DOE downplays impact of new light bulb rules, but NGOs ready to sue

The U.S. Department of Energy says new standards for general service incandescent lamps are not economically justified. Efficiency advocates say they would save consumers billions. The fight is likely headed to court.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 4, 2019

FERC, NERC propose to publicly identify utilities violating cybersecurity standards

The Federal Energy Regulation Commission said it has received an unprecedented number of Freedom of Information Act requests for information on violations of infrastructure reliability standards since 2018.

By HJ Mai • Sept. 4, 2019

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

Electricity markets don't need an overhaul

With moderate tinkering, existing independent system operator-run markets can support very low emission electricity systems that rely primarily on solar and wind energy, writes Fritz Kahrl, a director at consulting firm E3.

By Fritz Kahrl • Sept. 4, 2019

Former FERC adviser puts $5.7B price tag on PJM's clean energy market policy

Stakeholders expect a final order soon from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on the wholesale market policy intended to reduce the influence of clean energy subsidies on PJM capacity prices.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 3, 2019

The unknown costs of a 100% carbon-free future

State approaches to 100% clean energy vary, and while several costs remain unknown, some utility solutions are emerging.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 3, 2019

Nuclear technology innovation and regulatory transformation are essential to meeting climate goals

A key challenge for nuclear regulators is to adapt oversight practices to technologies that didn't exist when today's regulatory framework was developed, write three former heads of DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy.

By Warren F. Miller, Peter B. Lyons and John F. Kotek • Sept. 3, 2019

Delayed since 2016, Constitution Pipeline scores win on New York water permit

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week reversed a previous decision, breathing new life into the Williams Cos. project and leaving backers cautiously optimistic.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 2019

Rhode Island issues 10-year tax credit to draw offshore wind business

The state uses its Qualified Jobs Tax Credit program to attract companies to relocate or expand, and wind O&M companies have been approved for $2.8 million in credits over a decade.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 29, 2019

Green Mountain Power partners with Sunrun to expand BYOD storage program

GMP first launched its battery program in 2018 through an exclusive partnership with Tesla.

By HJ Mai • Aug. 29, 2019

DTE resource plan ignores dynamic modeling, undervalues solar, stakeholders complain

The utility's long-term plan is rigid in its resource assumptions, allowing uneconomic coal to stay online longer and undervaluing the potential benefits of renewables, according to expert testimony.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 27, 2019

PG&E may answer the billion dollar grid modernization question

A step-by-step regulatory process in California confronts the technical challenges and "obscene expenses" of distributed resource investments.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2019

RMI calls for national mandates on EV purchases, AV testing

The Rocky Mountain Institute warned the U.S. could fall further behind on new mobility options without stronger central leadership.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 23, 2019

An uncertain path to a cleaner future: Zero carbon electricity legislation in New York and California

How should California, New York and other states plan to meet their new 100% zero carbon electricity market goals with minimal impacts on reliability and affordability?

By Thomas R. Brill and Steven C. Russo • Aug. 23, 2019

California calls for $100M to incentivize DERs in high-risk wildfire areas

The Public Utilities Commission proposed changes to the state's primary storage incentive that would create a budget for low-income customers in wildfire threat areas.

By HJ Mai • Updated Sept. 13, 2019

FirstEnergy Solutions' bankruptcy plan hits snag as judge presses utility to resolve union contracts

FES wants to scrap FirstEnergy labor contracts, including pensions for long-time nuclear plant workers, while emerging from bankruptcy with up to $1.1 billion in cash, witnesses say.

By John Funk • Aug. 22, 2019

Virginia regulators allow customers to exit Dominion service for 100% renewables offerings

The utility was ordered to restart processing exit applications in August from customers this summer, as its own 100% renewable energy plan is pending before regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Controversial Duke multiyear rate plan upended in North Carolina House

House lawmakers were concerned "the biggest paradigm shift in North Carolina electricity regulation in 100 years" did not go through a full stakeholder process.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 22, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Wisconsin regulators grant wind transmission project preliminary approval

The controversial project would allow the state to add 25 GW of renewable energy capacity to the Great Plains market and ensure reliability. Opponents argue for transmission updates to existing infrastructure.

By Max Witynski • Aug. 21, 2019

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040?

Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019

Xcel needs a push to improve its grid transparency tools

Further improvements to Xcel's hosting capacity analysis and map are necessary to help Minnesota realize the full potential of DERs, including renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage, writes Yochi Zakai, an attorney for IREC.

By Yochi Zakai • Aug. 20, 2019

New Mexico city fights for federal carbon capture funding in next move to save San Juan coal plant

Farmington, New Mexico, signed an agreement to transfer 95% of the plant's ownership from other stakeholders to a local energy company.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

Wisconsin governor orders 100% carbon free by 2050, despite lack of legislative support

Gov. Tony Evers, D, signed an executive order on Friday after being unable to pass more aggressive energy policy through the state's budget.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

New Mexico senator moves to impeach utility commissioners as tensions rise over San Juan closure

A legislator frustrated with what he says is politically motivated opposition to the state's comprehensive clean energy law is heightening pressure on regulators.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 16, 2019

Top Arizona regulator spurs retail choice progress, pushes for rule drafting

The Arizona Corporation Commission had closed its retail electric competition docket in 2013, following the opposition of Arizona Public Service.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 16, 2019