Texas regulators delay decision on Hunt's bid for Oncor

Texas regulators have delayed a decision on whether or not to reconsider Hunt Consolidated's plan to purchase Oncor out of bankruptcy, but Dallas' mayor came out in support of the plan. 

By Robert Walton • May 5, 2016

SolarCity unveils new software services for utilities, grid operators

The solar developer wants to help utilities deploy fully-dispatchable renewable resources and control DERs on their systems. 

By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • May 5, 2016

Making sense of Q1's monster M&A activity in the power sector

Beyond cheap gas and stagnant load growth, merger activity went gangbusters in the United States last quarter because we've entered a period of fundamental change.

By Robert Walton • May 4, 2016

ACC approves TEP plans for renewables, storage, but not utility-owned solar

Arizona regulators approved an expansion in renewable energy investments and two storage pilot projects, but deferred a decision on utility-owned rooftop and community solar projects to TEP's general rate case.

By Gavin Bade • May 4, 2016

Inside the deal that averted a net metering ballot showdown in Arizona

After intervention by the governor, plans for dueling ballot initiatives have given way to mediated negotiations between APS and SolarCity.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2016

Energy Future files 2nd bankruptcy plan, leaving Hunt's bid for Oncor in limbo

Uncertainty surrounding the company's plan for Texas utility Oncor has led Energy Future Holdings to file a second proposal in a bid to emerge from one of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history.

By Robert Walton • May 3, 2016

At 16.4 MW, largest U.S. rooftop solar array will utilize LA muni's feed-in-tariff

The project, planned by developer PermaCity, is slated for four warehouses in the San Pedro community.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2016

Dallas business leaders urge regulators to approve Hunt's Oncor plan

The acquisition plan currently approved by regulators would make it impossible for the deal to close, according to Hunt and its backers. 

By Robert Walton • April 29, 2016

Florida muni delays net metering decision until November election cycle

Staff on Jacksonville's public utility is looking to reduce net metering, but agreed to delay a decision until a utility-backed solar ballot initiative makes its way through the election cycle. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 29, 2016

PPL completes work on $350 million transmission expansion in Pennsylvania

The Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project is the utility's second major transmission project in as many years.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 28, 2016

Top 10 solar utilities see growth through declining prices, favorable policies

SCE, PG&E and Duke took home top honors from SEPA for the most solar capacity deployed by utilities in 2015.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 28, 2016

How rate reform can help turn energy efficiency into a 'profit center' for utilities

Traditional ratemaking makes energy efficiency a burden to utilities, but smart regulation can create opportunities for both revenue growth and power conservation.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 27, 2016

Texas co-op signs deal for 15 MW of distributed community solar

 Pedernales Electric Cooperative will contract for power from 998 kW customer sited-arrays and sell to individual solar buyers.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 27, 2016

Power sector poised for an earnings letdown in Q1?

SNL Energy reports Wall Street is anticipating lower earnings from the power sector as companies deal with the impacts of a mild winter and low commodity prices.

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2016

Community Storage Initiative touts diverse backers, including EEI, NRECA, APPA

The group is calling for more information sharing and collaborative development of distributed storage solutions.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 26, 2016

Sierra Club files to stop retrofit of Arizona Public Service gas plant

The environmental group says the way the utility plans to use the new generators would produce about as much carbon dioxide pollution as a coal plant. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 26, 2016

Tesla unveils pricing details for Powerpack system

Tesla unveils pricing and online ordering details for its Powerpack commercial and utility scale battery.

By Peter Maloney • April 25, 2016

Lockheed Martin pushes into storage market with lithium, flow battery offerings

The aerospace and defense giant is targeting utilities and C&I customers for its lithium option while trying to commercialize flow batteries for long-duration uses.

By Peter Maloney • April 25, 2016

Arizona utilities back initiative to counter SolarCity-supported ballot proposal

Days after solar advocates announced a ballot proposal to protect net metering in Arizona, a state lawmaker has a competing proposal she says has the support of the state's regulated utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2016

ComEd touts new solar incentives in Illinois legislative push

The utility has a slate of proposals in front of state lawmakers and on Friday, announced new rebates for solar customers to accompany proposed rate changes.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2016

Report: Big US utilities shelled out $400M in political spending

Litigation and political donations highlight how utilities are "digging in their heels" when it comes to the changing business landscape, according to Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute Executive Director Jon Lukomnik.

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2016

Weaker winds slowed wind energy output growth in 2015

The 5.1% increase in wind energy output last year was the smallest since 1999, EIA reports, thanks to slow wind speeds in the West.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 22, 2016

Feds move offshore wind lease areas from North to South Carolina

The shift came after North Carolina officials raised concerns about wind projects' effects on ocean views and whale habitat. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 22, 2016

SunEdison files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

SunEdison announced its intention to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, throwing doubt on the future of its partnerships and projects. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 21, 2016

Declining prices, stable outlook drive utilities, large companies to wind power

Natural gas is the new power sector leader, but utilities are increasingly looking to renewables, especially wind, as a hedge against long-term gas price volatility and future environmental regulations.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 21, 2016