Moody's goes negative on regulated utilities for first time, citing tax law impacts

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley upgraded the utilities sector to outperform, and an analyst note remarked that utility stocks are primed for defensive investments.

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2018

Reports: PG&E claims wildfire liability could force bankruptcy

In an 8-K filed with the SEC, PG&E said that based on current state law, it expects to "record a significant liability for losses" associated with 10 fires.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2018

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

SQN Capital to 'revitalize' bankrupt Suniva's solar production

The company has acquired the technology, licenses and manufacturing capacity of ​the solar panel maker and is close to determining a partner to provide the "best path to revitalizing the company."

By Robert Walton • June 18, 2018

Is Siemens considering unloading its gas turbine business?

A sale for the troubled unit is reportedly being discussed, but no decisions have been made and, internally, officials say the company remains committed to the business.

By Robert Walton • June 18, 2018

Oklahoma Gas & Electric secures rate recovery for new gas plant

The utility has invested almost $400 million in the 462 MW Mustang Energy Center, but customers will see an overall decline in monthly bills.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2018

Vistra will shrink its generating portfolio before growing it, CEO says

At a June 12 analyst meeting, Curtis Morgan also said the company is looking at energy storage opportunities and criticized the Trump Administration's plans to support ailing coal and nuclear plants.

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2018

Consumers Energy to file plan for no coal, 43% renewables

The utility seeks to close its Karn coal plant and employ a barrage of grid modernization tools, demand response and efficiency to reduce demand by more than 20%.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2018

NV Energy 2.3-cent solar contract could set new price record

The utility's proposed power purchase agreement beats an Arizona project that GTM Research previously said was the cheapest solar contract in the nation.

By Gavin Bade • June 13, 2018

Gates, Bezos jump into storage via Breakthrough Energy VC fund

The billion dollar venture capital fund has identified storage as one of five key investment areas and has chosen startups Quidnet Energy and Form Energy as two of its initial investments.

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2018

First Solar breaks ground on Ohio manufacturing plant

The factory will produce panels capable of generating 1.2 GW annually. The plant is expected to generate 500 new jobs in northwestern Ohio.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2018

SDG&E approved for 5 storage projects totaling 334 MWh

San Diego Gas & Electric also received authorization for a new demand response program to be managed by OhmConnect.

By Robert Walton • June 11, 2018

Activist investors push Sempra to sell renewable assets, focus on utilities and LNG

Elliott Management and Bluescape Resources, 5% owners of Sempra, say their plan could create $11 billion-$16 billion in value.

By Robert Walton • June 11, 2018

Cal Fire: PG&E violated state law in 8 wildfires last year

The state agency released its report into 12 wildfires last week, finding electrical equipment sparked each one. 

By Gavin Bade • June 11, 2018

National Grid settlement curbs rate increase, ups grid mod in Rhode Island

The agreement is part of Rhode Island's power sector transformation and calls for investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, energy storage and advanced metering.

By Robert Walton • June 11, 2018

CMS $1.4B credit agreement first to link lower interest rates with more renewables

CMS has announced several clean energy goals this year, including phasing out coal, reducing carbon emissions 80% and meeting a renewables standard of 40% by 2040. 

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2018

New solar industry initiatives could open business-utility collaborations

A 2017 spike in commercial and industrial solar growth will not last, but industry efforts to educate property owners and offer better financing could be good for businesses and utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2018

Musk says Tesla can get li-ion cell prices below $100/kWh this year

The Tesla CEO is again pushing the envelope with promises for energy storage and electric vehicles.

By Peter Maloney • June 7, 2018

New Missouri law authorizes Ameren to invest $1B, cuts rates

Missouri Senate approval of the bill last month prompted Morningstar analysts to raise Ameren's share-price valuation.

By Robert Walton • June 6, 2018

Florida regulators OK FPL purchase of Vero Beach electric system

The $185 million deal has been a decade in the making and was almost scuttled by concerns from the Public Service Commission staff.

By Robert Walton • June 6, 2018

Tesla snags Amazon executive to lead energy division

To catch up with a backlog of demand for its Powerwall residential storage product, Tesla is bringing in a former VP of Amazon's North American fulfillment centers.

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2018

Duke agrees to cut North Carolina grid modernization plan by $5.3B

The utility will deploy at least 300 MW of energy storage projects on its system in North Carolina by May 2026, as part of a deal reached with environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • June 4, 2018

US doubles solar manufacturing, but not jobs (yet)

Job creation is not guaranteed in the sector despite an increase in domestic solar panel manufacturing, according to analysts.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 31, 2018

Blink Charging unveils new EV fast-charging station

The company wins Underwriters Laboratories approval for a new station meant to cut charging time by about two-thirds.

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2018

New wind project would move MidAmerican within reach of 100% renewables goal

The utility wants to generate enough electricity from wind to equal its customer demand for a year, though other assets will likely remain on the system. 

By Gavin Bade • May 31, 2018

Xcel to add 1.2 GW of wind to Texas, New Mexico mix, as PUC gives formal OK

The utility's plan nearly doubles the amount of wind capacity in that service area through two wind farms and a power purchase agreement from wind farms developed by NextEra.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 30, 2018