With Hogan 'no' vote, Maryland board rejects Columbia Gas pipeline expansion

Environmental activists hope the governor's vote represents a major shift in energy policy, but company officials remain committed to building the 3.5-mile pipeline.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2019

10 trends shaping the electric power sector in 2019

From coal bailouts to batteries and wind and solar growth, here are the issues that will define the year to come.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 2, 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

California AG: PG&E could be prosecuted for murder

Any charges would need to be filed by local officials, but if PG&E's equipment was operated in a reckless manner and is found responsible for sparking wildfires, the utility could face criminal prosecution.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2019

As California considers breaking up PG&E, utility 'open to a range of solutions'

The Friday before Christmas, state regulators said they would evaluate whether to split Pacific Gas & Electric's natural gas and electricity divisions into separate companies.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 28, 2018

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018

Merger, they wrote: Avista and Hydro One ask Washington regulators to reconsider rejection

The utilities seek a rehearing, saying the Utilities and Transportation Commission misunderstood the political risks related to their proposed $6.7 billion merger.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2018

South Carolina regulators approve Dominion acquisition of SCANA

The unanimous decision could end the battle over how to pay for the failed V.C. Summer nuclear project, but company officials say they will wait for the final order to close the deal.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 17, 2018

As PacifiCorp and other analyses point to more coal shutdowns, replacement questions rise

A recent PacifiCorp analysis points to a growing trend among utilities, and analysts are watching to see how modeling and reliability issues can best be addressed as retirements continue.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2018

Georgia Power seeks 540 MW of renewables in final REDI solicitation

Through its Renewable Energy Development Initiative, the Southern Company subsidiary is targeting 1,200 MW of renewable energy resources.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 11, 2018

JP Morgan enters $200M joint venture to fund solar+storage developer

8minutenergy Renewables received capital commitments from the investment bank and an affiliate of Upper Bay Infrastructure Partners to support its project pipeline of over 10 GW of utility solar and energy storage.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 11, 2018

In first, Virginia regulators reject Dominion Integrated Resource Plan

Regulators said Dominion's power demand forecasts are unrealistically high, which could raise questions about a number of infrastructure investments, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 10, 2018

Colorado co-op seeks exit from coal-heavy Tri-State to pursue renewables

The Delta Montrose Electric Association asked regulators to set a fair price for it to exit the Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 7, 2018

Utilities not leveraging 'unique' advantages to address low pension funding: report

Utility pension plan funding levels are low relative to other sectors, SEI Institutional found, with a median funding level of 78%.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2018

Washington rejects Hydro One's acquisition of Avista, pointing to political, financial risks

The regulators' decision followed the dismissal of Hydro One's CEO and entire board, leading state regulators to conclude the merger would not protect customers from political turmoil in Ontario.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2018

California utilities prep nation's biggest time-of-use rate rollout

Over 300 time-varying rates in 62 pilots have shown consumers can "understand and respond," but California’s three IOUs are dealing with more than 20 million people.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 6, 2018

PacifiCorp shows 60% of its coal units are uneconomic

The Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary conducted the analysis as part of its 2019 integrated resource plan, finding that more considerations need further study "before future resource decisions are made."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 5, 2018

ALEC members reject electricity competition resolution after EEI opposition

The vote at the meeting of the private conservative policy group illustrates the ongoing debate between backers of market competition and incumbent utilities keen to preserve monopoly power. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

Utility of the Year: Xcel Energy

The company is a leader in the U.S. power sector's transition to a clean energy future, making significant investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles while pursuing innovative business models.

By Larry Pearl • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 2018

SDG&E urges quick action by California Supreme Court on wildfire cost recovery

Saying a state appellate judge that previously ruled against the company should have recused herself due to a conflict of interest, the utility filed a petition this week to recover $379 million from 2007 wildfire costs.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

Capital Dynamics, Tenaska to develop 2 GW of solar across the Midwest

The agreement envisions 14 projects across six states and would significantly boost solar capacity in a region poised for clean energy growth after several Democratic wins in the midterm elections. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 29, 2018

FERC moves to narrow jurisdiction over utility mergers after FPA changes

Newly signed amendments to the Federal Power Act would set a $10 million minimum for the value of mergers and acquisitions that must receive pre-approval from FERC.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 29, 2018

Florida Power & Light closes in on acquisition of Vero Beach utility

The $185 million deal is expected to result in significantly lower bills for Vero Beach customers as they become subject to FPL's lower rates.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2018

Legislation aims to shield PG&E from fire liability: 'Bankruptcy is not an option'

A California assemblyman is preparing to introduce legislation that would extend provisions of SB 901, passed earlier this year to limit utility liability from 2017 wildfires, to include fires this year.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 27, 2018