Senate confirms Granholm to lead DOE

Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's approval to lead the Department of Energy comes about a month after a Senate confirmation hearing that highlighted fears not all Americans will prosper in the clean energy economy.

By Robert Walton • Updated Feb. 26, 2021

California regulators express 'deep concern' over SCE 2020 power shutoff practices

Concerns include a lack of transparency around the utility's decision-making processes and coordination with state and local government entities.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 27, 2021

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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

Chatterjee calls on Congress to update federal energy policy to alleviate burden on FERC

"Legislative intransigence in Washington has put more and more of the critical decision making in the hands of agencies...that may not necessarily have the tools to address the complex challenges before us," the commissioner said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 27, 2021

SCE settles 2018 wildfire insurance claims for $2.2B, faces potential fines over energy efficiency program

The utility has now resolved all subrogation claims related to the 2017 and 2018 fires and mudslides, according to Edison International's CEO.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 26, 2021

National Grid petitions NY PSC to approve small battery project's dispatch, wholesale market roles

If approved, the small system will let the company learn how much larger battery projects will cope with the New York Independent System Operator's requirements for both processes.

By Leslie Nemo • Jan. 26, 2021

Duke coal ash clean up settlement shifts $1.1B in costs away from North Carolina ratepayers

The proposed settlement details how the utility will allocate the costs of its coal ash removal, allowing it to earn a return on equity from the cleanup, though at a lower rate than it had originally proposed.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 26, 2021

America's investor-owned utilities: We can achieve a 100% clean energy future

With the right policies and the right technologies, a 100% clean energy future can be more than a goal. It can be a reality, Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn writes.

By Tom Kuhn • Jan. 26, 2021

Duke stranded gas assets could cost customers $4.8B, report finds

The utility's long-term resource plans in the Carolinas could add up to 9.6 GW of new gas resources by 2050, but a "substantial" amount will need to come offline to meet its zero-emissions goals, the report found.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 26, 2021

Minnesota governor accelerates state's carbon-free power target 10 years, to 2040

The state's largest investor-owned utilities — Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power — are pursuing 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, and expressed some concern about the governor's accelerated timeline.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 25, 2021

Hydrogen advocates look to capitalize on California's goal to replace diesel for back-up generation

Hydrogen's ability to provide long periods of storage capability could make it an effective option for displacing the current practice of setting up large diesel generators, stakeholders told a California Energy Commission workshop.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 25, 2021

PJM, utilities 'messing with' state sovereignty is 'biggest threat' to climate goals: Maryland commissioner

State lawmakers say that while leaving the capacity market appears less likely with the new administration, his comments reflect a broader power struggle between the state and its grid operator.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 22, 2021

FERC needs to know that 'investor confidence' matters

An economy-wide carbon price, paired with truly competitive power markets, is the right way to deliver the necessary combination of cost-effective electric reliability and decarbonization, a Calpine executive writes.

By Steven Schleimer • Jan. 22, 2021

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 22, 2021

Interior Department agencies move to streamline offshore wind permitting

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement work to clarify responsibilities for offshore worker health and safety.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 21, 2021

Glick named FERC chair, promises 'significant progress' on energy transition

Glick has said publicly he would prioritize transmission reform, reassess capacity markets and continue efforts to lower barriers to clean energy resources in regulated markets.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Biden moves to rejoin Paris climate accord on first day in office, signs order to quickly review Trump regulatory actions

Stakeholders say Biden's day one actions signify that energy and the environment will be a top priority for his team.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

CPUC safety certification eases PG&E access to wildfire insurance fund, prompting backlash

Environmental and ratepayer advocacy groups are concerned by problems uncovered in field inspections, as well as PG&E's potential role in sparking the 2020 Zogg Fire.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 20, 2021

With FERC Order 2222 compliance deadline 6 months away, many questions loom, analysts find

What DER aggregates will look like, how the new parties will interact with existing grid management, and what individual state roles might be are questions that will have to be decided in the near future.

By Leslie Nemo • Jan. 20, 2021

10 state utility commission chairs to FERC: Let's strengthen federal-state electricity regulatory relationships

"We call on federal and state electricity regulators to explore a forum where pressing policy issues can be discussed in a way that improves coordination and understanding across the jurisdictional lines," the commissioners write.

By Jason Stanek, Philip L. Bartlett II, Joseph L. Fiordaliso, Marissa Paslick Gillet, Willie L. Phillips, Ted J. Thomas, Rebecca Cameron Valcq, Hayley Williamson, Dallas Winslow and Carrie K. Zalewski • Jan. 20, 2021

FERC rejects NYISO MOPR expansion, gas infrastructure orders, in Danly's last meeting as chair

"This meeting is not normal," an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council said in a tweet.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 20, 2021

DC Circuit rejects Trump EPA ACE rule, opening door for more stringent regulations under Biden

The court found the Clean Power Plan replacement "hinged on a fundamental misconstruction" of the Clean Air Act.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 20, 2021

California approves PG&E, SDG&E, SCE microgrid tariffs with eye to upcoming fire season

As battery storage capacity is added in California, developers are preparing to meet the summer peak demand through new projects, including microgrids.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 19, 2021

Hawaii finalizes utility regulation considered potential template for US power system transformation

Stakeholders agree the state's final performance-based regulation order includes opportunities and safeguards that can lead to a new regulatory paradigm.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2021

California releases final root cause analysis of August rolling blackouts

Renewables and storage advocates said the report shows California should invest more aggressively in long-term energy storage, to ensure power from intermittent resources, such as solar, can be available during peak hours.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 15, 2021

Duke, Southern file SEEM proposal with FERC as North Carolina regulators mull authority

Duke Energy argued state regulators do not need to approve its proposal to form a centralized energy exchange market before filing with federal regulators.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Feb. 16, 2021