The regulator’s dilemma: balancing grid modernization with rising power bills

Load growth and aging infrastructure require investment, but customer electricity prices are up 4.5% nationally, almost twice the 2.4% national inflation rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2025

Natural gas: The workhorse of American energy dominance and security

Natural gas is a vital export to allies in Europe and Asia, a backstop for grid reliability during peak demand and a bridge fuel that complements the integration of renewable resources.

By Brigham McCown • July 15, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Grid Resiliency

The risk from natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves is compounded by rising demand for power that threatens to put additional strain on the grid, as well as cyber and physical attacks on critical infrastructure.

By Utility Dive staff

Faster, safer, smarter: how L3Harris converge radios with TWO47 MCX equips power company to conquer disaster response challenges

Discover resilient solutions that empower secure, efficient communication during critical moments.

July 14, 2025

Oregon legislature passes first-in-nation microgrid framework

Supporters say the Oregon model could set an example for other states concerned about grid reliability and rising costs.

By Brian Martucci • July 14, 2025

Data center activity ‘exploded’ in Texas, spiking reliability risks: monitor

AI data centers have power demand patterns similar to steel mills, with “very fast, very large ramps,” according to David Penny, director of reliability services for Texas RE. 

By Robert Walton • July 14, 2025

Bridging the digital divide: Overcoming the challenges of serving C&I utility customers in a data-driven era

Old systems can’t handle modern C&I needs — it’s time to bridge the digital divide.

By Guy Walker, VP Commercial & Industrial, Kraken • July 14, 2025

Misaligned interconnection, transmission planning could hurt competitive markets: FERC’s Chang

Getting generation online as quickly as possible is a key priority, according to Commissioner Judy Chang. “We should plan, design, permit — all faster."

By Ethan Howland • July 11, 2025

Ohio regulators approve AEP data center interconnection rules

The Ohio PUC ordered the utility to file updated tariffs and lift a moratorium on connecting new data centers as soon as possible.

By Meris Lutz • July 10, 2025

There aren’t enough AI chips to support data center projections, report says

High-end forecasts are “not credible,” according to London Economics International, which called its report a “sanity check” on demand growth projections. 

By Robert Walton • July 9, 2025

Load growth, plant retirements could drive 100x increase in blackouts by 2030: DOE

The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday published a methodology for assessing grid reliability, but clean energy advocates say it likely exaggerates the risks of blackouts.

By Robert Walton • July 8, 2025

‘Growing reliability concerns’ top North Carolina regulator’s large load conference

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has asked utilities to weigh in on whether new tariffs should be developed for some or all customers above a certain demand threshold as load forecasts grow.

By Brian Martucci • July 7, 2025

How AI can improve utility storm response with increased reliability, lower ratepayer costs

With extreme weather increasing, AI can make storm response more efficient and effective for utilities, ratepayers, vendors, regulators and the various governments involved.

By Hari Vasudevan • July 7, 2025

California budget leaves grid reliability programs in limbo, advocates say

State legislators and the governor deferred decisions about the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and voter-approved climate bonds to later in the year.

By Meris Lutz • July 2, 2025

Electrical manufacturers publish ‘digital substation’ standards

“There are interoperability questions and there's a need for technical guidance for utilities interested in installing these ... self healing grid technologies,” NEMA Senior Vice President Patrick Hughes said.

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2025

FERC’s Christie calls for dispatchable resources after grid operators come ‘close to the edge’

“You never know about the next time, and there's going to be a next time,” Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Mark Christie said about grid operators' ability to avoid blackouts this week.

By Ethan Howland • June 27, 2025

Eight utility regulators challenge DOE order keeping Michigan coal plant open

The department’s invocation of emergency powers to interfere with state and regional utility planning is unprecedented, according to the challenge.

By Ethan Howland • June 26, 2025

Texas law gives grid operator power to disconnect data centers during crisis

The new law pairs mandatory curtailment with a voluntary demand response procurement program.

By Brian Martucci • June 25, 2025

Prevalon brings 80-MW battery storage online for Idaho Power

Idaho Power could add an additional 705 MW of storage in the next four years, per its draft integrated resource plan. 

By Ethan Howland • June 25, 2025

How electric companies can reduce liability risks from climate change

Upgrading infrastructure, embracing renewables and collaborating with governments and communities are no longer optional if companies want to ease legal risks and maintain social license to operate.

By Aaron Rokstad • June 24, 2025

Summer power bills are going up, federal government warns

Consumers will see a “slight increase” in power bills this summer, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said Monday. But that analysis is based on expectations for cooler weather.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2025

Who should pay to keep Michigan coal plant running past its retirement date?

Groups told federal regulators that making MISO customers pay for a power plant that does not benefit them would violate the Federal Power Act’s cost causation requirement.

By Ethan Howland • June 23, 2025

Behind-the-meter flexibility is the best response to investment uncertainty

Utilities investing in behind-the-meter flexibility are positioning themselves to continue delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy to ratepayers in the long run.

By Molly Podolefsky • June 23, 2025

ChargeScape’s EV Virtual Power Plant ensures summertime grid reliability

ChargeScape is building the nation's largest electric vehicle Virtual Power Plant.

June 23, 2025

The rapid expansion of data centers across the U.S. and the critical role of renewable energy in powering the grid

The exponential growth of data centers across the United States is transforming the energy landscape.

June 23, 2025

CenterPoint sends mobile generators to San Antonio to support Texas grid

“CenterPoint will receive no revenue or profit from the 15 large units based on the agreement,” the utility said Monday.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2025