How many billionaires does it take to get a geothermal storage facility underway?

A clean energy fund led by Bill Gates has invested in the molten salt storage startup Malta, which raised $26 million in its first round of funding, spinning off from the private Alphabet X research lab.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 21, 2018

How policies can make or brake solar development in the Southeast

Third party financing can enable solar growth, but faces hurdles in several states. Some utilities are not compensating for solar's value on the grid and leveling charges specific to solar owners. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

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

In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018

New Mexico regulators approve PNM plan to phase out coal by 2031

PNM plans to replace the lost capacity largely with solar and natural gas, though storage could play a role as prices continue to drop.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 20, 2018

As 67 coal plants in 22 states report coal ash violations, greens fear prolonged cleanup

A number of environmental groups filed a petition for review against the Environmental Protection Agency and Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, fearing rollbacks on coal ash rules could extend the timeline for utility cleanup.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 20, 2018

Green groups press for McNamee recusal on FERC resilience docket

McNamee's work on coal and nuclear bailout plans show he has "prejudged central matters of law and fact that remain at issue," four environmental groups wrote. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2018

Energy groups pan NERC generation retirement report for 'extreme' assumptions

NERC officials said some regions may need "new market constructs" and "out-of-market constructs" to slow the pace of plant shutdowns, but renewable energy and gas groups say the study is misguided.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2018

DC passes 'most ambitious' mandate for 100% renewables by 2032

The bill would put Washington on track to hit 100% renewables nearly a decade before any state. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 19, 2018

New Jersey regulators hand third rejection to Atlantic City offshore wind pilot

The proposed Nautilus project would have been in state waters within three miles of the shore, as opposed to the farther projects that will be considered for the state’s upcoming 1.1 GW offshore wind solicitation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 19, 2018

Capacity pricing changes: How each power market plans to account for resource adequacy

While PJM's capacity market reform plans dominate headlines, all grid operators are facing the need for greater flexibility as renewables increasingly enter their system.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018

Dominion seeks to recover $300M from Virginia ratepayers for coal ash efforts

In an application to state regulators for the rate increase, the utility said its environmental efforts were essential to keep coal plants open.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018

New York Gov. Cuomo pledges 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040

The announcement comes days after the state Public Service Commission approved the third phase of its clean energy standard as well as a 3 GW energy storage goal.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2018

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020

Tax cuts are eating into utility cash flows, but are not deterring investments in capital spending.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

New Jersey regulators issue rules to rejoin RGGI carbon trading system

Gov. Phil Murphy, D, issued an executive order in January to rejoin the CO2 trading system, but it took months for state regulators to work out the details.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 18, 2018

We Energies' proposed solar pilots highlight limited state finance rules, group says

The utility's two proposals site rooftop solar projects at their commercial and industrial customers' facilities, but an array of groups in Wisconsin say customers won't be allowed to fully reap the benefits of the resource.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 17, 2018

Record-breaking $405M US offshore wind leasing auction shows 'bullish' interest

Three areas off the coast of Massachusetts each fetched bids of at least $135 million in the same area that failed to attract enough interest three years ago.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 17, 2018

Texas muni signs cheap solar contract 'below $25/MWh'

The exact PPA price was not released, but GTM Research noted it rivals other inexpensive solar deals signed recently in Texas.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 17, 2018

House to introduce carbon capture bill amid questions of tech viability

The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., received broad bipartisan support.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 14, 2018

New York sets 3 GW storage target, doubles efficiency goals for utilities

The Public Service Commission has set the most ambitious state energy storage target in the country, while also requiring investor-owned utilities to more than double their energy efficiency reductions by 2025.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2018

NERC: Winter preparedness initiatives will help keep lights on in northern US

A new analysis from the North American Electric Reliability Corp. finds most grid operators expect ample energy supplies this winter, but are also taking steps to ensure reliability.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2018

Glick blasts Chatterjee Clean Power Plan comments as not 'appropriate,' 'relevant'

Glick called Chatterjee’s input "faulty" and "not relevant to any discussion on whether the Clean Power Plan should be removed" because it focused criticism on the initial proposed version of the rule, not its finalized form.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2018

Senate Democrats press McNamee recusal on generation issues at FERC

A letter requesting McNamee recuse himself from issues "pitting one fuel source against another" was signed by every Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, except its incoming Ranking Member. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2018

Nearly all Georgia coal plants report groundwater pollution near ash ponds

Data reviewed by The Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice on 12 coal plants showed ash ponds near 11 contain unsafe levels of one or more pollutant, with 10 belonging to Georgia Power.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 13, 2018

As PacifiCorp and other analyses point to more coal shutdowns, replacement questions rise

A recent PacifiCorp analysis points to a growing trend among utilities, and analysts are watching to see how modeling and reliability issues can best be addressed as retirements continue.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2018

'Voluntary demand' for renewables pushes utilities to new technology, business models: Deloitte

As renewable energy growth accelerates, utilities are taking a more active role in embracing the enabling technology.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2018