Is lithium-ion 'the safest bet' in the future of battery storage?

A maze of options leads to back lithium-ion batteries for plug-in cars, stationary storage, and advanced electronics until at least 2025, according to a new study from Lux Research. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 8, 2015

Vermont utility teams with Tesla to offer home battery installment plan

The system will cost $6,500 but the expense can be decreased by sharing the storage capacity with Green Mountain Power, the utility said.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

California regulators finalize $16.7 million fine to SoCal Edison for secret San Onofre deal

A fee proposed by a state Administrative Law Judge has been finalized by California regulators over secret negotiations between Edison executives and the former CPUC president.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2015

Wisconsin regulators approve 75% fixed charge increase for Xcel subsidiary

The Wisconsin PSC has now approved fixed charge increases for four of the state's five major investor-owned utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2015

As IOUs push solar, Santee Cooper rate plan draws ire of South Carolina greens

Clean energy activists say the state's public utility is dragging its feet on solar while IOUs charge ahead.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2015

Federal judge approves Energy Future Holdings restructuring plan

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved the company’s reorganization plan, which includes the sale of Texas T&D giant Oncor.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2015

Google nearly doubles investment in renewables with 842 MW of wind and solar

The tech giant is calling its latest clean energy commitment "the largest, most diverse purchase of renewable energy by a non-utility."

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 4, 2015

PG&E contracts for 75 MW of energy storage on its way to 580 MW of capacity

The utility’s first storage buy is lithium ion and zinc-air batteries, plus a flywheel project. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 4, 2015

Feds back out of Exelon-Pepco merger proceeding, easing path to approval

The federal government's General Services Administration, which had provided a critical eye on the District of Columbia's consideration of the Pepco-Exelon merger, has dropped out of the proceeding.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2015

David Crane steps down as NRG Energy CEO

Crane led the transformation of NRG from a traditional wholesale power player into a company that was heavily invested in clean energy and emerging technologies.

By Davide Savenije • Dec. 3, 2015

N.C. regulators rule against NC WARN participating in Duke planning case

The North Carolina Utilities Commission calls the advocacy group’s objections “cumbersome and time consuming." 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 3, 2015

Round 2: DC hearings kick off today in Exelon-Pepco merger

The District of Columbia initially rejected the merger, but Exelon and Pepco will make their case again following a settlement with the mayor's office.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2015

Wells Fargo analysts downgrade odds of NextEra-HEI merger to 50-50

Analysts say meetings with NextEra execs show it could walk away from the deal.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

5 drivers making 100% renewables possible

A new paper offers companies and governments a toolkit to implement five transformative opportunities and reach big renewables targets.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

SDG&E is preparing to lobby against community choice, advocates say

The utility has filed paperwork to establish a marketing division that will communicate on community choice issues, which by law it is prohibited from doing using ratepayer funds.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2015

Entergy Louisiana will reduce solar remuneration after hitting net metering cap

Other Louisiana utilities expected to hit the cap soon, leaving the state's solar future in doubt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

COP21: Development banks pledge financial, strategical support to fight climate change

Six of the world’s largest development banks pledged to increase climate investments and ensure that development programs in the future consider climate risks and opportunities.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2015

Consumers advocates protest Indiana utilities pushing fixed charge increases

The Northern Indiana Public Service Company wants a nearly 100% increase in monthly fixed charges for residential customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

New trouble for NextEra merger as regulators slam Hawaiian Electric power supply plan

Unless NextEra offers a better plan, and fast, observers say the takeover bid could be in jeopardy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

Connecticut regulators conditionally approve Iberdrola-UIL merger

The approval, which is not final until Dec. 9, will help speed cleanup at the long-defunct English Station coal facility in New Haven, Conn.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2015

SolarCity leaves TASC, denies split with advocacy partner Sunrun

The leading U.S. solar installer is moving to the Energy Freedom Coalition of America for broader advocacy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 25, 2015

Google is first buyer of Duke Energy solar using utility's new Green Source Rider

In Duke’s first “sleeve project,” it will wheel solar to a key account at no cost to other customers

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 25, 2015

Portland General Electric joins CAISO energy imbalance market

The regional balancing authority headed by California’s grid operator will now span eight states.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 24, 2015

Montana utility withdraws bid for residential demand charge for DER customers

Montana Dakota Utilities withdrew its residential demand charge request, but still wants higher fixed charges and a boost in volumetric rates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 23, 2015

Duke Energy restyles retired Ohio coal plant into battery storage facility

Duke Energy has added 2 MW more to its energy storage system at its retired Beckjord coal plant in Ohio.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 20, 2015