UN report: Cities are 'key implementers' of climate policies

A new guide from authors of the latest UN IPCC report says that without action from cities, "there will be no limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 11, 2018

Washington clean energy proposal would phase out coal by 2025

Gov. Jay Inslee's proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2035 and transition the state to 100% clean energy by 2045.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 11, 2018

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

Glick predicts return to resilience debate as McNamee prepares to take FERC seat

With an emergency bailout reportedly on hold at the White House, "a lot of the focus is returning to FERC" on grid resilience issues, Glick told a Washington audience Monday.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 11, 2018

California sees rule potential to de-energize power lines in wildfire conditions

Pacific Gas & Electric cut off electricity service to nearly 60,000 this fall, but regulators want tighter rules on the practice as California wildfires worsen.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 10, 2018

In first, Virginia regulators reject Dominion Integrated Resource Plan

Regulators said Dominion's power demand forecasts are unrealistically high, which could raise questions about a number of infrastructure investments, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 10, 2018

As coal economics worsen, rural renewables development propels Midwest growth: NRDC

While the region still relies heavily on coal and natural gas, a continued rural focus may be the key to unlocking the region's clean energy potential, the Natural Resources Defense Council report said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 10, 2018

Schumer to Trump: For infrastructure deal, make storage and renewable tax credits permanent

To help fight climate change, the Senate Minority Leader also called for more investments in the electric grid, transmission and clean emissions technology.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 10, 2018

Colorado co-op seeks exit from coal-heavy Tri-State to pursue renewables

The Delta Montrose Electric Association asked regulators to set a fair price for it to exit the Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 7, 2018

New California building standards integrate 2020 rooftop solar mandate

The state's energy code amendment passed its final hurdle of approval, paving the way for other states and municipalities to consider similar standards for new home construction. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 7, 2018

Avista could face limited options in wake of Hydro One merger rejection

Washington regulators' rejection of the proposed merger leaves little room for Avista to negotiate a win.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 2018

White House proposal to end EV tax credit comes under fire

EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi said at an event in Washington, D.C. that the $7,500 rebate is "a perfect way to ease Americans ... into electrified transportation."

By Chris Teale • Dec. 6, 2018

EPA moves to rescind Obama-era carbon limits on new coal plants

The rollback is unlikely to spur new investment in U.S. coal plants, but the EPA hopes it could lead to the development of coal technologies that can be exported overseas. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 6, 2018

Solar industry sees short-term pluses from U.S.-China trade truce

While manufacturers now have more lead time before a tariff on goods, such as solar inverters, increases to 25% from 10%, tweets from President Trump on Tuesday led to a stock market slide.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 6, 2018

North Carolina energy storage market could exceed 1 GW by 2030, says study by universities

The state currently has 1 MW of battery storage, and the new study mandated by state law laid out potential use cases for energy storage technologies.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 2018

Senate confirms McNamee to FERC as coal recusal calls mount

The 50-49 vote came despite Democrat concerns over the nominee's past work crafting a coal and nuclear bailout proposal at DOE and the recent release of a video showing McNamee criticizing renewable energy and environmental groups.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 6, 2018

California utilities prep nation's biggest time-of-use rate rollout

Over 300 time-varying rates in 62 pilots have shown consumers can "understand and respond," but California’s three IOUs are dealing with more than 20 million people.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 6, 2018

Report: EPA to rescind Obama-era carbon rules for new coal plants

Coal operators said that EPA's New Source Performance Standards made it too costly to invest in new plants, but rolling them back is not likely to change the economic outlook for the sector. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 5, 2018

Xcel commits to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

The pledge makes the Minnesota-based firm the first multi-state utility to commit to a complete phaseout of the planet-warming gas, according to company officials. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Grid operators file plans with FERC on integrating storage into wholesale markets

There is wide variance in grid operators' responses to FERC's Order 841, such as different proposals on how to manage the charge/discharge state of a battery storage system.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 4, 2018

Even in a carbon-constrained world, fossil fuels remain dominant: WoodMac

Wood Mackenzie's new analysis concludes that even with policies designed to accelerate development of clean energy resources, it will not be possible to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

FERC vacancy allows Democrats to win rare battle over ISO-NE market rules

Commissioner Kevin McIntyre did not vote, allowing Democrats to push through acceptance of an ISO-NE proposal to treat fuel secure resources as price takers in its upcoming capacity auction. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2018

Republican introduces 'technology neutral' tax credit bill to boost energy innovation, efficiency

Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY, proposed the Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act, which he says will encourage the U.S. energy market to stop "picking winners and losers."

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2018

ALEC members reject electricity competition resolution after EEI opposition

The vote at the meeting of the private conservative policy group illustrates the ongoing debate between backers of market competition and incumbent utilities keen to preserve monopoly power. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

1M EVs in the US 'a step in our journey' to combat climate change

Speakers at an event celebrating the milestone also noted electric vehicles could play a large role in the fight against climate change and carbon emissions.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 3, 2018

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018