Tri-State subject to FERC regulation as it adds non co-op member

Tri-State has expressed concerns over growing calls for increased state oversight of its facilities and rates, noting there is political pressure for such a move in New Mexico and Colorado.

By Robert Walton • Updated Sept. 6, 2019

Dominion to invest $277M in unauthorized revenue from 2018 in offshore wind, smart meters

The utility says state lawmakers have approved investments where it intends to spend the over-collection. A ratepayer advocate says the utility is "cheating Virginia customers."

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 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

Delayed since 2016, Constitution Pipeline scores win on New York water permit

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week reversed a previous decision, breathing new life into the Williams Cos. project and leaving backers cautiously optimistic.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 2019

Santee Cooper to shutter half its coal over next decade

Santee Cooper's incoming CEO, Mark Bonsall, is steering the utility in a new direction with plans to lower carbon emissions.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 29, 2019

Wildfires in Alaska? A historic drought has local utility scrambling

Fires burning to the north and south of Chugach Electric Association's territory prompted the utility to make operational changes and step up vegetation maintenance.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2019

PG&E may answer the billion dollar grid modernization question

A step-by-step regulatory process in California confronts the technical challenges and "obscene expenses" of distributed resource investments.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2019

TVA board approves long-term plan adding 14 GW solar by 2038

The board also called for the addition of simple cycle gas units to follow the variable loads created by renewable energy additions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 23, 2019

Vistra to shutter 4 Illinois coal plants, totaling over 2,000 MW

The closures are necessary to stay compliant with changes to Illinois' Multi-Pollutant Standard Rule, but the utility says changing economics made the early retirements "inevitable."

By Robert Walton • Aug. 23, 2019

FirstEnergy Solutions' bankruptcy plan hits snag as judge presses utility to resolve union contracts

FES wants to scrap FirstEnergy labor contracts, including pensions for long-time nuclear plant workers, while emerging from bankruptcy with up to $1.1 billion in cash, witnesses say.

By John Funk • Aug. 22, 2019

Virginia regulators allow customers to exit Dominion service for 100% renewables offerings

The utility was ordered to restart processing exit applications in August from customers this summer, as its own 100% renewable energy plan is pending before regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Duke renewables program allows large customers to negotiate directly with suppliers

The utility's unsubsidized Green Source Advantage program gives new procurement options for large energy users, starting with 600 MW.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019

Vistra's spending spree continues with $475M acquisition of Ambit

The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approval, would boost Vistra's residential ERCOT market from 25% to 32%.

By HJ Mai • Aug. 22, 2019

Phase 2 of HECO's performance-based rate rollout would reward speedy DER interconnection

The company's proposal includes several performance-based metrics, including penalties and rewards for speed of connecting DER systems less than 100 kW.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2019

Tesla relaunches solar division, will rent rooftop systems in 6 states

"With the new lower Tesla pricing, it's like having a money printer on your roof if you live [in] a state with high electricity costs," CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

New Mexico city fights for federal carbon capture funding in next move to save San Juan coal plant

Farmington, New Mexico, signed an agreement to transfer 95% of the plant's ownership from other stakeholders to a local energy company.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

Bankruptcy judge maintains PG&E exclusivity and allows Tubbs fire victims to sue

Allowing Pacific Gas & Electric's creditors to put forth competing plans ahead of the utility's reorganization plan would not help wildfire victims, the judge ruled.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 19, 2019

New CPUC efficiency goals are equivalent to reducing 658,000 cars-worth of GHGs

California's revised targets reflect declining potential in energy efficiency savings from utility rebate programs, due to lighting improvement savings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 19, 2019

X's and O's: How utilities can leverage data channels to improve employees and drive new business

One way to stay a step ahead of the disruptive forces that are shaping the energy business is to become a disruptor yourself, writes SAP's James Eardley.

By James Eardley • Aug. 19, 2019

NRC hints at upcoming early site determination for TVA advanced nuclear project

The Tennessee Valley Authority has not determined whether it will move ahead with the project but wants the option to locate small modular reactors at the Clinch River Site.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2019

GE misreporting finances by $38B, Madoff whistleblower claims

The company denies improprieties and accuses the analyst of having a vested interest in creating short-term volatility in its stock.  

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 15, 2019

PG&E fights for control of its future, access to new wildfire fund

Pacific Gas & Electric told a bankruptcy court this week it is "uniquely positioned" to develop its own reorganization plan, which it pledged to file by Sept. 9.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019

Xcel to expand Minnesota renewables program, add 230 MW new solar, wind

The Minnesota PUC approved the utility's plan to expand its fully subscribed Renewable Connect program from pilot-scale to a full-time offering, but limited contract lengths to 10 years.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2019

Vineyard Wind shareholders commit to Mass. offshore wind project despite federal delays

With the wind investment tax credit set to sunset at the end of this year, the 800-MW project's financing could be jeopardized if the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management does not speed up its final environmental impact study.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Aug. 13, 2019

PG&E provides new details on restructuring plan ahead of bankruptcy hearing

The utility seeks to presume all power purchase agreements and pay its court-approved pre-bankruptcy claims through "cash raised from existing equity bond holders" and "equity financed securitized bonds."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 9, 2019

Virginia rejects Dominion bid to recover environmental spending on coal units slated for shutdown

The State Corporation Commission said the $18.4 million Dominion spent on Chesterfield units 3 and 4 was not a reasonable investment, but approved a $286.8 million rate rider for enviromental costs at several other coal units.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 7, 2019