Xcel Colorado rate plan draws ire of solar interests for higher fixed charges

The plan would lower volumetric rates and increase fixed charges, following a utility strategy that's played out across the nation.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 9, 2016

Missouri regulatory staff wants oversight of Great Plains-Westar merger

Missouri regulatory staff claim the state should have authority over Great Plains Energy's proposed acquisition Westar Energy, the largest electricity provider in Kansas.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2016

GE Ventures invests in Tesla competitor Sonnen

Investing in Sonnen will help the battery storage developer expand its competitive presence in the United States.

By Peter Maloney • June 7, 2016

APS rate case sparks concern beyond mandatory demand charge proposal

Along with a rate structure overhaul, the Arizona utility also wants to cut net metering credits to its avoided cost rate.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2016

Missouri munis contract for 200 MW of space on proposed Grain Belt Express line

The new off-takers may strengthen the merchant transmission developer’s appeal to state regulators, who denied it the power of eminent domain last year. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 6, 2016

Hawaiian Electric: 'Walk away' deadline won't kill NextEra merger deal

The companies face a June 3 deadline to walk away from the deal without a termination fee, but Hawaiian Electric said talks can continue. The Hawaii PUC hopes to have a decision by the end of June. 

By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • June 3, 2016

The corporate green team: Utilities partner to meet renewables demand from large US firms

The Edison Electric Institute has joined green groups in a partnership to market wind and solar to climate-savvy companies.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016

Rate design roundup: demand charges vs. time-based rates

A new RMI report compares the two strategies transforming utility rate designs across the country.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016

SolarCity launches new rooftop loan product to replace MyPower offering

The new loans will answer a customer demand for shorter terms and fixed payments, an executive said.

By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • June 2, 2016

Texas regulators delay El Paso Electric request for rate increase, solar surcharge

Texas regulators told El Paso Electric to re-issue their rate increase request, delaying a final decision on their rate case. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016

The head of California's ISO is on a mission to regionalize and decarbonize

CAISO CEO Steve Berberich wants help from utilities in bridging California’s borders and moving beyond 50% renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2016

Arizona Public Service pushes residential demand charges in new rate case

The $3.6 billion rate case includes a proposal for three different residential demand charge options, which the utility says will incentivize customers to manage peak usage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2016

EnerNOC's utility customer engagement business up for sale

The company will focus on its core demand response business, but will reduce its North American workforce up to 5%.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2016

California regulators approve 262 MW Puente natural gas peaker plant for SCE

Despite recent struggles with natural gas in southern California, regulators still see a significant role for the resource.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2016

Tesla sets July 29 as grand opening date for Nevada gigafactory

The factory won't be 100% complete, but that won't stop Tesla from celebrating the opening of the 5.8-million-square-foot battery plant.

By Gavin Bade • May 31, 2016

Great Plains Energy to buy rival Kansas utility Westar for $8.6B

The deal would give Great Plains, which owns Kansas City Power & Light, more than 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri and over 13 GW of total generation.

By Gavin Bade • May 31, 2016

Bill to reestablish North Carolina coal ash commission heads for conference committee

The coal ash commission was disbanded earlier this year after the state Supreme Court ruled its members were too open to legislative influence. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2016

Puerto Rico utility board approves rate increase to help secure restructured debt

A new securitization charge will help move Puerto Rico’s public utility a step closer to solvency.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 28, 2016

Talen Energy will cease operating embattled Colstrip coal plant in 2018

Officials say Talen Energy's exit from operating the coal plant will not have a major impact on its future. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 26, 2016

NextEra's pursuit for Oncor dims future of Hawaiian Electric merger

NextEra Energy's proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries could take a back seat to a renewed bid for Texas utility giant Oncor.

By Robert Walton • May 25, 2016

Utility fund backs big data company AutoGrid in VC round

AutoGrid raises $20 million to deploy software designed to enable a variety of distributed resources.

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2016

The U.S. needs more transmission. One Midwest project could provide a collaborative model.

A new report outlines how 11 utilities leaped big hurdles to build the 800-mile CapX2020 project.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

Arizona begins hearings on co-op plan for higher fixed charges, lower net metering rates

The Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative rate case request includes a special charge to rooftop solar customers and a cut in net metering rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

Las Vegas casino set to exit Nevada utility's service with $87M fee

MGM Resorts International will head to the open market in an attempt to lower its environmental impact and obtain a cleaner mix of electricity for its Las Vegas casino.

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2016

Hawaiian Electric proposes major plan to import LNG as bridge to 100% renewables

Hawaiian Electric wants to import liquefied natural gas under a 20-year contract with Fortis, but the proposal is contingent on the state's approval of the utility's merger with NextEra Energy.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016