ISO-NE: Offshore wind can cut costs, reduce grid stress during winter storms

An analysis of last year's "bomb cyclone" storm found that a 1600 MW offshore facility could cut power production costs as much as $13/MWh.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 7, 2019

Ensuring fuel security for the electricity system: New England and the role of LNG

Promoting a competitive market structure shields consumers from costly risks and provides continued opportunities to quickly accommodate to a low carbon future, the authors write.

By Joseph Cavicchi and Kenneth Grant • Jan. 7, 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

Energy agencies roll through shutdown while EPA, Interior stalled

DOE and FERC have funding to continue work through the persisting showdown over immigration, but a prolonged closure could stall work on nominees and some project approvals.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 7, 2019

Murder charges unlikely, but PG&E bankruptcy or asset sales are on the table

Increased federal oversight for the embattled California utility is also likely, energy lawyers told Utility Dive.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2019

Virginia Gov. Northam backs bill requiring Dominion to excavate all coal ash

Environmentalists say the governor's move is a "clear acknowledgement" that capping and keeping 27 million cubic yards of the utility's coal ash in place is not a tenable solution.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 7, 2019

FERC's McIntyre dies at 58

McIntyre was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and stepped down from the chairmanship in October, after missing FERC sessions for health reasons.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Jan. 3, 2019

NextEra, Dominion complete major utility acquisitions, expanding reach in the South

The big get bigger as the new year opens with Dominion and NextEra closing acquisitions of SCANA and Gulf Power, respectively.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 3, 2019

Getting to 100% zero emissions in California: Beyond CAISO's eight-solution menu

The state's IOUs are on track for 50% renewables by 2020, but questions remain on how to reach the 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 3, 2019

Connecticut moves to preserve Millstone nuclear plant with 10-year power deal

Plant operator Dominion has warned that the state's sole nuclear generator could close without a deal, which must now be approved by state regulators. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 3, 2019

With Hogan 'no' vote, Maryland board rejects Columbia Gas pipeline expansion

Environmental activists hope the governor's vote represents a major shift in energy policy, but company officials remain committed to building the 3.5-mile pipeline.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2019

10 trends shaping the electric power sector in 2019

From coal bailouts to batteries and wind and solar growth, here are the issues that will define the year to come.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 2, 2019

California AG: PG&E could be prosecuted for murder

Any charges would need to be filed by local officials, but if PG&E's equipment was operated in a reckless manner and is found responsible for sparking wildfires, the utility could face criminal prosecution.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2019

EPA to reconsider rationale for mercury emission rules

Utilities have largely complied with the 2012 rule, but altering the EPA's calculus for which regulations are "appropriate and necessary" could put limits on future environmental rules.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 31, 2018

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

FERC approves cost recovery for Exelon's Mystic gas plant

The approval illustrates continued debate over how to value fuel secure resources in New England and elsewhere.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

Climate adaptation plan for Columbus, OH includes improved grid resiliency, efficiency

The document contains 43 action items to boost the city's resilience to the effects of climate change, divided into categories: necessary and aspirational.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2018

How policies can make or brake solar development in the Southeast

Third party financing can enable solar growth, but faces hurdles in several states. Some utilities are not compensating for solar's value on the grid and leveling charges specific to solar owners. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

Letting the market, not MOPR, decide in PJM's capacity mechanism

A letter from gas generators to FERC says the American Way is to rely on the market; we agree, we're just not convinced that's what the generators actually want, says Mike Hogan of The Regulatory Assistance Project.

By Mike Hogan • Dec. 20, 2018

Chatterjee defends McNamee, tables LNG export vote amid partisan impasse

The chairman said he was "disappointed" not to vote on the Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility, but removed it from consideration after an apparent deadlock with the two Democrats on FERC.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 20, 2018

New Mexico regulators approve PNM plan to phase out coal by 2031

PNM plans to replace the lost capacity largely with solar and natural gas, though storage could play a role as prices continue to drop.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 20, 2018

As 67 coal plants in 22 states report coal ash violations, greens fear prolonged cleanup

A number of environmental groups filed a petition for review against the Environmental Protection Agency and Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, fearing rollbacks on coal ash rules could extend the timeline for utility cleanup.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 20, 2018

As grid mod accelerates and regulators push back, Duke and others retool proposals

Within this whirlwind of activity, some utilities are responding well and some are struggling to meet pressure from regulators and stakeholders to justify spending proposals.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

Green groups press for McNamee recusal on FERC resilience docket

McNamee's work on coal and nuclear bailout plans show he has "prejudged central matters of law and fact that remain at issue," four environmental groups wrote. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2018

Energy groups pan NERC generation retirement report for 'extreme' assumptions

NERC officials said some regions may need "new market constructs" and "out-of-market constructs" to slow the pace of plant shutdowns, but renewable energy and gas groups say the study is misguided.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2018

Merger, they wrote: Avista and Hydro One ask Washington regulators to reconsider rejection

The utilities seek a rehearing, saying the Utilities and Transportation Commission misunderstood the political risks related to their proposed $6.7 billion merger.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2018