DOE: Geothermal generation could reach 60 GW by 2050, with tech improvements

Geothermal electric generation capacity is expected to grow to 6 GW by 2050 — though there is the potential for much more, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Department of Energy.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2019

Are cities the Green New Deal's most viable frontier?

New York City and Los Angeles want to put a local spin on the national version — though the plans may be tricky to replicate.

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2019

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

Duke to accelerate Florida nuclear plant decommissioning by almost 50 years

If approved by federal and state regulators, the utility will decommission its previously retired Crystal River Nuclear plant by 2027.

By HJ Mai • May 31, 2019

Virginia denies Costco exit from Dominion service

State regulators said the company's exit would cost ratepayers $1.57 million annually as five other businesses have also asked to exit the incumbent utility's "excessive costs."

By Catherine Morehouse • May 31, 2019

Ohio House approves nuclear, coal subsidies, ditches renewables mandate

The legislation headed to the state Senate scraps utility clean-energy requirements established in 2008 while raising $190 million annually to bail out two FirstEnergy Solutions nuclear plants.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 30, 2019

To decarbonize US economy, C2ES foresees large corporate investments and maybe a carbon tax

The environmental nonprofit released three scenarios to reduce U.S. carbon emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, each driven by the fact that the power, transportation and building sectors are interlinked.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 30, 2019

Illinois mandates case-by-case coal ash site reviews as federal rules remain in flux

Governor J.B. Pritzker, D, signed a bill Tuesday directing the state's EPA to establish rules for how to clean up coal ash ponds in the state, which must meet the same health and groundwater standards as full excavation.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated July 31, 2019

Connecticut House saves net metering, for now, but green groups want more

A bill passed May 28 prolongs net metering and pauses a 2018 law that threatened to end the tariffs by the end of this year, but does little else to further clean energy in the state, critics say.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 30, 2019

Tri-State rebuffs Guzman Energy offer to replace 3 coal plants mostly with renewables

The power supplier for 43 rural electric co-ops is not interested in Guzman Energy's proposal to help rapidly decarbonize its system through a long-term power supply agreement.

By Robert Walton • Updated May 29, 2019

Securitization fever: Renewables advocates seize Wall Street's innovative way to end coal

New laws passed across the country allow customer-backed bonds to pay off stranded coal assets in favor of renewables, but utilities are hesitant.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 28, 2019

Florida county to perform extra groundwater monitoring at Waste Connections landfill

Following public outcry in recent weeks over the company's import of coal ash from Puerto Rico, Osceola County will pay for more testing than usual to allay concerns.

By Leia Larsen • Updated June 6, 2019

Ohio House advances nuclear subsidy bill, ditching renewable components

Proponents of the bill, which would give nearly $190 million a year to FirstEnergy Solutions' nuclear plants, are working to ensure the Republican vote is locked down as the legislation approaches a vote on the House floor.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 24, 2019

Senate targets nuclear, carbon capture support as pressure mounts for Republican climate response

While the Republican-led Senate is prioritizing baseload power generation and technologies that would clean up coal plants, both chambers are supporting energy storage.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 24, 2019

Carbon capture advocates, lawmakers call for effective 45Q tax credit implementation

Bipartisan legislation expanding the incentive for carbon capture technology became law more than a year ago, but so far companies have been unable to claim it.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2019

Senators launch bipartisan initiative on long term solutions to expiring energy tax credits

Finance Committee task forces are expected to produce options by the end of June that can be enacted this year while clean energy advocates are pushing to also give storage access to tax credits.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 21, 2019

Want to know if California can make zero emissions by 2045? Here's what to watch

To reach a zero emissions economy, California needs to eliminate natural gas by regionalizing the Western grid and coordinating local and state system planning.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 21, 2019

Xcel to close 2 coal plants, add 3 GW solar in settlement to acquire Mankato gas plant

The settlement over the purchase of a 720 MW natural gas plant was reached before the utility released its 2020-2034 draft resource plan, which includes extending operation of the Monticello nuclear plant through 2040.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 20, 2019

New Hampshire Gov Sununu vetoes bill that would quintuple net metering cap

Legislators passed a bill in May to increase the cap from 1 MW to 5 MW and will now need to pass the bill by a two-thirds margin, again, to override the governor's veto.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated June 4, 2019

DOE looking to save ailing Colstrip plant, fossil fuel chief tells Senate

"We're happy to work with Colstrip and see what opportunities there are to keep it open," Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy at the Department of Energy Steven Winberg told Sen. Steve Daines, R-MT.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 17, 2019

Solar, wind industries urge feds to smooth deployment kinks

Transmission, soft cost reductions and greater resource efficiency require federal investment to maximize technology growth, industry leaders told the House Subcommittee on Energy Wednesday.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 16, 2019

How arcane accounting rules could help save coal-heavy utilities

How fast utilities can refinance or securitize their coal assets (already underway in multiple states), and how much customers pay, depends heavily on depreciation.

By Ron Lehr • May 15, 2019

Florida approves TECO solar energy tariff, increasing access to green energy

As TECO works to develop the largest percentage of solar power of any Florida utility, its customers will be able to subscribe for a $0.063 per kWh charge to access 17.5 MW of solar.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 15, 2019

OG&E: Coal, cogen plant acquisitions to save customers millions by ending PURPA contracts

State regulators have approved Oklahoma Gas & Electric's application to purchase the 360 MW AES Shady Point plant near Poteau, Oklahoma, and the 146 MW Oklahoma Cogeneration facility in Oklahoma City.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2019

'Solar access' bill limits community solar potential in Nevada, critics warn

The bill limits solar providers outside the state's monopoly utility NV Energy from developing programs and doesn't require bill savings for all participants.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated June 5, 2019

Bankruptcies rack up in coal sector as past reserve investments catch up with industry

Cloud Peak Energy, which supplies almost 60 million tons of coal to utilities across the country, filed for bankruptcy Friday after being one of the last remaining coal companies in the country to have held on to its debt.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 14, 2019