Regulation & Policy: Page
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Deep Dive
As CCAs take over utility customers, local renewable generation emerges as the next big growth driver
The demand for customer choice has the potential to quicken the power system's transition toward cheaper, cleaner electricity, and is moving beyond California.
By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 8, 2019 -
Supreme Court to take on Atlantic Coast Pipeline appeal
The Trump administration disputed a lower court's ruling to reject a Forest Service permit for the pipeline, and the appeal could have implications for other pipelines crossing the federally-protected Appalachian Trail.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 7, 2019 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
TrendlineData 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 -
Carbon price could allay 'astounding' cost to attain New York's zero carbon target: Report
The state's power grid operator concluded that a price on carbon in wholesale markets could lower the cost to implement the state's electric sector goal for zero emissions by 2040 by $850 million.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 4, 2019 -
Coal-heavy Pennsylvania to join Northeast's carbon cap and trade program
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf committed the state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Pennsylvania had the fourth largest CO2 emissions in the power sector in 2016.
By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 4, 2019 -
As EPA preps coal ash rollback, study finds heightened risks of water, soil contamination
Industry and environmental groups have been anticipating changes to the federal rule, but a Duke University study presented to the EPA suggests health risks of the toxins may be greater than previously thought.
By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 3, 2019 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive/Utility Dive
Trump bucks bipartisan tradition with plan to nominate Republican FERC commissioner
The administration is avoiding the pattern of nominating a pair of Republican and Democratic nominees when two seats are open on the commission, despite having a pre-cleared Democratic candidate.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 2, 2019 -
DC Circuit rejects EPA air rule, requires tighter emission limits on power plants, other sources
While environmenal advocates hailed the court's decision, the EPA has indicated it may appeal the ruling.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019 -
Coal group pressed state regulators to ask FERC for resilience action
Six public utility commissioners asked FERC for "some sort of definitive action one way or another" on its resilience docket in light of coal and nuclear plant retirements.
By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Oct. 14, 2019 -
Deep Dive
3 state commissions upending the way utilities do business
Oregon, Illinois and Hawaii regulators are disrupting the traditional utility cost-of-service model to bring more distributed energy resources online.
By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 2, 2019 -
Renewable gas or electrification? Minnesota's high stakes experiment on building decarbonization
CenterPoint Energy proposed a green tariff for renewable natural gas that was rejected by Minnesota regulators, but the utility says the fuel is a viable path to decarbonization.
By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 1, 2019 -
Minnesota rejects Xcel's 720 MW Mankato gas plant purchase over stranded asset concerns
The utility still plans to buy the facility through an unregulated subsidiary, which some clean energy advocates say could loosen regulatory oversight.
By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 1, 2019 -
As Puerto Rico generators trip offline, PREPA relies on load shedding, looks to microgrids
The island utility faces resource adequacy problems as energy regulators consider a plan to reinforce resiliency through eight regional "minigrids."
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 30, 2019 -
Storage bill expanding utility rate recovery options for battery projects clears Senate committee
Top energy storage advocates are optimistic about the Better Energy Storage Technology Act's chances for a floor vote because of its bipartisan support.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2019 -
Opinion
Don't leave low-income families behind in California's climate fight
California policymakers have a tremendous opportunity to benefit all Californians — particularly those who are most at risk from the long-term consequences of climate change and face health and economic challenges today.
By J. Andrew McAllister & Ted Lamm • Sept. 30, 2019 -
Demand response top focus as Minnesota regulators adopt Xcel performance metrics
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission proposed more metrics to align the utility's generation with load in a transition from traditional cost-of-service ratemaking.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2019 -
Minnesota, New Mexico propose clean car rules as Trump attacks California standards
State and city leaders as well as utilities worry the administration's proposed rules could threaten EV momentum and are setting their own rules.
By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 26, 2019 -
California proposes eliminating simplified energy resource plans, but SCE says more is needed
Southern California Edison says it supports a stronger IRP process, but cautioned that eliminating alternative plans would require regulators to adjust greenhouse gas planning targets and demand forecasts.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019 -
California proposes IOUs collect $900M annually for wildfire fund, with one major hurdle for PG&E
The $21 billion fund would be seeded by both shareholders and ratepayers, but Pacific Gas & Electric would need to exit bankruptcy to access the money.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019 -
Deep Dive
California wants a carbon-free economy by 2045: Can floating offshore wind help it get there?
New technology could bring ocean wind when there is no sun to recharge depleted batteries.
By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 25, 2019 -
A Trump tariff boost? Georgia solar manufacturing plant will be North America's largest
Korea-based Hanwha Q Cells' new plant will produce 12,000 solar panels a day. But solar advocates contend the sector would have done better without the tariffs.
By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 24, 2019 -
Iulia Gheorghiu/Utility Dive
Solar tax credit extension would add 82 GW by 2030, SEIA forecasts
A 10-year extension would lead to $87 billion of private sector investment and 308 GW of solar installations by 2030, the solar energy industries association.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 24, 2019 -
Deep Dive
Northeastern utilities aim to 'crush and flatten' system peaks as DERs boost grid efficiency
DER providers and utilities have found shared market interests in New England, leading to cooperative BYOD programs that provide a range of benefits for customers and the power system.
By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2019 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive/Utility Dive
FERC proposal would 'gut' PURPA, could lower rates utilities pay to solar developers
The proposed rule would allow states to set the avoided cost rate based on changing market conditions, which would lessen small solar's ability to compete in the market, renewable energy groups contend.
By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Oct. 8, 2019 -
Sponsored by Bentley
How better data management improves utility efficiency, compliance and decision-making
Proper maintenance and upkeep of critical infrastructure are no longer delayed or even compromised simply because paper records about past work and tests are difficult, if not impossible, to locate.
Sept. 20, 2019 -
Trump administration threatens California emissions authority as state continues EV-focus
California passed six EV-related bills this legislative session, but its zero emissions vehicle rebate program could be threatened by EPA's actions.
By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 19, 2019
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