California utilities prep nation's biggest time-of-use rate rollout

Over 300 time-varying rates in 62 pilots have shown consumers can "understand and respond," but California’s three IOUs are dealing with more than 20 million people.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 6, 2018

Report: EPA to rescind Obama-era carbon rules for new coal plants

Coal operators said that EPA's New Source Performance Standards made it too costly to invest in new plants, but rolling them back is not likely to change the economic outlook for the sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 5, 2018

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

Xcel commits to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

The pledge makes the Minnesota-based firm the first multi-state utility to commit to a complete phaseout of the planet-warming gas, according to company officials. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Grid operators file plans with FERC on integrating storage into wholesale markets

There is wide variance in grid operators' responses to FERC's Order 841, such as different proposals on how to manage the charge/discharge state of a battery storage system.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 4, 2018

Even in a carbon-constrained world, fossil fuels remain dominant: WoodMac

Wood Mackenzie's new analysis concludes that even with policies designed to accelerate development of clean energy resources, it will not be possible to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

FERC vacancy allows Democrats to win rare battle over ISO-NE market rules

Commissioner Kevin McIntyre did not vote, allowing Democrats to push through acceptance of an ISO-NE proposal to treat fuel secure resources as price takers in its upcoming capacity auction. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Republican introduces 'technology neutral' tax credit bill to boost energy innovation, efficiency

Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY, proposed the Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act, which he says will encourage the U.S. energy market to stop "picking winners and losers."

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2018

ALEC members reject electricity competition resolution after EEI opposition

The vote at the meeting of the private conservative policy group illustrates the ongoing debate between backers of market competition and incumbent utilities keen to preserve monopoly power. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

1M EVs in the US 'a step in our journey' to combat climate change

Speakers at an event celebrating the milestone also noted electric vehicles could play a large role in the fight against climate change and carbon emissions.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 3, 2018

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 2018

California regulators announce probe into PG&E corporate structure

The move comes as California fire officials investigate the cause of the Camp Fire, which has killed 88 people and burned more than 150,000 acres.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 30, 2018

EU focuses on energy sector with plan to go 'climate neutral' by 2050

The report presents eight scenarios to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All of them indicate a rise in energy consumption, but rely more heavily on alternative fuels and energy storage.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 30, 2018

California ISO sketches path to day-ahead trading in Energy Imbalance Market

The grid operator is close to finalizing a three-year "roadmap" with market changes it considers necessary because the current focus on summer peak demand is failing to secure the optimal mix of resources.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

McConnell moves McNamee FERC vote to Wednesday

The delay in the vote, originally scheduled for Monday at 5:30, is due to memorial ceremonies in the Capitol for former President George H.W. Bush.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 3, 2018

SDG&E urges quick action by California Supreme Court on wildfire cost recovery

Saying a state appellate judge that previously ruled against the company should have recused herself due to a conflict of interest, the utility filed a petition this week to recover $379 million from 2007 wildfire costs.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2018

California must slash vehicle emissions to reach climate goal, CARB finds

The state will have to significantly cut transportation emissions to meet Gov. Jerry Brown’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045, the California Air Resources Board found.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 29, 2018

FERC moves to narrow jurisdiction over utility mergers after FPA changes

Newly signed amendments to the Federal Power Act would set a $10 million minimum for the value of mergers and acquisitions that must receive pre-approval from FERC.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 29, 2018

DC City Council unanimously advances 100% renewable energy bill

The Clean Energy Omnibus would also mandate that all public transport and fleet vehicles in the District be zero-emissions by 2045, including those operated for Uber and Lyft. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

Electric Power Show Ep. 2: PJM CEO Andy Ott says 'the game has changed'

The CEO of the nation's largest wholesale power market talks fuel security, plant bailouts, capacity markets and how state policy preferences are putting stress on the market's founding principles. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

New Hampshire settlement moves 'cutting-edge' utility BTM storage pilot forward

The Liberty-led pilot will be the second regulator-approved program for utility-owned behind-the-meter storage, and phase 2 will be the first to include the private sector.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 27, 2018

Senate committee advances FERC nominee McNamee despite 'unfortunate' comments

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee set up a full Senate vote on McNamee a week after the release of a video in which the nominee criticizes renewable energy and portrays environmental groups as tyrannical. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 27, 2018

Nuclear industry pouring money into Georgia PSC runoff

The primary issue is the treatment of Southern Company's Vogtle nuclear project, with Democratic candidate Lindy Miller opposed to ratepayers continuing to pay for cost overruns.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 27, 2018

How cities are affected by the federal climate report — and how they're fighting back

Extreme weather threatens to destroy urban areas while transportation systems may buckle, but there is optimism that city leaders will keep moving things forward.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 27, 2018

Senate committee to push ahead with McNamee vote despite Democrat objections

Democrats want the FERC nominee to answer for comments criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups, but Republicans on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee declined to delay a Tuesday confirmation vote. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Nov. 27, 2018