So close, so far: Can Maine put its near-agreement on solar net metering back together again?

Supporters of a compromise incentive failed to override Gov. LePage's veto, plunging the state back into a net metering debate and grinding the state's solar sector to a halt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 19, 2016

Westar, Great Plains merger sees growing list of intervenors

About 20 parties have intervened in the case before the Kansas Corporation Commission, and regulators from Missouri are expected to lodge a complaint. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2016

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

DC government, activists join appeal of Exelon-Pepco merger

The Washington city government, Public Citizen and Solar United Neighborhoods are among those who want the courts to block the merger, which regulators approved in March.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016

Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

After Hawaiian flub, NextEra's $18.4B bid for Oncor appears on steadier ground

After Hunt Consolidated tried to upend Oncor's business model, a more conventional merger proposal from a company with a presence in Texas and a strong balance sheet could be just what regulators want. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

DC consumer advocate files to appeal Exelon-Pepco merger

The Office of People's Counsel in Washington claims regulators did not follow the appropriate process in approving Exelon's takeover of Pepco this June. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 15, 2016

PG&E San Bruno case penalty a 'slap on the wrist,' critics say

A jury found Pacific Gas & Electric guilty of six criminal counts related to the 2010 fatal San Bruno explosion. Experts say the maximum penalty is probably less than the prosecution spent trying the case.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Stem secures $100M in financing to fuel battery deployment

Borrowing from the financing models that helped propel solar growth, some storage companies are using financial engineering to offer customers no-cost-down financing options for battery installations. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 12, 2016

Exelon to fund $25B in utility investments with revenue from generation subsidiary

The nation's largest utility holding company this week unveiled a growth plan focused on substantial investments in its six regulated electric and gas utilities.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2016

SolarCity trims solar installation expectations in wake of Tesla merger bid

An expected slowdown in installations is partially due to a focus on profitability over growth after Tesla offered to buy the installer. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison

The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016

If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption

Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016

Energy Future Holdings secures $4.25B in financing

The funding is expected to help EFH through bankruptcy proceedings as it attempts to sell distribution utility Oncor. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

Mosaic Energy raises $220 million for solar loans

The loan financing could be another sign the industry is shifting away from the solar leasing model that brought it growth over the past decade. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

A lot of dam potential: Renewables growth could drive massive hydro buildout

With pumped storage, hydropower can grow 50% by 2050 — if developers can get over the hurdles.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 9, 2016

New Mexico PRC staff recommends cutting PNM's proposed rate increase

The hearing examiner recommended a 9.575% return on equity, almost a full percentage point below the utility's request. The change could shave a dime off the holding company's earnings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 9, 2016

ConEd awards 22 MW of demand response contracts in Brooklyn-Queens project

Battery provider Stem was among 10 auction winners, and expects to install as much as 850 kW of batteries in New York by 2018.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

PJM suspends Artificial Island transmission project

The PJM Board directed the grid operator to do a comprehensive analysis of the project, which had come under scrutiny due to escalating costs.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 8, 2016

Xcel Energy proposes $562M grid management system, smart meter upgrade

The new smart meters and support software would improve reliability, provide better renewables integration and help customers control their usage, Xcel said. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 5, 2016

NextEra to sell $1.5B in equity units to help fund Oncor acquisition

NextEra plans to sell shares for $127.63 to $159.54, representing up to a 25% premium on its closing price Aug. 2.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2016

Justice Department to review Westar, Great Plains merger

The disclosure comes on the heels of Missouri regulators saying they want to weigh in as well.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 4, 2016

Alliant pursues wind energy plans in Wisconsin after major Iowa wind investment

Last week the company announced a $1 billion expansion of an Iowa wind far. In its earnings this week, Alliant executives they are planning a similar expansion in Wisconsin.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 4, 2016

Schneider Electric starts network to help corporate renewables goals

Schneider Electric's new service aims to help corporations meet their sustainability goals, following the formation of the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 3, 2016

Filling the void: How utilities can embrace diversity in an evolving workforce

Experts say targeting the next generation may be the key to business success or failure.

By Shalina Chatlani • Aug. 2, 2016

El Paso Electric becomes first Texas utility to generate power without coal

Without coal, the utility derives about 66% of its power from natural gas, 30% from the Palo Verde nuclear plant, and about 4% from solar.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 2, 2016