VW and Ford expand partnership on EVs, AVs

Volkswagen will invest $2.6 billion in Argo AI, signaling the latest collaboration between major automakers adapting to new mobility trends. 

By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2019

NV Energy will utilize power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risks

The strategy is similar to utilities' approach in California. While high winds are typically the main force behind a proactive power shutoff, NV Energy says "no single factor" will drive its decisions.

By Robert Walton • July 15, 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

Private equity investment in storage expected to increase as ECP buys Convergent

Experts say private equity fund Energy Capital Partner's acquisition of an energy storage developer is a validation for the sector and could lead to more investments going forward.

By HJ Mai • July 12, 2019

Democratic AGs press for PJM CEO focused on climate, states' rights

Maryland, Delaware and D.C.'s attorneys general want the grid operator to have a president who won't treat state clean energy preferences as "out-of-market distortions."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 11, 2019

Utility post-merger savings: Data can enable or impede them

The benefits of scale and standardization exist for those companies that intend to grow through acquisition, but they must be ready to adopt a less collegiate approach to the integration of their targets.

By David Price • July 9, 2019

PNM proposes gas, solar+storage mix as cheapest option to replace San Juan coal plant

The utility also modeled fossil fuel-free scenarios, but is not interested in making the large investment in battery technology that would be required.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 3, 2019

Xcel Minnesota plans to retire 2.4 GW of coal, critics say natural gas has too big a role in IRP

The utility's preferred plan also includes more than 700 GWh of annual energy efficiency savings, but environmental advocates say it will never fully decarbonize if it is "taking one step back for every two steps forward.”

By Robert Walton • July 3, 2019

Chubb is first insurer to cut ties with coal, utilities say impact minimal

The coal industry received another blow as Chubb became the first big U.S. insurer to stop selling policies or investing in coal-related activities.

By HJ Mai • July 2, 2019

Volkswagen launches EV car-sharing program

WeShare consists of entirely electric vehicles, a rarity in car-sharing programs, and doesn't require users to drop off vehicles at fixed locations.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 1, 2019

Virginia regulators approve revised Dominion IRP, but warn about understated costs

Customer advocates called the State Corporation Commission's decision "unconscionable." The utility says warnings of higher bills tell "only part of the story."

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2019

NERC CEO: Western RC transition is 'single largest risk of reliability in front of us'

Jim Robb said Wednesday that certifications will culminate in five separate reliability coordinators in the Western Interconnection around the start of 2020.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 27, 2019

PG&E bondholders propose $30B reorganization plan, new name: Report

Under the proposal, Pacific Gas & Electric could become "Golden State Power Light & Gas Co." and pay up to $18 billion in wildfire claims.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2019

Split up? Increase oversight? Eliminate holding company? PG&E's future is now open for comment

California regulators are considering a range of options to improve PG&E's safety culture, including breaking apart its gas and electric service or tying its rate of return on equity to safety performance metrics.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2019

NV Energy to add 1.2 GW solar, 2.3 GWh storage as large customer exit slows

The capacity will be divided among three projects and help the utility exceed its goal of doubling renewable energy output by 2023.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 25, 2019

PSEG Power could lose $415M on exit from 2 Pennsylvania coal plants

PSEG made strides to clean up its generation mix and says its remaining coal assets have either been sold or scheduled for early retirement.

By Robert Walton • June 25, 2019

California governor to propose 'liquidity fund' to address wildfire costs

Gavin Newsom, D, will reportedly ask lawmakers to create the fund, which would be supported by $10 billion in bonds issued by the state's Department of Water Resources and has the support of PG&E's creditors.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2019

Tendril buys FirstFuel as it pursues 'end-to-end' utility customer solutions strategy

The deal fits alongside Tendril's recent acquisition of EEMe and EnergySavvy, helping grow its utility customer experience and engagement solutions.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2019

PG&E reaches $1B wildfire settlement with 18 public entities

The settlement resolves claims related to wildfires in 2015, 2017 and 2018. It does not include individual and business claims.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2019

Congress pushes for storage, renewables to have same private investment incentives as fossil fuels

Two bipartisan bills introduced last week would shift tax policies to incentivize clean energy and carbon capture technologies.

By Robert Walton • June 17, 2019

SCE&G customers could grab $146M in VC Summer settlement, largest in state history

A state judge finalized the settlement over the failed nuclear plant this week, which totals $2.2 billion in customer rate reductions and refunds.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2019

California fire season starts with PG&E power shut-off in 5 counties

The utility turned off power to approximately 20,500 customers in Butte and Yuba counties over the weekend, citing dangerous conditions.

By Robert Walton • June 10, 2019

GE 'badly' misjudged the clean energy transition, costing investors almost $193B: IEFFA

The company is now working to grow its renewables business after a big bet on natural gas failed with the turbine market crash of 2015.

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2019

A renewable energy mutual fund? Starbucks charts new path with 146 MW procurement

The retailer announced a portfolio of three 15-year power purchase agreements through LevelTen Energy's platform within the ERCOT, SPP and PJM markets.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 6, 2019

Report: PG&E considers $11B fund to settle wildfire claims

The utility would direct about $400 million each year to the fund, under a proposal discussed with lawmakers and major shareholder representatives.

By Robert Walton • June 6, 2019

No more swivel chairs: Utility customer service goes modern

Customer relationship management vendors are embracing an "App Store approach" that allows utilities to consolidate customer data and integrate third-party solutions on a single platform.

By Brian Bowen • June 5, 2019