Montana House unexpectedly rejects bill to save Colstrip coal plant

The vote — which came a day after lawmakers preliminarily approved the measure — caught environmental advocates by surprise. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2019

Duke-backed ratemaking bill in North Carolina could decrease regulatory oversight

The bill is raising concerns from opponents about a lack of consumer protections as the utility faces large coal ash clean up costs.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 17, 2019

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

NYISO approves 'historic' transmission to boost transfer capability to 900 MW

Clean energy advocates celebrated the projects, which they say will help the state reach its ultimate goal of 100% carbon-free generation by 2040.

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2019

EPS Ep. 11: Cybersecurity with Richard Mroz and guest host Naomi Eide

Utility executives consistently name cybersecurity as the most pressing issue facing their companies. How can they fend off the hacks? Former New Jersey regulator Richard Mroz and CIO Dive Senior Editor Naomi Eide break it down.

By Gavin Bade • April 16, 2019

Hawaii launches on-bill financing program to expand clean energy access

The state has formally unveiled a new on-bill financing program that allows Hawaiian Electric customers to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects without incurring any upfront costs.

By HJ Mai • April 16, 2019

Iowa bill to hike distributed solar fees stalls after Senate passage

The legislation is supported by MidAmerican Energy, which says new fees would eliminate cost shifting from customers with residential solar to those without it. 

By Robert Walton • April 16, 2019

Supreme Court won't hear nuke subsidy cases, clarifying state energy jurisdiction

The decision not to hear challenges to Illinois and New York nuclear subsidies is the final ruling upholding those policies, which can now serve as legal models for other states.

By Gavin Bade • April 15, 2019

Michigan denies Consumers PURPA reset amid solar outcry

State regulators also gave themselves more time to review the IRP after criticism from solar companies over more than 3 GW of PURPA projects pending interconnnection.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 15, 2019

PG&E shares jump as California report advocates wildfire liability changes

Strict fire liability rules are not working and "under the status quo, all parties lose," according to a new report from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2019

DOE to spend additional $100M on lower emission coal plant development

A day before the DOE announcement, a bipartisan group of senators led by the leadership of the Senate energy committee introduced a new carbon capture bill to expand the agency's research initiatives.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 15, 2019

Renewable procurement gaps pose risk for California's climate goals, but what solution is best?

A new bill may capture broad agreement about the need for a central backstop procurement entity, but doubts about it remain.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2019

Inslee signs 100% clean energy bill in midst of 2020 White House bid

The bill was signed despite lack of bipartisan support and would require the electric grid to be 100% carbon-free by 2045, carbon-neutral by 2030 and coal-free by 2025.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 8, 2019

Indiana lawmakers reject generation moratorium aimed at saving coal

Debate over the generation moratorium corresponded with a lobbying campaign by out-of-state coal interests that supply fuel to Indiana generators, the Indianapolis Star reported.

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2019

Duke to resist North Carolina DEQ's 'disruptive' and 'expensive' coal ash excavation order

The utility plans to file an appeal with state regulators following an order which determined the only way to ensure Duke's coal ash is stored safely is to fully excavate all ponds.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 12, 2019

Puerto Rico governor signs 100% renewable energy mandate

The law aims to replace imported oil, gas and coal, which today make up the brunt of the island's generation. 

By Gavin Bade • April 12, 2019

Chicago becomes largest US city to commit to 100% clean energy

The city council voted unanimously on the resolution, which also calls for complete electrification of the city's bus fleet by 2040.

By Kristin Musulin • April 12, 2019

PJM won't delay capacity market order despite FERC impasse over rule changes

Last month PJM warned FERC that it was nearing a number of deadlines to prepare for the auction and needed a decision soon.

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2019

Montana approves bill to allow utility power sales to EV charging stations

The bill headed to Gov. Steve Bullock also determines the EV charging companies are not public utilities and directs regulators to set rates for EV charging. 

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2019

California utilities support centralized renewables procurement proposal, but urge caution

A California Administrative Law Judge issued the proposal in March after concluding that integrated resource plans filed by utilities and community choice aggregators would not reliably meet the state's climate goals. 

By Robert Walton • April 10, 2019

Maryland 50% RPS bill doubles offshore wind target, expands solar-carve out

The measure passed Monday by state legislators also allows waste-to-energy facilities to qualify for the renewable portfolio standard.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 22, 2019

New Jersey governor unveils portal to enhance state's offshore wind supply chain

As the state works to add 3,500 MW of offshore wind by 2030, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a free online registry to connect investors in offshore wind projects with New Jersey-based partners and suppliers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 10, 2019

100% clean electricity in Washington state: Achievable, affordable and reliable

The policy gained strong support in 2018, with strong stakeholder engagement setting up multiple checks and balances that will help decarbonize Washington’s electricity sector while maintaining low electricity prices.

By Adam Maxwell • April 10, 2019

DOE calls for large Puerto Rico gas plant as island targets 100% renewables

A gas generator 1.2 GW or larger would "greatly enhance" reliability and resilience, a senior agency official told lawmakers, but "could be at odds" with Puerto Rico's recently passed 100% renewables goal.

By Gavin Bade • April 9, 2019

Montana reviews controversial coal-saving bill, passes community transition actions

The "Save Colstrip" legislation is expected to reach the House floor in the coming weeks, as the governor considers three more coal-related bills.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated April 9, 2019

'No chance' on making Duke absorb coal ash costs, North Carolina GOP says

A new bill to prohibit cost recovery from ratepayers follows a PUC ruling last week that Duke must fully excavate all its coal ash ponds, estimated by the utility to add $4-5 billion to the already $5.6 billion clean up.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 9, 2019