Why NARUC wants state regulators to incentivize utility cloud computing

Allowing utilities to earn a return on cloud-based software could help them better serve customers and operate the modern grid, according to a new NARUC resolution.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2016

Tesla acquires Germany's Grohmann, plans European battery factory

Something of a storage arms race is building between battery companies as they each try to ramp up production in huge new factories. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 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

How PG&E's EV charging pilot will test utility ownership models

A new proposed decision seeks to strike the right balance between utility investment and third party participation. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 5, 2016

Texas regulators approve draft order for NextEra-Oncor deal

But the PUC said more work is necessary to quell concerns over minority rights for Texas Transmission Investment if NextEra fails to acquire those assets. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2016

In New Hampshire, stakeholders debate the next NEM successor tariff

Proposals including demand charges and TOU solar compensation could help boost energy storage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2016

The future of wind: Are we understating the potential (and uncertainty) in cost reductions?

Sector experts are more bullish than many existing forecasts, LBNL researchers write in a new guest series.

By Ryan Wiser, Joachim Seel, and Bentham Paulos • Nov. 30, 2016

PG&E reaches $85M Diablo Canyon settlement with local groups

The utility is offering $85 million to support the San Luis Obispo County community and make up for reduced tax revenues when the nuclear plant is shuttered.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2016

The 2016 Dive Awards for the utility industry

Who won CEO and Company of the Year? Check out our first Dive Awards to find out. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 29, 2016

Siemens, LO3 Energy teams up for blockchain-powered microgrid in Brooklyn

The microgrid will allow rooftop photovoltaic systems to feed excess electricity back to the local grid and receive payments from the purchasers.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 22, 2016

Cypress Creek Renewables to acquire solar developer FLS Energy

The deal makes Cypress Creek the second-largest utility-scale solar developer in the nation before its third birthday.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 21, 2016

Inside Exelon's last-minute push to save its nukes and remake the Illinois power sector

The Illinois legislature has a week to decide on a far-reaching energy reform bill that also includes coal subsidies and controversial rate design changes.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 18, 2016

Tesla, SolarCity merger approved with 85% shareholder support

More than 85% of unaffiliated shareholder votes were cast in favor of the merger, the company said, though final results are still pending.

By Gavin Bade , Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 17, 2016

US power electronics company Ideal Power enters German storage market

Ideal Power's systems can operate in 50 Hz or 60 Hz environments, giving them access to a variety of geographical markets.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2016

Walmart, Axiom Exergy partner for refrigeration energy storage project

The battery would be “charged” at night by freezing salt water and discharged during the day to decrease peak power consumption.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2016

NARUC after Trump: Utility regulators see a 'whole new world' for fossil fuels

Persistently low gas prices could create an 'existential crisis' in wholesale power markets, utility regulators said at their annual conference this week. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 16, 2016

PSE&G completes solar + storage project at New Jersey school

Gov. Christie is encouraging utilities to firm up their systems to avoid outages from extreme weather events. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2016

Boulder: City-owned utility would be cost effective, cleaner

The city has been trying for five years to break away from Xcel Energy and start its own utility. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2016

LG Chem strikes inverter deal to enter Australian, European markets

A new product with inverter manufacturer SMA can help customers save 80% on their energy bills, the companies say.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 9, 2016

Tangent and Cummins team up to offer gas generators with DER controls for C&I

While backup generators are usually deployed during outages, this venture could put them to use managing demand charges for C&I customers. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

PSEG close to approval for 33 MW of brownfield, landfill solar

A final decision is expected by the end of the year.   

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Mississippi Power pushes back Kemper start date again, adding $25M to costs

The Southern Co. subsidiary risks losing tax benefits if it delays the clean coal project any further. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Energy storage firm Enphase releases modest earnings amid residential solar slowdown

The developer of microinverters and energy storage has struggled to maintain costs and grow market share as the residential solar market cools down. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

How rising natural gas prices will affect the power sector in 2017

Analysts expect cooler weather and higher demand to limit fuel switching and raise residential power prices.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

Duke University gets cold feet for 21 MW CHP plant after environmental objections

Some on campus don't want to see the university install more fossil generation, leading officials to walk back their commitment.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

NRC issues environmental approval for 2 new reactors at FPL's Turkey Point nuke

The finding comes as Florida Power & Light is working to resolve an existing leak in its cooling canals at the plant, leaving environmentalists scratching their heads.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016