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

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

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

Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators' action on net metering

National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

SDG&E kicks off $52.5 million EV charger installation and customer education pilot

The utility will build, own, and maintain 3,500 charging stations at 350 locations across its territory under a program approved by regulators earlier this year.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Wind developers eye Hawaii, California coasts for floating turbines

The two states have abundant wind resources, but deep water close to the coasts means that wind turbines fixed to the ocean floor are unfeasible. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

SolarCity, PSC, Gov. Cuomo handed subpoenas in New York construction probe

A number of other state agencies were also tapped in the construction probe focusing on SolarCity's new upstate factory. 

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2016

SunEdison delays Q1 financials, fires CFO following bankruptcy

Chief Financial Officer Brian Wuebbels had also served as Chief Administration Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Major US companies launch Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance

Private companies and environmental groups have teamed up to promote the development of 60 GW of renewable energy by 2025.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 13, 2016

NextEra renews Oncor pursuit after Hunt's acquisition bid falters

The move comes after a rival Hunt-led consortium's bid for the transmission and distribution utility hit a stumbling block.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 13, 2016

PSE&G to invest $275M in new solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites

If approved, the New Jersey utility will build ten solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

Report: Ameren to make final offer to acquire Westar

Ameren is said to be preparing to make a final bid for Kansas' biggest utility Westar Energy. Previous suitors include Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Energy and a couple of Canadian companies. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 12, 2016

American Transmission Co. reorganizes, splitting Wisconsin, national development arms

Reorganization will protect Wisconsin customers and allow ATC to move ahead on out-of-state builds, the company says.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

Wyoming lawmakers to consider raising the only US state tax on wind generation

Lawmakers say they want to make tax rates for renewables and fossil fuel generation comparable, but wind developers claim they already pay higher rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

French oil giant Total to acquire battery storage company Saft

The oil and gas company looks to deepen its clean tech portfolio with the friendly acquisition of Saft. 

By Peter Maloney • May 10, 2016

Hawaii budgets $1.2M for study of alternative utility business models

If approved by Gov. Ige, the study would follow a separate report that recommended a nonprofit grid operator for the island of Maui.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Arizona lawmakers pass bill altering conflict-of-interest standards for utility regulators

The measure, expected to be signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, would allow one of his appointees to vote in proceedings involving SolarCity despite a familial connection. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016