Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 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

Report: 42% of global coal capacity now unprofitable

United States coal plant owners could save $78 billion if utilities close down plants in line with the Paris climate agreement, according to a new analysis.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

Capital Dynamics, Tenaska to develop 2 GW of solar across the Midwest

The agreement envisions 14 projects across six states and would significantly boost solar capacity in a region poised for clean energy growth after several Democratic wins in the midterm elections. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 29, 2018

ISO-NE anticipates adequate winter resources, but sees 4 possible challenges

After system conditions were pushed to the brink during a cold snap last year, the grid operator says it has "made near-term improvements" to address energy security concerns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018

DC City Council unanimously advances 100% renewable energy bill

The Clean Energy Omnibus would also mandate that all public transport and fleet vehicles in the District be zero-emissions by 2045, including those operated for Uber and Lyft. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

Invenergy: Loss of New England capacity contract won't affect proposed gas plant

FERC allowed ISO New England to cancel a capacity supply obligation contract for the Clear River Energy Center, concluding it would have "undesirable consequences" for the region.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018

Electric Power Show Ep. 2: PJM CEO Andy Ott says 'the game has changed'

The CEO of the nation's largest wholesale power market talks fuel security, plant bailouts, capacity markets and how state policy preferences are putting stress on the market's founding principles. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

Nuclear industry pouring money into Georgia PSC runoff

The primary issue is the treatment of Southern Company's Vogtle nuclear project, with Democratic candidate Lindy Miller opposed to ratepayers continuing to pay for cost overruns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 27, 2018

Senate committee to push ahead with McNamee vote despite Democrat objections

Democrats want the FERC nominee to answer for comments criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups, but Republicans on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee declined to delay a Tuesday confirmation vote. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Nov. 27, 2018

Federal climate report: US energy, transportation sectors not prepared for warming

Experts say humans have about a decade to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and the U.S. is behind the necessary pace of emissions reductions.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 26, 2018

SCANA agrees to settle $2B class action suit over nuclear costs

But the agreement is contingent upon South Carolina regulators approving Dominion Energy's bid to purchase SCANA and its principle subsidiary, South Carolina Electric & Gas.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 26, 2018

Brown mandates a 'greener' Golden State

As California inches closer to a renewable-only grid, S&P Global Ratings Director of Sustainable Finance Michael Ferguson assesses which assets from a credit perspective could stand to either benefit or face heightened risks.

By Michael Ferguson • Nov. 26, 2018

Dominion offers 15% rate cut in updated bid to acquire SCANA

Dominion would lower rates even further than its previous two offers in its bid to acquire SCANA Corp. and its principal subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 21, 2018

FERC rejects generator proposal for CAISO capacity market

Generators said growing renewable energy is putting them out of business, but FERC determined they failed to identify where CAISO market rules are unreasonable or any serious reliability problems that could result.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 21, 2018

New Jersey moves ahead on nuke subsidies, approving ZEC application process

The plants must show a "clear need" for the zero emission credits, while meeting a number of other requirements, including evidence they'll help the state reduce emissions.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 21, 2018

FERC nominee McNamee slams renewables, green groups in Feb. video

The nominee told Texas lawmakers that renewable energy "screws up the whole physics of the grid" and portrayed industry lawsuits with environmental groups as a "constant battle between liberty and tyranny."

By Gavin Bade • Updated Nov. 21, 2018

Entergy Arkansas to phase out 1 gas, 2 coal plants in Clean Air Act settlement

While Entergy will stop burning coal at its White Bluff and Independence power plants by the end of 2028 and 2030, respectively, it is not restricting its options for new power generation.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2018

New Microsoft contract could expand corporate renewable energy deals to smaller buyers

The "volume firming agreement" could mitigate some of the risk and volatility of renewable energy power purchase agreements, helping to expand procurement beyond large corporate buyers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 20, 2018

Connecticut moves to keep Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant afloat

Connecticut joins states like Illinois and New York in developing mechanisms to keep existing nuclear plants online.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2018

24 of 26 Duke coal ash ponds in Carolinas not compliant with CCR rule

Nearly all the ash basins violated rules that requires the bottom of a disposal facility to be five feet above groundwater aquifers and stipulate there can be no connection between aquifer and disposal facility. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 19, 2018

Trump to nominate acting EPA head Wheeler for permanent top spot

Wheeler has directed multiple efforts to roll back environmental regulations, including vehicle efficiency standards and rules on coal plant mercury emissions, carbon pollution and ash disposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2018

S&P: Utility financials largely stable, growth outlook uncertain

The firm also anticipates "modest to flat growth" next year for independent generators, predicting that power prices could strengthen in the PJM market "because energy price reforms appear likely."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 19, 2018

FERC nominee McNamee distances himself from Trump coal bailout at hearing

Despite helping craft the White House's ill-fated coal and nuclear bailout last year, McNamee told senators he would view the issue differently if confirmed to a seat on FERC.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 15, 2018

Pennsylvania DEP solar plan aims for 10% solar generation by 2030

The majority of the state's generation comes from nuclear and natural gas, with solar providing 300 MW, less than 1%.

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 15, 2018