Indiana lawmakers reject generation moratorium aimed at saving coal

Debate over the generation moratorium corresponded with a lobbying campaign by out-of-state coal interests that supply fuel to Indiana generators, the Indianapolis Star reported.

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2019

Duke to resist North Carolina DEQ's 'disruptive' and 'expensive' coal ash excavation order

The utility plans to file an appeal with state regulators following an order which determined the only way to ensure Duke's coal ash is stored safely is to fully excavate all ponds.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 12, 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

Puerto Rico governor signs 100% renewable energy mandate

The law aims to replace imported oil, gas and coal, which today make up the brunt of the island's generation. 

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2019

Chicago becomes largest US city to commit to 100% clean energy

The city council voted unanimously on the resolution, which also calls for complete electrification of the city's bus fleet by 2040.

By Kristin Musulin • April 12, 2019

PJM won't delay capacity market order despite FERC impasse over rule changes

Last month PJM warned FERC that it was nearing a number of deadlines to prepare for the auction and needed a decision soon.

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2019

Hawaiian Electric targets nearly 1.4 GWh storage, 135 MW solar equivalent in latest solicitation

If approved by Hawaii regulators, the second phase of the utility's procurement plans would compensate for the planned closure of two fossil-fuel power plants and bring the state closer to its 100% renewable energy goal.

By HJ Mai • April 11, 2019

California utilities support centralized renewables procurement proposal, but urge caution

A California Administrative Law Judge issued the proposal in March after concluding that integrated resource plans filed by utilities and community choice aggregators would not reliably meet the state's climate goals. 

By Robert Walton • April 10, 2019

Maryland 50% RPS bill doubles offshore wind target, expands solar-carve out

The measure passed Monday by state legislators also allows waste-to-energy facilities to qualify for the renewable portfolio standard.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 22, 2019

New Jersey governor unveils portal to enhance state's offshore wind supply chain

As the state works to add 3,500 MW of offshore wind by 2030, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a free online registry to connect investors in offshore wind projects with New Jersey-based partners and suppliers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 10, 2019

DOE calls for large Puerto Rico gas plant as island targets 100% renewables

A gas generator 1.2 GW or larger would "greatly enhance" reliability and resilience, a senior agency official told lawmakers, but "could be at odds" with Puerto Rico's recently passed 100% renewables goal.

By Gavin Bade • April 9, 2019

Global energy demand sees biggest increase this decade, with gas the fuel of choice: IEA

The International Energy Agency's Global Energy and CO2 status report also found that renewables were the top means of meeting new electric power demand, though not enough to prevent a rise in global CO2 emissions.

By Robert Walton • April 9, 2019

Report: Los Angeles is top city for US solar use

After years of rapid growth, the U.S. now has enough solar to power one in 11 homes, according to Environment America.

By Jason Plautz • April 9, 2019

Montana reviews controversial coal-saving bill, passes community transition actions

The "Save Colstrip" legislation is expected to reach the House floor in the coming weeks, as the governor considers three more coal-related bills.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated April 9, 2019

'No chance' on making Duke absorb coal ash costs, North Carolina GOP says

A new bill to prohibit cost recovery from ratepayers follows a PUC ruling last week that Duke must fully excavate all its coal ash ponds, estimated by the utility to add $4-5 billion to the already $5.6 billion clean up.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 9, 2019

Ohio GOP lines up bill to save FirstEnergy nuclear plants

Draft language released last week would create an "Ohio clean air fund" that would direct $300 million in annual customer payments to the Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear plants.

By Gavin Bade • April 8, 2019

Montana Supreme Court upholds ruling that PSC intentionally set PURPA rates to kill solar projects

Solar developers sued state regulators and NorthWestern Energy after a commissioner was caught on tape admitting that cuts to compensation rates were likely deep enough to kill small solar projects.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Aug. 25, 2020

Bankruptcy judge turns back FirstEnergy reorganization plan

The company's deal with creditors would have shielded it from cleanup costs at 8 GW of retiring coal and nuclear plants, but the judge called it "patently unconfirmable."

By Gavin Bade • April 5, 2019

Indiana GOP advances coal rescue bill that would pause utility plant builds

House Republicans in the state are taking a novel approach to keeping coal plants online — preventing investment in their competitors.

By Gavin Bade • April 5, 2019

Floating solar offers unique bargains — U.S. utilities are missing out

Siting photovoltaics on water is proving reliable worldwide, and the PVs could meet almost 10% of U.S. electricity needs at market-competitive costs, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2019

Save coal plant and prevent forest fires? APS assesses biomass conversion at Arizona unit

The Arizona Corporation Commission last December adopted a policy to encourage power generation from forest biomass in an effort to address the risk of wildfires while also creating jobs.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 4, 2019

As Maine re-ups net metering, fight over solar tariffs brews in Connecticut

Connecticut last year quietly passed a law to end net metering and lawmakers are now struggling to find answers for the future of solar.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated April 4, 2019

NiSource report emphasizes safety after Massachusetts gas explosions, accelerates emissions targets

The utility said it has replaced over 430 miles of gas pipeline and plans to invest another $150 million to install shut-off devices on its low pressure systems after a series of deadly explosions in September.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 3, 2019

Federal judge blocks potential path to viability for 2.3 GW Navajo coal plant

Coal producer Peabody Energy, the Hopi Tribe and labor union United Mine Workers of America tried to add legal pressure onto the Central Arizona Project to ensure the coal-fired plant had a large buyer for its output.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 3, 2019

DTE accelerates carbon reduction efforts by 10 years

The utility announced plans to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2040 through phasing out its coal plants earlier and expanding investment in renewables and energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2019

Duke: North Carolina coal ash pond excavation order to cost up to $5B

Eight of 14 sites had been slated for excavation at a cost of $5.6 billion, but the fate of the remaining sites was unknown until Monday, when regulators ordered the final six sites excavate all their ponds.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 2, 2019