Washington regulators examine cost of closing Puget Sound coal facilities

The two facilities, located in Montana, have been running since the 1970s.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

In new twist, Hunt Consolidated now in the lead to acquire Oncor

It now appears that Hunt Consolidated has momentum amongst a group of companies looking to acquire the largest utility in Texas.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

AEP: PJM market changes create challenging environment for generators

During the company's second quarter earnings call company officials lamented “11th hour” decisions by regulators that pose a risk to the generator.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

Analysts: Exelon, Dynegy to be biggest beneficiaries of new PJM market rules

New rules could mean big payouts for generators in PJM's market, but failure to supply promised capacity could also bring significant fines.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

House passes bill to weaken EPA coal ash rule

The bill gives states, rather than the EPA, authority to permit and enforce regulations on how coal ash is secured.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

The bill calls for more energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's electric system, diversifying resource supply and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Utility-scale solar is significantly cheaper than rooftop. Does that make it better?

The cost numbers don't lie, but critics say they don't tell the whole story of rooftop solar's value.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Hewlett-Packard and Amazon Web Services join list of corporate buyers of wind

Big private sector names move to renewables to hedge against fossil fuel price volatility.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Key senate committee approves wind tax credit extension

After approval from the Finance Committee, the tax package must win support from the full congress. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Clean energy groups, Xcel Energy battle over future of Minnesota coal facility

The utility wants to continue operating units 1 and 2 at its Sherburne County Generating Station, while clean energy advocates say it can be retired with minimal impact.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Ohio efficiency, renewables mandates may return after last year's freeze

But lawmakers are currently debating the appropriate levels, and some elected officials want to do away with the targets entirely.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Assessing the costs and benefits of distributed energy to the grid of the future

The Electric Power Research Institute is working to perfect a method to calculate distribute energy’s costs and benefits for all stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Construction on 700 MW Ohio gas plant signals major fuel transition

Half a dozen new gas plants are coming online in the near future in the state. 

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Renewables account for 70% of generation adds in first 6 months of 2015

18 new wind projects and more than 500 MW of large solar meant renewables outpaced gas additions.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

House GOP unveils broad energy bill, nixes Berkshire's PURPA proposal

Along with other controversial language, lawmakers stripped a proposal to end most utilities' obligations to purchase from smaller generators.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Study: Recession, not coal's decline, reduced US emissions 2007-2013

Coal may provide CO2 reductions in the future, but so far the economy has played a much bigger part.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Small modular nuclear plants moving ahead, but slowly

The first small modular reactor may not be online for almost a decade, but after that the proliferation could be much more rapid.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

SC regulators approve final deal between Duke, solar installers

Duke will begin expanding its South Carolina solar portfolio with a 53 MW RFP.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

PPL spinoff Talen buys 2,500 MW of gas capacity

Talen Energy will pay $1.175 billion for three gas-fired facilities in New York, Massachusetts and Arizona.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

Inside Hawaii's landmark regulatory proceeding to value distributed resources

Phase 1 of the tumultuous proceeding has brought only 'general disagreement' among stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

Court throws out second Oklahoma challenge to Clean Power Plan

For the second time, a federal judge has rejected a challenge to new emissions standards, saying parties must wait for the regulations to be finalized.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

Exelon, Duke, Dominion will seek to extend nuke plant licenses to 80 years

New facilities are initially licensed for 40 years, but utilities are considering operating them twice that time in an effort to meet greenhouse gas regulations.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2015

In New England, generators are boosting efficiency to add capacity

The result may be lower power prices in the region, according to the New England Power Generators Association.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2015

HECO launches community solar pilot project

Subscribers are expected to cut bills by 45% and HECO guarantees 80% of the savings.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2015

NV Energy wrestles with solar boom as state net metering cap looms

A new assessment shows the state's net metering cap could be reached sooner than anticipated. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2015