Hawaiian Electric proposes major plan to import LNG as bridge to 100% renewables

Hawaiian Electric wants to import liquefied natural gas under a 20-year contract with Fortis, but the proposal is contingent on the state's approval of the utility's merger with NextEra Energy.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016

Massachusetts must do more to cut carbon emissions, state Supreme Court rules

The case is a win for Our Children’s Trust, a youth advocacy group making climate challenges around the country.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

North Carolina directs Duke to excavate all coal ash ponds, but decision may not be final

The Department of Environmental Quality also called on state legislators to amend the coal ash law, saying the deadlines it imposes are too tight to allow for adequate cleanup. 

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

EIA: Power sector CO2 emissions would be 25% higher in 2030 without Clean Power Plan

EIA estimates that 40 GW of coal generation that would otherwise retire would remain online through 2030 if the carbon regulations are struck down.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Sunrun teams with Tesla to install solar+storage for Hawaii's self-supply incentive

Billed at $0.19/kWh, the price of the solar and storage installation comes in well under Hawaii's average retail electric prices for residential customers. 

By Peter Maloney • May 18, 2016

FERC: Virtually all new electric capacity added in Q1 2016 was renewable

The United States added 18 MW of new gas generation in the first quarter of 2016. And a whole lot more renewables.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

North Carolina to release cleanup plans for Duke coal ash ponds

The DEQ report will classify Duke's coal ash ponds by risk severity, directing the utility to completely excavate the highest priority basins by August 2019.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

As New England emissions rise, Massachusetts struggles with changing power mix

The loss of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in 2014 has contributed to a rise in New England power plant emissions.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

California PUC proposes storage buy to deal with Aliso Canyon gas shortage

The CPUC released a draft decision last week that would require Southern California Edison to hold an expedited storage procurement process to help alleviate the electrical outage risk posed by the nation's worst-ever methane leak.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2016

Arkansas emissions drop below Clean Power Plan's 2030 targets

Emissions in 2015 included 30.1 million tons of carbon, down almost 25% in a year and lower than what the Clean Power Plan would require in 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

Report: California regulators poised to reject SoCalGas pipeline

Southern California Gas wants to construct a 65-mile pipeline to boost generator supply resiliency, but a California administrative law judge says there are better routes available.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

New England generators oppose Massachusetts hydropower import proposal

Massachusetts is looking to power imports for up to 2,400 MW, which regional generators in the U.S. say would raise power prices while exporting jobs and tax revenue.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

DOE pulls funding for Texas clean coal project

The decision likely kills the Texas Clean Energy Project, which had support from a wide range of backers, including some environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

Omaha Public Power plans to shutter nation's smallest nuclear plant

The board of the public power district could vote on the proposal to shutter the Fort Calhoun power plant next month, and the plant could cease operations by the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Updated: EPA finalizes methane rules for new oil and gas facilities

The new rule was decried by oil and gas companies but was welcomed by environmentalists, who have long pushed for stricter methane regulations.

By Gavin Bade • May 13, 2016

CFTC proposes to allow market actors to sue grid operators

The agency has proposed a clarifying amendment to exemptions grid operators received under the Commodities Exchange Act, saying it never intended to limit the ability of private parties to sue.

By Gavin Bade • May 12, 2016

Talen CEO condemns Ohio plant subsidies, remains mute on sale rumors

In its first quarter earnings call, Talen Energy President and CEO Paul Farr argued power subsidies in Ohio will impact wholesale markets while brushing off rumors that the company is nearing a deal with Riverstone Holdings LLC. 

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2016

Ohio PUC greenlights rehearing for FirstEnergy plant subsidy case

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio granted a rehearing in FirstEnergy's bid for power contracts that will guarantee income for some of its older power plants.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2016

An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

PJM defends market structure, cautions against state intervention in new report

A new report from the grid operator finds that its capacity market structure is functional — as long as state policies don't mess it up.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Fuel cells are a good partner for microgrids, but costs limit deployment

But as more microgrids are deployed, fuel cell costs could fall. 

By Peter Maloney • May 10, 2016