House clean energy tax bill sees broad industry support, but Senate path uncertain

The draft legislative package, introduced Nov. 19, adds energy storage and offshore wind, while extending solar and electric vehicle tax credits.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Nov. 20, 2019

Satisfying utility customers is getting much harder. AI is helping, despite data challenges

Utilities are leveraging algorithms and machine learning in various ways, ranging from mundane to ambitious, to improve the customer experience.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Nov. 15, 2019

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Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

Judge OKs $8.6M Vistra coal plant closure settlement seen by NGOs as model for helping impacted communities

The agreement to close the E.D. Edwards plant in Illinois calls for a community-led process to transition the surrounding areas rather than the abrupt closure that many coal plants are going through, one NGO noted.

By Larry Pearl • Nov. 14, 2019

Hawaiian Electric defends management, renewables approach amid investor dissatisfaction

ValueAct Capital Management wants to see a shakeup at the parent company of utility Hawaiian Electric. Some observers agree.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2019

Entergy Texas, Georgia Power lead on business customer satisfaction amid growing divide: JD Power

While satisfaction is rising, the marketing research company found the gap between the highest- and lowest-performing utilities is now at a 13-year high.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2019

PG&E raises wildfire compensation offer to $13.5B as California turns up pressure

Gov. Gavin Newsom had asked a bankruptcy judge to delay a previous, smaller deal to compensate wildfire victims. And more cities are asking for a public takeover of the embattled utility.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 12, 2019

In the 'cat and mouse game' of utility cyberattacks, AI and machine learning show promise, limits

"There is so much low hanging fruit in utility system challenges that can be addressed by advanced data analytic strategies that AI and machine learning are not the place to start," a cybersecurity expert said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 7, 2019

Dominion Virginia plan for 1.5 GW new peaking capacity will lead to more gas plants, NGOs fear

The utility released a request for proposals yesterday, saying it needs the new capacity beginning in 2022 to replace generation retirements and provide system balancing needs for its growing renewables fleet.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2019

Tesla, Walmart settle lawsuit over fires; solar panels to remain in place

Walmart and Tesla have settled a lawsuit in which the big box retailer alleged the company's solar panel installations caught fire and caused millions in damages.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 6, 2019

FirstEnergy nears proposal to decouple Ohio utility revenues, electricity consumption: CEO

The plan "fixes our base revenues" and makes part of the company "somewhat recession-proof," Chuck Jones said during the company's Q3 earnings call.

By Larry Pearl • Nov. 5, 2019

Canadian pension fund pays $6B for Pattern Energy's 4.4 GW renewables portfolio in latest yieldco deal

Remember yieldcos? Experts say large funds see opportunity in the renewable energy investment options whose shares have often languished.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2019

California governor floats PG&E takeover, moves to expedite bankruptcy proceeding

Governor Gavin Newsom called for a meeting this week between state officials, the utility, its creditors, its shareholders and wildfire victims, to "accelerate a consensual resolution."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2019

Exelon CEO cites moves to ensure actions 'beyond ethical reproach' in face of lobbying controversy

A grand jury is investigating lobbying activities related to pending Illinois clean energy legislation. Without progress on the bill by the spring, the company will move to shut down four nuclear plants in the state, Chris Crane said.

By Larry Pearl • Nov. 1, 2019

Vogtle opponents get new chance to press case in court as plant manager reprimanded for firing whistleblower

The $27 billion nuclear project is more than 80% complete, Southern Company CEO Tom Fanning told analysts on the company's Q3 earnings call, but potential legal roadblocks remain.

By Lynn Freehill-Maye • Oct. 31, 2019

PG&E shares jump 32% amid power shutoffs as judge appoints bankruptcy mediator

Meanwhile, half a million customers are still without power and the utility has said it will provide refunds to customers impacted by its first October shutoff.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 30, 2019

PSEG in talks to acquire 25% of Ørsted's 1,100 MW New Jersey offshore wind project

The utility is in exclusive negotiations to launch a joint venture while working to divest from coal assets and have carbon-free generation by 2050.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 30, 2019

California governor calls on Warren Buffett to purchase bankrupt PG&E

While Buffett's subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, has significant holdings in the state, experts warn that PG&E's circumstances are very complex.

By Lynn Freehill-Maye • Oct. 29, 2019

2019 credit balance refund report, part 2: Delivering on customer expectations

Giving your credit balance refunds a makeover is both a way to reduce costs and an opportunity to give consumers the upgraded experience they deserve.

Oct. 29, 2019

Murray Energy, largest US producer, joins long list of bankrupt coal companies

The Trump administration vowed to save the coal sector, but Murray is the eighth company to go bankrupt in the last year.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 29, 2019

PG&E deploys largest-ever power shutoff, but responsibility for Kincade Fire now in question

Up to 3 million people were impacted by PG&E's massive power shutoff over the weekend. Meanwhile, shares hit a record low this morning as the utility reported a transmission line failure near the origin of last week's wildfire.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2019

Amazon announces 265 MW in new solar, wind as part of 100% renewables pledge

Two of the three projects will be U.S.-based and the third is set to be the largest corporate power purchase agreement in the U.K.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 25, 2019

Tesla earnings surprise includes storage, solar growth

A surprise profit sent shares soaring. Beyond vehicle sales growth and cost cutting, the company boasted record 477 MWh storage installations and rebounding solar in Q3.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2019

National Grid investment arm doubles-down on AI capabilities, but cultural change remains key

National Grid Partners' president wants the venture capital arm to stand out from other utility investment and innovation segments by requiring "culture acceleration," to fully utilize new technologies.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 24, 2019

Lack of mega deals pressures quarterly utility M&A value to lowest since Q2 2017: PwC

While deal value in the North American utility sector declined to $7 billion in Q3, those deals reflect the diversity of opportunity in the energy sector, according to PwC analysis.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2019

San Jose proposes multibillion PG&E buyout. Utility says it's 'not for sale'

The mayor of San Jose, California, has proposed cities and counties buy Pacific Gas & Electric and turn it into the nation's largest publicly-owned supplier of electricity.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 22, 2019