When cooperative federalism becomes compulsory: FERC overreaches for storage

If FERC is empowered to do anything as broad as Order No. 841, so long as it’s a practice "affecting wholesale rates," then there are no bumpers on federal jurisdiction, because everything affects wholesale rates in some way.

By Tony Clark and Ray Gifford • May 20, 2019

FERC commissioners deny opportunity for state-by-state opt out of storage order

Chairman Neil Chatterjee said Order 841 will withstand legal scrutiny, after Commissioner Bernard McNamee brought up concerns over FERC's jurisdiction.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 17, 2019

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

WoodMac: Energy storage will move toward value stacking as industry matures

The global energy storage industry is experiencing significant growth, and capitalizing on all the technology's potential revenue streams will become increasingly important.

By HJ Mai • May 17, 2019

New York updates price signals to recognize full value, spur distributed energy resources

The Public Service Commission approved adjustments to standby and buyback service rates aimed at reducing peak demand and operating the electric grid more efficiently.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2019

PG&E, Dominion, 11 other major companies push carbon tax in new climate initiative

On the same day the CEO Climate Dialogue was unveiled, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee said "a carbon tax is not the solution to address our environmental challenges."

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2019

DOE looking to save ailing Colstrip plant, fossil fuel chief tells Senate

"We're happy to work with Colstrip and see what opportunities there are to keep it open," Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy at the Department of Energy Steven Winberg told Sen. Steve Daines, R-MT.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 17, 2019

PJM CEO Ott: Lowering storage durations in Order 841 response will displace demand response resources

The grid operator doesn't want to lower its 10-hour minimum storage duration requirement for capacity market participation at the risk of displacing demand response resources. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 16, 2019

Solar, wind industries urge feds to smooth deployment kinks

Transmission, soft cost reductions and greater resource efficiency require federal investment to maximize technology growth, industry leaders told the House Subcommittee on Energy Wednesday.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 16, 2019

DOE proposal to roll back lightbulb efficiency puts billions in energy savings on the line

Manufacturers argue the stronger 2017 standards were put in place illegally, but the process-driven debate is putting lower carbon emissions and greater customer choice at risk, efficiency advocates say.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2019

'Solar access' bill limits community solar potential in Nevada, critics warn

The bill limits solar providers outside the state's monopoly utility NV Energy from developing programs and doesn't require bill savings for all participants.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated June 5, 2019

Carbon Disclosure Project recognizes 43 cities for climate, environment policies

Twenty-one American cities received "A" grades from the nonprofit, including Boston, Denver, New York City, San Francisco and Washington.

By Jason Plautz • May 15, 2019

Arizona nears EV plan finish line, but one commissioner rallies in opposition

"If you do not want your utility rates to increase to help defray the cost of affluent Arizonans owning new electric vehicles, now is the time to voice your opposition," Commissioner Justin Olson wrote.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2019

Allowing DERs to participate in wholesale markets does not trample state and local authority

What's needed is a framework of shared authority that puts the electricity industry on a path to ensuring that all resources can fairly compete to provide service on the basis of price and performance.

By Ted Thomas and Jeff Dennis • May 14, 2019

Department of Energy to award $79M for bioenergy research and development

Projects relating to "urban and suburban wastes," "plastics in the circular carbon economy" and "rethink[ing] anaerobic digestion" are among multiple areas of interest for the new federal funding.

By Cody Ellis • May 13, 2019

How to protect California ratepayers, expand clean local energy and avoid bailing out PG&E

Divesting the utilities of their transmission assets to make them Distribution System Operators will benefit ratepayers and utilities.

By Craig Lewis • May 13, 2019

US power sector recognizes cyber risks, but violations show enforcement issues

Cyber violations by some of the largest utilities in the country have raised questions about the industry's commitment to cybersecurity. Critics say the industry has to step up as it can't afford to wait for a large-scale attack.

By HJ Mai • May 13, 2019

South Carolina unanimously passes solar bill to lift 2% net metering cap

The bill addresses a number of other solar development barriers as well, including PURPA and resource planning reform.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 10, 2019

New York to phase out coal by 2020 through strict emissions regulations

The state is the first to approve a regulatory phaseout of coal-fired power plants, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2019

Duke CEO presses case against N.C. coal ash excavation order, S.C. rate ruling

Lynn Good highlighted a potential appeal of orders from South Carolina regulators due to disappointingly low coal ash recovery costs and return on equity percentages for Duke Energy's Progress and Carolinas subsidiaries.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 10, 2019

NERC to analyze first potential cyberattack on US grid

The nonprofit has no information suggesting malicious intent behind the loss of visibility to a utility control system that occurred in early March and impacted electrical system operations in California, Utah and Wyoming.

By HJ Mai • May 10, 2019

Florida's solar turnaround sparks concerns over limits on community projects

Many are asking how big this boom will get, but a better question may be how this growth will evolve as its impact sparks responses by utilities, solar developers and policymakers.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2019

Republicans show increasing appetite for climate action, despite opposition to Paris accord bill

GOP legislators are increasingly calling for measures to address climate change, but through private sector innovation, as opposed to carbon taxes, mandates or sweeping Green New Deal-style policies.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 9, 2019

Moody's developing new system to score companies on carbon transition risk

The company's proposed framework would evaluate the need to comply with climate regulations and the cost required to decarbonize energy sources, among other factors, but would not produce new credit ratings.

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2019

South Carolina regulators slash Duke Energy Progress rate hikes, cut $333M coal ash recovery

The Public Service Commission adopted a similar motion reducing another Duke subsidiary's proposed rate hike by 54%, signaling the impact of stakeholders that rallied to oppose the increases.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 9, 2019

Three Mile Island to close after bailout bill stalls in Pennsylvania legislature

The plant gained international fame when a partial nuclear meltdown permanently shut down Unit 2 in 1979. Economic competition is now driving Unit 1 to close, despite 15 years left on its operating license.

By HJ Mai • May 9, 2019