Judge approves PG&E wildfire settlements, bringing utility closer to exiting bankruptcy

The settlements resolve two crucial components of PG&E's bankruptcy — its liabilities to committees representing wildfire victims and insurance companies.

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 18, 2019

Investigations of ComEd, Exelon lobbying threaten Illinois energy transition

Lawmakers and clean energy advocates vow to continue fighting for the state's landmark clean energy bill despite a "black cloud of corruption."

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 17, 2019

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

Newsom's rejection throws wrench in PG&E bankruptcy process

California Governor Gavin Newsom's letter to PG&E Corp. CEO Bill Johnson and responses from state lawmakers indicate the potential for political micromanagement of PG&E's reorganization.

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 17, 2019

First Energy Solutions bankruptcy judge must reconsider FERC authority on contracts: 6th Circuit

The bankruptcy court must now consider FERC's objections to FES breaking contract with Ohio Valley Electric Cooperative, which could mean a round of briefs and possibly a hearing, just as the company's bankruptcy case wraps up.

By John Funk • Dec. 16, 2019

Northern California's wildfire season is effectively over. What's next for PG&E?

While PG&E did not cause another catastrophic wildfire in Northern California this year, it still has to deal with risky infrastructure, the likelihood of prolonged power shut-offs and the specter of municipalization.

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 11, 2019

NorthWestern Energy unveils plan to buy 25% of Colstrip coal unit for $1

Utility officials noted that building a gas-fired plant with the same capacity could cost about $240 million while wind + storage "could cost several billion dollars and still not provide equivalent capacity."

By Robert Walton • Dec. 11, 2019

Utility of the Year: Hawaiian Electric

The "bleeding edge" company is taking a multi-faceted approach to tackling key challenges in the utility sector, using a range of tools to achieve its objectives.

By Larry Pearl • Dec. 9, 2019

Executive of the Year: Mary Powell, Green Mountain Power

Powell is leaving her post at the end of the year, but created a new playbook for the investor-owned utility to continue to prioritize customer choice.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 9, 2019

The Utility Dive Awards for 2019

The annual awards highlight the biggest trends in innovation in the electric utility sector: from penciling out electrification efforts to pioneering new revenue streams for distributed resources.

Dec. 9, 2019

Vineyard Wind wins 804 MW bid for offshore wind in Connecticut

The developer had submitted proposals to deliver up to 1,200 MW in the state.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 6, 2019

California proposal rejects wildfire premium in PG&E, other utilities' ROE

Regulators said recent state legislation removed the need for a premium by eliminating wildfire risk exposure for investor-owned utilities.

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 4, 2019

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

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