Lessons from the UK: Transforming the US Market

The US has a unique opportunity to capitalize on grid-edge flexibility by using distributed energy resources (DERs) to balance the grid. 

By Amaani Hamid — Senior Policy Manager, Kraken • March 11, 2024

Why EPA can cut carbon pollution from power plants without sacrificing grid reliability

Entities that focus on reliability have a toolkit to manage the energy transition, and EPA has incorporated key flexibilities into its GHG pollution-reduction rules to support their efforts.

By Dena Adler and Jennifer Danis • March 7, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Cybersecurity of the Grid

In addition to presenting opportunities for growth, AI is exacerbating cyber threats with more sophisticated malware that is easier than ever to build and deploy. The rise of distributed energy resources also creates more opportunities for attack. 

By Utility Dive staff

DOE awards $45M for grid security research focused on machine learning, artificial intelligence

The Electric Power Research Institute will receive more than $22 million to lead five projects in collaboration with Consolidated Edison, Ameren, Southern Co. and others.

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2024

NERC to file inverter-based resource rule revisions with federal regulators

“System events over the past six years have shown that these resources are impacting the reliability of the bulk power system,” said Howard Gugel, NERC vice president of compliance assurance and registration.

By Robert Walton • March 4, 2024

DOE, NARUC publish cybersecurity ‘baselines’ for utilities, distributed energy resources

The recommendations “provide a common starting point for cyber risk reduction activities,” said NARUC Executive Director Greg White.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 28, 2024

SPP proposes renewable, thermal resource accreditation reforms aimed at bolstering reliability

The Southwest Power Pool’s current accreditation for wind, solar and storage fails to account for their reliability value decreasing as more are added to the grid, according to the grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 27, 2024

Is software the untapped hero to unlock the potential of the grid and help us reach net zero?

Discover how innovative software promises to revolutionize grid management, turning DERs from burdens into assets and paving the way for a future of autonomous grids.

Feb. 26, 2024

The industry trends that will define 2024

In many ways, 2023 was momentous for clean energy, from the release of guidelines for the Inflation Reduction Act to billions in funding for EV charging infrastructure throughout the US.

By Marisa Uchin, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Franklin Energy • Feb. 26, 2024

PJM, 3 other RTOs propose steps to improve gas-electric sector coordination, boost reliability

Market enhancements, operational improvements and regulatory reforms are needed to improve gas-electric coordination, according to grid operators serving much of the U.S.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 22, 2024

Good things come to those who wait: Massachusetts set to be national example with AMI 2.0

Massachusetts can show us all that with patience and smart policy, it’s possible to deliver on an AMI 2.0 smart meter rollout that not just ticks all the boxes but shows us how to build a better box.

By Colin Gibbs, VP Energy Services, Sense • Feb. 20, 2024

FERC OKs cold weather reliability standards, and 5 other takeaways from Thursday’s open meeting

The agency intends to move forward in the “very near future” on its pending regional transmission planning and cost allocation rule, per Chairman Willie Phillips.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 16, 2024

Maui wildfire recovery fund increased to $175M, set for March 1 launch: Hawaiian Electric CEO

The utility separately initiated rolling outages on Tuesday due to multiple large generators being unavailable or operating at reduced output.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 15, 2024

Utilities, EV charging companies must collaborate to avoid bulk power system disruptions: NERC

The shift to electric transportation poses reliability risks, according to NERC, but Blink Charging says it can be managed with new technologies and approaches to charging.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2024

FERC, NERC to analyze power sector performance during January winter storms

The assessment will look at improvements to grid reliability made since Winter Storm Uri in 2021 and Winter Storm Elliott in 2022.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2024

CISA, FBI confirm critical infrastructure intrusions by China-linked hackers

The agencies, along with key international partners, warned that the hackers have already embedded themselves inside the systems of numerous energy, transportation, communications and water and wastewater providers.

By David Jones • Feb. 8, 2024

Schneider Electric restores sustainability operations after attack

The energy management company is still investigating the ransomware attack, which led to the theft of data.

By David Jones • Feb. 7, 2024

Puerto Rico can transition to 100% renewables by 2050 but costs ‘will be significant’: DOE

To achieve 40% renewable energy, which Puerto Rico law requires by 2025, DOE concluded the optimal approach includes about 700 MW of 4-hour utility-scale batteries and up to 400 MW of long-duration storage.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 7, 2024

FERC approves ISO-NE day-ahead reserve initiative, in boost to flexible resources

The plan will provide increased revenue to flexible resources like energy storage that can provide reserves to meet any unexpected real-time power supply needs.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 5, 2024

Utilities have done a great job installing advanced meters. It’s time to put that data to use.

With adoption of advanced meters now widespread, an AMx strategy can help utilities unlock significant new value from existing infrastructure investments.

By Essie Snell • Feb. 5, 2024

China-linked hackers primed to attack US critical infrastructure, including the electric grid: FBI director

Christopher Wray and other top cybersecurity officials warned that state-linked hackers are pre-positioning for catastrophic attacks to distract from a potential military action.

By David Jones • Feb. 2, 2024

Texas to explore new grid recovery options after 82% of blackstart units failed during Winter Storm Uri

The state should consider how its growing battery storage resources could help with system recovery in the event of a widespread grid collapse, said Texas PUC Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2024

FERC approves PJM capacity accreditation, modeling reforms aimed at boosting reliability

“PJM’s development of a new framework that seeks to assess the patterns, drivers, and probabilities of reliability risk across all hours of the year is an important advancement,” FERC Commissioner Allison Clements said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 1, 2024

2024 US power sector outlook

The U.S. clean energy transition is expected to accelerate in 2024 but faces question around transmission, financing, federal elections and other issues.

By Utility Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024

Schneider Electric hit by ransomware attack against its sustainability business division

The company said the attack directly impacted its EcoStruxure Resource Advisor platform, which is used by more than 2,000 companies worldwide to monitor energy and resource data.

By David Jones • Jan. 31, 2024

FERC Outlook: Danly exit could boost transmission reform, but smaller commission poses risks

Other top priorities for FERC this year include continued efforts to improve the interconnection process, consideration of expanded transmission ties between regions and possible power market reforms, according to agency experts.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 29, 2024