Consistent change: How utility professionals view the evolving power mix

The new resource mix will meet federal regulations and state mandates with wind and solar supported by natural gas and DERs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 29, 2016

Pennsylvania PUC dubious over Ohio plant subsidy case

New stories that Pennsylvania regulators are keeping a close watch on subsidy proposals in neighboring Ohio have brought a restrained, but pointed, response from American Electric Power.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 29, 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

Supreme Court skeptical Maryland state subsidies didn't overstep FERC jurisdiction

Most of the eight Supreme Court justices appeared convinced a state subsidy program in Maryland oversteps into federal power markets.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 29, 2016

Oregon GOP, Dems squabble on clean energy bill to end coal imports, boost renewables

But a Republican walkout in the Senate and delay tactics in both houses may not be enough to stop the measure, which would end Oregon's coal-fired electricity imports.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 29, 2016

Dynegy, Energy Capital pair up for $3.3B deal to buy 8,731 MW of fossil fuel plants

Dynegy and Energy Capital Partners inked a joint venture to acquire 8,731 MW of capacity owned by French utility Engie SA, located in ERCOT, PJM, and ISO-New England

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2016

Two Colorado utilities propose natural gas investments, but critics say consumers could foot the bill

Black Hills Energy and Xcel Energy have both requested authority from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to invest in natural gas reserves.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2016

No longer neutral, Nevada sides with states opposing the Clean Power Plan

Nevada, previously on the sidelines of the Clean Power Plan lawsuits, has filed an amicus brief in the D.C. Federal Court of Appeals announcing the state will "push back on unaccountable federal agencies."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2016

Congressional bipartisan group introduces carbon capture bill in House

The bill would incentivize deployment capture carbon dioxide equipment at coal plants, for use in enhance oil production.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2016

Wind energy broke records across central US in late February

Grid operators for ERCOT, MISO, and SPP are all handling wind penetrations that top 40%. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 25, 2016

States go back to Supreme Court for second bite at blocking MATS

The high court rejected the air pollution rules on technical grounds last year, but a lower court ruling has allowed the EPA to continue enforcing the rules.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 25, 2016

MISO: Exelon, Dynegy propose capacity market reforms in southern Illinois

Dynegy and Exelon told the Midcontinent Independent System Operator that planning cycles should extend multiple years in order to send appropriate price signals.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2016

AEP wants FERC to stay out of Ohio plant subsidy proceeding

American Electric Power wants federal regulators to keep out of an Ohio proceeding where the state is considering shifting financial risk to consumers in order to keep several coal plants operating.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2016

New York PSC forges ahead with second plan to save Entergy's Fitzpatrick nuclear plant

But it may be too little, too late, as the Entergy has repeatedly said it will close the nuclear facility in 2017, which will eliminate about 600 jobs in the state.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2016

ISO-NE: Emissions rose after Vermont Yankee nuclear facility closed

The closure of Entergy's 604-MW Vermont Yankee in late 2014 led to a bump in New England's emissions, said the region's grid operator.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 24, 2016

Nuclear industry in limbo after Clean Power Plan freeze

Carbon-free nuclear generation will help the United States reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but with the Clean Power Plan stayed, the industry is finding it difficult to plan ahead. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 24, 2016

Supreme Court set to hear state-federal power market jurisdiction case today

Conservative Justice Antonin Scalia's death makes it difficult for experts to predict how the Supreme Court will lean. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 24, 2016

NY Sen. Schumer rejects calls to immediately close Indian Point nuke

Following reports the nuclear facility is leaking contaminated water, some environmental and health groups called for immediately mothballing the plant. But that would raise power prices in the region up to 40%, said New York Sen. Charles Schumer.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 23, 2016

ERCOT sets another wind record, with over 14 GW serving 45% of system load

Over 45% of the system load for the Texas grid operator was served by wind-generated electricity on Feb. 18. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 23, 2016

Opponents challenge federal expansion under Clean Power Plan

Opponents of the Clean Power Plan have filed their initial briefs in a D.C. circuit court, setting off the next round of battles over federal government's efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from existing generators.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 23, 2016

Taming the Wild West: CAISO begins study of a full regional electricity market

The California ISO is beginning a landmark study on whether a regional grid will ease the state's transition to 50% renewables by 2030. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 22, 2016

South Carolina lawmakers lobby for stronger restrictions on coal ash disposal

Any utility disposing of coal ash in South Carolina would be required to utilize Class 3 landfill under legislation moving quickly through the state's capitol.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2016

New Hampshire bill resists Eversource bid to rate base gas pipeline investments

Eversource Energy has asked regulators for authority to buy and sell gas from the planned Access Northeast project it is developing along with Spectra and National Grid.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2016

DOE targets eastern Idaho as possible site for small nuclear reactors

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems has been granted a site use permit to consider locations within the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2016

EPA cites 12 counties for exceeding SO2 standards under NAAQS regulation

12 counties were issued non-attainment designations under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and 23 were declared unclassifiable in the agency's latest release on pollution levels resulting largely from coal power plants.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 19, 2016

Duke Energy's plan for new gas generation 'problematic,' NC regulatory staff says

A new gas-fired facility is planned to come online in eight years, but staff of the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission are questioning whether technological advances in the power industry will make the plan necessary.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2016