Public utility regulation should be politicized to tap cheaper, cleaner energy options

Political influences, exerted by various interests over decades, have shaped and influenced regulation from its first days — and have overwhelmingly favored fossil fuels, the author writes.

By Ron Lehr • April 2, 2020

New Jersey's energy efficiency approach could reduce incentive to invest, stakeholders warn

A proposal to reduce utility returns on equity for efficiency investments drew concern from electric companies in the state at an April 1 stakeholder meeting.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

California utilities fear market manipulation from proposed changes to RPS confidentiality rules

A staff proposal from the California Public Utilities Commission would disclose the cost of renewables contracts sooner than usual after negotiations are concluded.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 1, 2020

California proposes PG&E, SCE as central procurement agencies, but CCAs have doubts

The system would help create an effective portfolio of local resources, reduce the need for backstop procurement and allocate costs equitably, the CPUC said.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 1, 2020

Trump administration slashes required annual fuel economy increase to 1.5%, potentially harming EV market, advocates say

The new rules are intended to make vehicles safer and more affordable, according to Trump Administration officials.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 31, 2020

When will the US get 1 GW of offshore wind on the grid?

Two analyses foresee the U.S. reaching the offshore wind milestone by 2024, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and continued federal inaction on permitting could create delays.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 31, 2020

Nuclear regulators ease some power reactor regs in response to COVID-19

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued guidance for plant operators on how to safely operate with workforces reduced by the coronavirus.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 31, 2020

New Jersey looks to exit PJM capacity market, worried MOPR will impede 100% carbon-free goals

New Jersey officials fear the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's expanded application of its Minimum Offer Price Rule will impede the state's ability to utilize more clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2020

Wisconsin regulators launch investigation into COVID-19 related costs for utilities

One of the big questions being investigated is whether utilities will be able to recover expenses incurred as a result of the state suspending disconnections and late fees.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 31, 2020

EPA gives power plants, regulated entities pollution compliance flexibility, citing COVID-19 concerns

Environmentalists worry the new policy will give power facilities "an open license to pollute."

By Catherine Morehouse • March 30, 2020

Virginia rejects Dominion's $752M smart meter plan, other grid mod proposals

Regulators penalized the company for failing to justify costs to deploy advanced metering infrastructure, after Dominion failed to submit a broad time-of-use rate plan.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 27, 2020

California sets electric sector GHG emissions target 56% below 1990 levels, but leaves room for more

The state's public utility commission set a 46 MMT target for load serving entities by 2030, but is also requiring them to submit resource portfolios by Sept. 1 for a 38 MMT target.

By Kavya Balaraman • March 27, 2020

How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts

At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 26, 2020

Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules

With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.​

By Herman K. Trabish • March 26, 2020

PG&E fire victims concerned that COVID-19 market turmoil could affect payouts

Fire victims, along with PG&E's other creditors, will need to vote on the company's proposed reorganization plan by May 15.

By Kavya Balaraman • March 26, 2020

The politicization of public utility regulation

Public utility regulation has extended far beyond its longstanding mandate, the author writes.

By Kenneth W. Costello • March 26, 2020

Nearly $2T stimulus package omits direct renewable sector aid after Trump, McConnell opposition

President Donald Trump signed the latest stimulus package into law Friday. Power sector leaders see broad benefits stemming from the bill, including small business and unemployment loans.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated March 30, 2020

One easy fix to COVID-19 disruption of advanced energy development

Direct payment of federal incentives for advanced energy development is required to keep the industry on track, Nat Kreamer, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, says.

By Nat Kreamer • March 24, 2020

COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate

There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.

By Chris Teale • March 24, 2020

Solar developers launch lobbying effort to curb COVID-19 impacts, advance remote permitting

U.S. solar industries are ramping up congressional lobbying for additional aid to small businesses and solar tax credit extensions, given the challenges of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 23, 2020

Tracking the impacts of coronavirus on the US power sector

Oct. 8: How Austin Energy simultaneously managed COVID-19 and a new carbon price adder; Public-private partnerships hold the key to a clean energy future post-COVID

By Nami Sumida • Updated Oct. 8, 2020

18 Senate Democrats call on Congress to include renewables in stalled stimulus package

A Friday letter recommends tax credit extensions or an elimination of the tax credit phase-out, direct payment, refunds, or safe harbor extensions, among other options.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 23, 2020

PG&E, SCE abandon big microgrid plans for temporary emergency measures as wildfire season nears

Regulators' push to implement a law requiring microgrid rollouts is being frustrated by the costs of traditional generation and clean energy complexities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2020

California risks going seriously off course this week on its path to a zero carbon power sector

The state's public utilities commission, at its upcoming March 26 business meeting, may adopt a greenhouse gas emissions target for 2030 that defers emissions-critical, near-term decisions, the author writes.

By Ed Smeloff • March 23, 2020

Unemployment poised to skyrocket, creating urgent need to spur renewables: Obama veteran of 2008 financial crisis

Power sector leaders are pushing Congress to address hits to the industry, as a former Obama transition team member says renewables and transmission buildouts could be the first jobs to start hiring.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 20, 2020