The SoCal Edison rate case: A canary in the coal mine for DER policy debates

SCE wants $2.1 billion to upgrade its grid for distributed resources — a request that's raised ire from consumer advocates and DER providers alike.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2017

Regulators probe Duke about Lee nuclear plans in wake of Westinghouse bankruptcy

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has asked Duke Energy for details of how Westinghouse’s bankruptcy could impact the proposed Lee nuclear project in Cherokee County, S.C.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

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

DTE clarifies goal to cut carbon emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2050

The company expects to eliminate coal from its fuel mix by 2040 while leaving new nuclear on the table as a longer-term capacity option.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2017

Stem to expand storage at California State University campus with 4.2 MWh battery

Combined with an existing battery, the storage facility is slated for 6.2 MWh and will eventually be paired with solar.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

Solar developer 8minutenergy expands into energy storage with 1 GW pipeline

The nation's largest independent solar developer says it is is working with manufacturers to offer lithium-ion and flow batteries, flywheels, and other storage technologies.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

Former SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive to leave Tesla

After heading Tesla's sales and services in its energy division, Lyndon Rive said he wants more time with his family and plans to start a new company next year. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 16, 2017

Wartsila aims to become 'global systems integrator' with Greensmith acquisition

Buying the storage software provider moves Wartsila further into the energy storage market, less than a week after it announced a suite of new battery offerings. 

By Peter Maloney • May 16, 2017

Southern to take over Vogtle construction from bankrupt Westinghouse

The deal is reportedly contingent on SCANA reaching a similar agreement on the V.C. Summer plant, so the two companies can share resources to complete the projects. 

By Gavin Bade • May 15, 2017

Ransomware rampage highlights cyberattack fears in power sector

A massive ransomware attack infected 200,000 computers worldwide, but U.S. utilities thus far remain unscathed. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 15, 2017

Toshiba said to be preparing for bankruptcy as Southern faces Vogtle deadline

The Wall Street Journal reports Toshiba's partners are preparing for a potential reorganization under Japanese bankruptcy laws, a claim the company denies.  

By Peter Maloney • May 12, 2017

National Grid taps AutoGrid to manage DR, DER projects in Northeast territory

The partnership is expected to enroll over 400 MW of demand response and distributed energy resource programs over three years.

By Peter Maloney • May 12, 2017

NRG, Calpine propose market fixes to avoid 'subversion' of ERCOT model

A new white paper from the generators blames low natural gas prices and subsidized wind for depressing energy market prices, putting pressure on thermal plants. 

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2017

Updated: Nebraska utility exits contract for Sheldan coal plant

Lincoln Electric System and the plant's owner voted to dissolve the decades-old agreement. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2017

Wartsila adds energy storage, hybrid gas plants to its power portfolio

The power technology developer better known for thermal turbines is moving quickly into renewables and energy storage. 

By Peter Maloney • May 11, 2017

SEC probes Sunrun, SolarCity over customer cancellations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission began looking into the two top solar companies over whether they are adequately disclosing customer cancelations. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2017

Maryland approves two offshore wind projects

The Maryland Public Service Commission awarded offshore renewable energy credits to two offshore wind projects after attaching 30 conditions. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2017

Storage developer Sunverge pairs up with PetersenDean for energy storage offering

PetersenDean will pair Sunverge's energy management platform with its rooftop solar arrays to help customers curtail bills and provide backup power. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2017

Michigan regulators to decide fate of Palisades nuclear contract by August

The Michigan Public Service commission held public meetings this week focusing on a plan to terminate a nuclear power purchase agreement between Consumers Energy and plant operator Entergy.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 10, 2017

Report: NRG considering sale of all renewable energy assets

The results of an internal company review, reported by Bloomberg, could amount to one of the largest clean energy transactions ever.

By Gavin Bade • May 10, 2017

Software upgrade to old sodium battery marks shift in AEP's storage strategy

Tapping into a new revenue stream will help the utility to incorporate storage into its long-term plans. 

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2017

Google eyes defection from NV Energy service

The tech giant asked Nevada regulators last week how to avoid exit fees if it chooses to source power from suppliers other than the incumbent utility. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 9, 2017

NextEra files for rehearing of 'arbitrary and capricious' Oncor deal rejection in Texas

Instead of accepting financial conditions Texas regulators want on the $18 billion acquisition, NextEra is charging that they broke the law in denying the deal last month.

By Gavin Bade • May 8, 2017

Itron acquires demand response provider Comverge for $100M

Integration with the AMI giant will allow Comverge to develop a "more compelling offer that leverages data and analytics to optimize the management of distributed energy resources."

By Gavin Bade • May 8, 2017

TVA Watts Bar-2 nuke to shut until summer amid safety culture concerns

The pump problem prompting the nuclear reactor's shutdown is not a safety concern, the utility says, but the plant had more employee complaints to the NRC than any other U.S. nuke last year.

By Peter Maloney • May 8, 2017

As utilities embrace DERs, pilot projects emerge as key element of compromise

Utility DER pilots are helping build familiarity with new technologies and resolve sector disputes over distributed energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017