8 states challenge EPA science rule that could overhaul clean air standards

The proposed rule would only allow the agency to consider scientific studies in its rulemaking processes that disclose all of their methods and data — a move critics say will exclude a broad swath of public health studies. 

By Gavin Bade • May 8, 2018

As California energy markets modernize, regulators worry about repeating the past

A new report from staff of the California Public Utilities Commission concludes the state could drift back into another power crisis without careful planning as markets and technologies evolve.

By Robert Walton • May 7, 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

Solar has transformed into solar-plus-storage: What will net metering become?

Two prominent policy actions that could drive a more innovative use of solar-plus-storage are time-of-use rates and three-part rates with demand charges.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2018

Report: Actors paid to support Entergy gas plant at March hearing

The company said it has nothing to do with paying actors up to $200 to support its gas plant proposal at a March meeting of the New Orleans City Council.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2018

Pennsylavania opens 'future of utility rates' proceeding

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued a proposed policy statement calling for utilities to explore alternative ratemaking methodologies. 

By Robert Walton • May 7, 2018

ISO-NE cost recovery proposal opens new front in fuel security debate

The grid operator wants cost recovery for 1,700 MW of gas generation because it is afraid an adjacent LNG import facility will close without it. Critics call the request unprecedented and dangerous. 

By Gavin Bade • May 4, 2018

How can US utilities be ready when everything changes?

EY has modeled three critical tipping points for utilities on the way to a new energy system. In Europe and Oceania they're staggered, but in the U.S., they'll arrive in much quicker succession, Dana Hanson writes.

By Dana Hanson • May 4, 2018

Solar at the crossroads: Is utility-scale, distributed or both the way to go?

Sunrun says solar's future is on rooftops, but solar advocates and utilities say an advanced power system with utility-scale and distributed energy resources is a better bet.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2018

DOE IG report slams agency processes over misallocation of funds

The report found the department misallocated $16 million, with failures in training and communication, along with high levels of staff turnover contributing to the error.

By Peter Maloney • May 3, 2018

FERC approves California reliability-must-run contracts

Calpine's Feather, Yuba and Metcalf gas plants are needed for local reliability, the California ISO determined.

By Robert Walton • May 3, 2018

Iowa town vote on forming muni from Alliant too close to call

Decorah, Iowa, is considering whether to separate from Alliant and form a municipal utility in order to develop more renewable energy. 

By Robert Walton • May 3, 2018

100-Hour storage? DOE launches $30M program to explore new technologies

The program is designed to address the needs of intermittent generation sources, such as wind and solar, by enabling a new set of applications that can provide long lasting backup power.  

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

Iowa legislators approve steep cuts to energy efficiency programs

The bill would allow customers to opt out of efficiency programs and would cap program costs for utilities. It now heads to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2018

Michigan lawmakers propose to boost consumer-generated renewables

A bipartisan package of five clean energy bills aims to restore "fair-value pricing" for renewable energy sold back to utility companies, among other changes.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2018

EPA ozone designations raise concerns of political influence

EPA listed a number of counties as compliant with 2015 ozone standards that it previously recommended for non-attainment, including a Wisconsin county that's the site of a factory touted by President Trump.

By Gavin Bade • May 1, 2018

Lithium-ion domination could block promising storage technologies, MIT finds

Li-ion batteries are good for transportation applications, less so for the grid. But their dominance is making it difficult for producers of alternative storage technologies to survive, much less innovate and scale up.

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

PJM launches fuel security initiative to counter gas reliance

The initiative seeks to value attributes like dual fuel capabilities and onsite fuel supply, but critics say it is too narrow and similar to existing capacity performance rules. 

By Gavin Bade • May 1, 2018

NuScale receives first phase design approval for small modular reactor

There are five more phases in the process, but NuScale says the first is the most rigorous and now expects the NRC to complete certification by September 2020.

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

New York grid operator floats carbon pricing proposal

All suppliers inside the New York ISO market would be subject to carbon charges, under the initial proposal. NYISO is designing rules to ensure imports compete fairly, too.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2018

How big can New England's regional cap-and-trade program get?

The RGGI program has worked so well for its nine Northeastern member states that some say it's ready to go nationwide.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 1, 2018

PJM: FirstEnergy nukes can retire without reliability threat

The grid operator says three plants subject to an emergency bailout request at the Department of Energy can retire without putting electricity service at risk.

By Gavin Bade • April 30, 2018

Utilities, oil interests clash over EV policy at conservative policy summit

The battle at the American Legislative Exchange Council shows how utility interests are diverging from those of the oil and gas sector in an era of growing renewable energy and electric vehicles. 

By Gavin Bade • April 30, 2018

Illinois energy law revives renewables while aiding nuclear

The Future Energy Jobs Act is also expanding energy efficiency in the state, but the nuclear subsidies are being challenged in court.

By Peter Maloney • April 30, 2018

California fines PG&E $97.5M for improper talks in San Bruno pipeline case

It's the latest in a series of fines totaling more than $2 billion and related to the 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion, which killed eight and destroyed a neighborhood.

By Robert Walton • April 30, 2018

DOE gives $60M for advanced nukes, but industry wants better regs

There is growing interest in small modular reactors, but the licensing process must modernize along with the technology, according to a new Nuclear Energy Institute report.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2018