PG&E exits bankruptcy, but long-term wildfire risk could put it 'back in the soup'

The utility's near-term financial risk has been mitigated, "but they’ve got a huge amount of work to do to be financially successful again in the long run," according to a former regulator.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 6, 2020

Duke, Dominion cancel $8B Atlantic Coast Pipeline

As the behind-schedule project is put to rest, Dominion announced the sale of its natural gas transmission and storage assets for nearly $10 billion to Berkshire Hathaway.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated July 7, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Hitachi completes acquisition of ABB power grid business, launches joint venture

The new entity will use Hitachi's artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to leverage data from ABB's grid operations while exploring opportunities in mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers.

By Guy Burdick • July 2, 2020

Florida's customer-sited solar reaches new heights as regulators oppose federal petition to upend net metering

The Florida Public Service Commission joined other states to oppose a national petition in support of state-led net metering policies.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 1, 2020

How utilities can support diverse business entities impacted by the COVID-19 crisis

Diverse business entities are facing financial uncertainty, reductions in allowable work and cash flow crises due to the pandemic, the authors write. 

By Ronnette Anderson and Laura Orfanedes • July 1, 2020

'Backstop' bill to turn PG&E into non-profit headed to California governor's desk

PG&E said it intends to become "a new and transformed company" and render the legislation unnecessary.

By Kavya Balaraman • June 29, 2020

Tesla program aims to cut costs, sell solar like a household appliance

Tesla promises the lowest-cost solar on the market with standardized sizing, but analysts say the program's success will hinge on consumer acceptance.

By Emma Penrod • June 29, 2020

Late-stage changes to Vogtle nuclear construction activities are credit negative: Moody's

The ratings agency's decision comes as the Vogtle expansion grapples with a variety of unforeseen issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 29, 2020

A COVID-19 hit to public power? For some, it's not all bad

Municipal utilities and other public power entities have unique challenges, and some advantages, when dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic and recession.

By Matthew Bandyk • June 25, 2020

Wells Fargo signs multiyear solar energy deal with Shell as banks continue green push

The 150-megawatt purchase boosts Wells' green profile, even if the other party is an oil company. The Rainforest Action Network blasted the bank for financing $198 billion for fossil fuel companies and projects since 2015.

By Dan Ennis • June 25, 2020

Amazon $2B climate pledge draws praise, skepticism as total carbon footprint rises

The venture capital announcement was welcomed by developers in the clean energy space, but Green America said the company's plans are overly vague.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated June 25, 2020

PG&E launches $5.2B in public offerings, targets July bankruptcy exit following judge's order

The company is still exposed to the risk of wildfires in its service territory, according to a former regulator.

By Kavya Balaraman • Updated June 26, 2020

Could the aspirations of a small Memphis utility signal the beginning of the end for TVA?

Stymied by years of high prices that seem likely to increase, communities across the six-state TVA region are weighing the possibility of leaving the federally-owned utility.

By Emma Penrod • June 22, 2020

Corporate carbon reduction targets get boost with new EEI, WRI utility emission rate tool

The database, now containing information from about half of the Edison Electric Institute's members, helps customers calculate more easily the emissions related to their energy use.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 22, 2020

Xcel to speed up $3B in clean energy spending in response to Minnesota prompt on COVID-19 recovery

The utility plans to aid the state's economic recovery through a variety of programs, including energy efficiency, renewables and storage, that would create an estimated 5,000 jobs.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 19, 2020

Rocky Mountain Institute, Emerald Ventures join forces to address funding drought for energy startups

The U.S. nonprofit and the Swiss investment firm hope to transcend competition and encourage innovation in pursuit of sustainable success for all parties through two new initiatives.

By Emma Penrod • June 18, 2020

Guilty pleas, victim impact statements could have slew of implications for PG&E, stakeholders say

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali plans to issue an order Friday confirming the utility's reorganization plan, putting it on track to resolve billions of dollars in liabilities from wildfires it caused and emerge from bankruptcy.

By Kavya Balaraman • June 18, 2020

Lyft pledges all-EV fleet by 2030

The ride-hailing company said it would work with drivers to transition their cars to electric vehicles, a move it called a "radical shift in strategy."

By Chris Teale • June 18, 2020

SCE, Sunrun partner on solar+storage virtual power plant pilot to drive down peak demand

The utility hopes to encourage greater buildout of residential solar+storage through the initial 300 customer program.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 17, 2020

Cleantech incubator Greentown Labs expands to Houston

The incubator will offer testing space to early stage, climate-focused companies in an effort to make Houston the "energy transition capital of the world." 

By Chris Teale • June 17, 2020

'A historic moment': PG&E pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter, as judge plans to greenlight bankruptcy plan

“I make this plea with great sadness and regret, and with eyes wide open to what happened and to what must never happen again,” PG&E Corp. President and CEO BIll Johnson said at a county court hearing. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 17, 2020

Six ways utilities can deliver the "care" in customer care

Set up your organization for long-term success by building loyalty and goodwill with customers.

By Michael Manfredo, Senior Principal, Customer Experience, West Monroe & Mike Patelski, Senior Manager, Energy & Utilities, West Monroe • June 17, 2020

PG&E to plead guilty on 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter ahead of bankruptcy court decision

At a hearing this morning, the Butte County, California, District Attorney will show photographs of all the people who died in the 2018 Camp Fire.

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2020

Supreme Court lifts major hurdle to $7.5B Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Pipeline opponents say Duke and Dominion have many more barriers to overcome on the long-delayed project. Dominion requested a two-year extension on the project on Tuesday.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated June 18, 2020

As US reopens some pandemic responses may become permanent, public power CEOs say

After COVID-19 forced an unexpected experiment in teleworking, CEOs from multiple public utilities say some of their employees will continue to work from home — maybe permanently.

By Emma Penrod • June 11, 2020