Regulation & Policy: Page
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LaFleur cautions on administrative interference as she exits FERC
The commissioner speaks frankly about a missed opportunity — opening a natural gas pipeline docket in 2016 — and challenges ahead.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 29, 2019 -
Permission granted by PJM Interconnection
FERC orders PJM to postpone capacity auction
The grid operator asked for certainty ahead of its August auction as FERC works on rules that incorporate aggregated distributed resources into the market.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 26, 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 -
Few US cities on track to meet climate goals: ACEEE
Cities took on more than 265 climate initiatives in 2018, but most aren't adequately tracking their progress, and nearly 35% of cities have not set GHG reduction targets.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2019 -
Chicago considers municipalizing ComEd
The utility's contract with the city expires at the end of 2020 and city leaders believe they could accelerate decarbonization and lower rates through municipalization.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 25, 2019 -
Deep Dive
Harvesting hybrid solutions from performance-based rates: 'Not all or nothing'
While performance incentives can't "bribe a utility into being something fundamentally different," they can fundamentally reduce the friction of transition.
By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2019 -
Federal bill could restore biogas tax credits, bolster organics infrastructure
The expiration of a 30% investment tax credit — responsible for growing the wind and solar sectors — has reduced financing options for anaerobic digesters in recent years.
By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 27, 2019 -
Ohio's nuke and coal subsidies will likely be challenged at the ballot
A coalition of independent energy producers and environmentalists are looking to launch a referendum, which could prevent HB 6 from becoming law until November 2020.
By John Funk • July 23, 2019 -
Deep Dive
Performance-based regulation: Seeking the new utility business model
As the push to upend traditional utility business models grows across the country, new leading efforts are showing results where others missed the mark.
By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2019 -
Ohio Gov DeWine signs controversial nuke subsidy bill
The bill creates a $1.1 billion nuclear subsidy and provides $50 million per year in coal plant subsidies.
By John Funk • Updated July 23, 2019 -
Federal, North Carolina, Virginia governments sue Duke over 2014 coal ash spill
The action seeks to hold Duke accountable for environmental harm incurred by the spill, which released 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 22, 2019 -
New York awards record 1,700 MW offshore wind contracts
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced two separate projects being developed by Equinor and Ørsted as the first segment of the state's 9,000 MW offshore wind target.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 19, 2019 -
Mayors call for new 'Marshall Plan,' federal resiliency office to fight climate change
A committee of 10 Democrats promised to continue studying climate change, holding more hearings and fostering partnerships with governments at all other levels as well as with the private sector.
By Chris Teale • July 18, 2019 -
Berkeley sets historic law banning natural gas from new buildings
Berkeley is the first U.S. city to pass such a measure, designed to curb GHG emissions and prepare new buildings for electric infrastructure.
By Kristin Musulin • July 18, 2019 -
NRC may cut back nuclear reactor inspections as industry costs mount
The nuclear industry has long advocated for less costly inspections, but some have raised safety concerns.
By HJ Mai • July 18, 2019 -
NARUC: FERC went beyond 'authority of power' in issuing Order 841
The group filed a petition for review on Tuesday, to the disappointment of the energy storage industry.
By HJ Mai • July 17, 2019 -
Sen. Murkowski teases prospects for storage as committee advances 22 energy bills
While the initiatives did not include energy storage-focused bills, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair said a second mark-up can be expected in September.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 17, 2019 -
Deep Dive
State carbon free policies increasingly inclusive of nuclear, but resource needs federal boost
The poor economics of nuclear generation stymie investments in the private sector, making federal policy necessary.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 17, 2019 -
Colorado regulators cancel Black Hills Energy TOU pilot amid concerns for low-income customers
The PUC chairman suggested combining TOU with demand side management could better empower low income customers to take control of their bills.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 17, 2019 -
Ohio Senate approves amended $1B nuke subsidy bill
The bill would also raise nearly half billion dollars for some coal plants and $50 million for solar but nothing for wind or natural gas plants.
By John Funk • Updated July 18, 2019 -
Utilities need accelerated declassification to protect against cyber attacks: NERC CEO
With the potential for a cyberattack at an all-time high, NERC is urging the U.S. government to increase information sharing by rapidly declassifying information on potential threats.
By HJ Mai • July 16, 2019 -
77% of global cities will experience 'striking shift' in climate by 2050
Nearly a quarter of global cities will experience extreme climate conditions not currently found in any city, a new report in journal PLOS One found.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 15, 2019 -
New Mexico regulators attempt to bypass San Juan securitization, to PNM's surprise
The Public Regulation Commission on Wednesday moved to open the utility's abandonment case on its 847 MW coal plant, which stakeholders say is an attempt to bypass the state's Energy Transition Act.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 12, 2019 -
Pennsylvania regulators outline criteria for alternative rate proposals to support new tech
Several technologies are pushing the need for updated ratemaking principles, according to the Public Utility Commission, including rooftop solar, gas microturbines and combined heat and power projects.
By Robert Walton • July 12, 2019 -
California Gov. Newsom to sign $21B wildfire liability bill today
Critics say the plan to help utilities pay wildfire damage liabilities has been rushed through the state legislature.
By Robert Walton • July 12, 2019 -
Deep Dive
Solar + wind + storage developers 'gearing up' as hybrid projects edge to market
A "wave" of new projects is coming to use wind, solar and battery storage in ways that will stabilize grids, increase efficiencies and lower power costs.
By Herman K. Trabish • July 9, 2019
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