Tariffs drove construction input prices up to start 2026

January’s cost increases amounted to a “blistering” annualized rate of 7.1% for nonresidential input prices, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. Copper was up 80% year over year, iron and steel 58% and switchgear 67%.

By Sebastian Obando • March 3, 2026

Addressing utility payment delinquencies amid rising energy burden

Rising payment delinquencies are putting pressure on utility revenue cycles. Utilities are adopting preventive strategies to stabilize cash flow and support customers.

March 2, 2026

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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

Virginia, Indiana lawmakers pass surplus interconnection bills

Using existing surplus interconnection, such as at rarely-used peaker plants, can get generation and storage resources online faster and more cheaply than seeking new interconnection rights. PJM lags behind other grid operators in pursuing this. 

By Ethan Howland • Updated 8 hours ago

CARB approves California’s climate disclosure regulations

The California Air Resources Board, tasked with enforcing the state’s climate disclosure laws, will require companies to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by August this year.

By Lamar Johnson • March 2, 2026

PJM proposes fast-track interconnection plan, capacity auction price collar

The PJM Interconnection says it is taking steps to bring new generation online as fast as possible while protecting ratepayers from high capacity prices.

By Ethan Howland • March 2, 2026

From labor to components, America must bring grid modernization home

If the U.S. does not reshore every layer of the grid, it will never be able to power the AI economy it intends to lead, writes Peak Nano CEO Jim Welsh.

By Jim Welsh • March 2, 2026

Public takeover of Tucson Electric Power would cost $4B, Brattle finds

A city-run utility would increase electric bills by $5.8 billion over 20 years, according to a study commissioned by the utility. “No one believes TEP’s accounting,” public power proponents countered.

By Robert Walton • March 2, 2026

California orders utilities to add 6 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2032

“Eligible new resources must be either zero-emitting or otherwise eligible under the [renewables portfolio standard] program,” according to the California Public Utility Commission order.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 27, 2026

Efficiency first: A fast track to capacity in the era of hyperscalers

Prioritizing demand-side management before committing billions to new infrastructure mitigates risks for utilities and their customers, according to a pair of efficiency experts.

By Paige Knutsen and Erin Kempster • Feb. 27, 2026

PSEG sees investment opportunity as NJ eyes adding in-state generation

A bill was introduced this week in the New Jersey Legislature that would require a solicitation for gas-fired generation.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 27, 2026

House passes bills to weaken DOE’s appliance efficiency program, repeal home rebates

Consumer advocates lamented the votes. “Efficiency rules are incredibly popular because they save families money on their utility bills,” said Dylan Jaff at Consumer Reports.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2026

More interregional transmission could save consumers billions: study

However, East Coast generators would see reduced revenue, giving them an incentive to oppose new transmission lines, researchers said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 26, 2026

PJM proposes behind-the-meter reforms in data center colocation effort

The planned reform threatens the economic viability of new combined heat and power generation at industrial facilities in the PJM Interconnection, according to trade groups.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 24, 2026

The false promise of cheap and reliable coal

Colorado’s youngest coal-fired generating unit will not produce power, or savings, anytime soon. The problems with Comanche Unit 3 highlight the hazards of relying on coal, write clean energy advocates Anna Adamsson and Leslie Glustrom.

By Anna Adamsson and Leslie Glustrom • Feb. 24, 2026

The electricity paradox: Driving affordability means infrastructure investment

Energy abundance, AI competitiveness and consumer affordability are not in conflict, but the power sector needs to show that growth can lower bills, not raise them, write Ray Gifford and Matt Larson from Wilkinson Barker Knauer. 

By Ray Gifford and Matt Larson • Feb. 23, 2026

New Jersey regulators take first step to reform electric utility business model

Performance-based ratemaking, multiyear rate plans and lower utility returns are all options the Board of Public Utilities plans to consider. It recently approved hiring a consultant to assist a potential overhaul.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 23, 2026

States sue Energy Department for terminating $8B in clean energy funding

The Trump administration unlawfully bypassed Congress and made politically motivated cuts to programs created through the IRA and IIJA, the lawsuit claims.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Feb. 20, 2026

The ghosts of nuclear past, present, and future: Can you tell them apart?

There’s a lot of chatter about nuclear energy these days, but we need to sort the category to make sense of what is feasible, writes University of Oregon Professor of Practice Joshua Skov.

By Joshua Skov • Feb. 20, 2026

DOE ‘emergency’ power plant orders help grid reliability: NERC official

However, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's reliability remains at “high risk,” NERC’s John Moura said, and it's unclear whether its fast-track interconnection process will help.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 20, 2026

Health, environmental groups sue EPA over repeal of endangerment finding

California will challenge EPA’s “endangerment finding” repeal in court. The U.S. Conference of Mayors pledges to "fight for policy that addresses climate change with the seriousness that it requires."

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Feb. 19, 2026

Improve transmission affordability by mending the regulatory gap

A two-pronged approach to planning could target inefficient spending while also spurring investments that promote beneficial transmission, writes Advanced Energy United’s Alex Lawton.

By Alex Lawton • Feb. 19, 2026

VPP vs. VPP: Customer-owned DER aggregators challenge Xcel-owned batteries in Minnesota docket

The Minnesota decision could affect how regulators see virtual power plants nationwide.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 19, 2026

Southeast utilities lag national efficiency averages despite ‘low-hanging fruit’: SACE

In its latest regional efficiency report, the environmental group recommends targeted weatherization, stronger oversight and an end to broad industrial efficiency exemptions.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 18, 2026

City’s adoption of efficiency metric signals less reliance on third-party building certifications

Developers could still use LEED or other certifications to meet green building goals in Alexandria, Virginia, but the energy use intensity metric gives them an option just focused on efficiency.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 18, 2026

Efficiency, demand flexibility can meet growing data center loads — and do so cheaply: ACEEE

Large utility programs provide energy efficiency for about $21/MWh, while new combined-cycle gas plants cost at least twice that, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy said.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 18, 2026