in daily fines.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2016

Regulatory delays push back Constitution Pipeline construction

The 124-mile Constutition Pipeline is planned to move gas from Pennsylvania to markets in New York, but developers say federal officials moved too slowly on tree-felling permits. 

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2016

In Supreme Court's second power case of 2016, renewable energy advocates are on edge

On paper, the case is about a natural gas plant. But how the U.S. Supreme Court rules a contract between Maryland and a power developer could have broader consequences on interstate markets and renewable energy development.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2016

Getting to 100% renewables: How Hawaii plans to get fossil fuels off the grid

In Hawaii, getting consensus around a 100% renewable energy mandate was the easy part. The hard part comes next.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2016

Critics demand more renewables in Minnesota Power's power plan

The utility should be able to reduce fossil fuel use below two-thirds of its generation, say clean energy advocates.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2016

Concerns over Oncor sale mount ahead of hearing this week

A proposed order would approve the deal, but also delay for two years decisions on how to address a tax windfall generated by the utility's restructuring.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2016

Opponents call for time on AEP plant subsidy decision

The Ohio Manufacturers' Association asked state regulators to delay a decision on American Electric Power's proposed power agreements until federal regulators have weighed in.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2016

Minnesota regulators submit broad outline for CPP compliance

The state has requested an extension, and the agency charged with developing a compliance strategy said despite a court's stay of the new rule it was moving ahead to complete its initial submittal.

By Robert Walton • March 22, 2016

Xcel Energy faces almost $500M in Prairie Island nuke upgrades

The investment could keep the plant operating past 2030, but the utility is also offering up decommissioning as an alternative.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2016

Leading edge: Hawaii utilities push storage, solar integration for 100% renewables mandate

Two innovative projects on the islands could provide lessons for power providers throughout the country.

By Peter Maloney • March 21, 2016

FERC: Low gas prices continue to push down power prices

But the country has restarted exports of liquefied natural gas, potentially giving a boost to demand and prices.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2016

Nuclear industry demands more 'efficient' decommissioning rules

Plants are spending more than $1 million per month on rules that should no longer apply, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2016

Report: MISO boosts coal retirement projections in recent CPP analysis

The grid operator for much of the United States Midwest also believes the renewable siting process needs updating, according to the report issued last week.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2016

Alevo inks deal for 8-MW storage project in Delaware

Alevo signs deal for 8-MW storage project in Delaware that will sell into PJM.

By Peter Maloney • March 18, 2016

Alaska bill looks to redirect power cost funds for energy efficiency, general fund

As a fund to subsidize higher power costs in rural Alaska reaches nearly $1 billion, lawmakers are considering ways to divert some earnings back into the state's general fund and renewable energy projects.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2016

Arizona utility to build 63 MW microgrid for on-demand data center

Designed to serve Aligned Data Center's new facility in Phoenix, Arizona Public Service's microgrid will utilize diesel generators and a heat-removal technology which reduces water use by 85%.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2016

EIA: Gas poised to knock out coal from top spot in 2016

This year for the first time, the U.S. Energy Information Administration believes gas-fired power will exceed coal's share of the generation mix.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2016