5 companies propose transmission projects for Massachusetts clean energy RFP

The proposed transmission projects would help the state meet its goal of 1,200 MW of renewable energy. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 31, 2017

ZECs appeal: Illinois, New York nuclear cases could shape power market jurisdiction

Two federal court rulings in favor of nuclear zero-emission credits could preclude future jurisdictional lawsuits if upheld on appeal.

By Peter Maloney • July 31, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

Minnesota regulators boost carbon cost estimates for utility planning

A 3-2 decision on Thursday upped the social cost of carbon measurement used in utility planning processes to a range of $9.05 to $43.06 per short ton of CO2 by 2020.

By Gavin Bade • July 28, 2017

Summer nuke owners accept $2.2B from Toshiba to continue construction

The future of the long-delayed and over budget Summer nuclear expansion remains unclear, as completion of the project will likely require more funds than Toshiba will provide.

By Gavin Bade • July 28, 2017

House approves minibus spending bill with deep cuts to DOE funds

The four-agency spending bill would cut energy programs at the Department of Energy by more than 17%, eliminating the ARPA-E program but preserving fossil fuel research. 

By Gavin Bade • July 28, 2017

Connecticut's energy strategy update focuses on renewables, grid modernization

The draft plan would increase the state's renewables goal to 30% by 2030.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2017

North Carolina governor signs solar bill, targets wind moratorium with executive order

Immediately after signing the solar compromise, Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order telling state officials to continue planning for wind projects despite an 18-month moratorium in the bill. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 27, 2017

Arizona regulatory judge recommends approval of APS, solar settlement

The administrative law judge ruling moves a March settlement on solar compensation one step away from approval. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 27, 2017

Reliability will be preserved through market transition, grid operators tell Congress

The question isn't whether the nation's ISOs and RTOs will reliably integrate state power policies into wholesale markets, grid operators told a Congressional hearing. The question is how.

By Gavin Bade • July 27, 2017

Love the one you're with: Hawaii regulators begrudgingly accept HECO energy plan

The order accepting Hawaiian Electric's third plan to get to 100% renewable energy leaves contentious cost and procurement debates to future dockets. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2017

California Gov. Brown signs carbon trading extension to 2030

The program, a key part of California's climate efforts, has been under attack by opponents who call it an illegal tax.

By Peter Maloney • July 27, 2017

EPA proposes keeping current nitrogen dioxide emission standards

The agency expects NO and NO2 emissions from power plants to decline over the next decade as the sector meets various Clean Air Act requirements.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2017

Trump formally establishes infrastructure council, with focus on energy

A nonprofit group is already suing the federal government over the council, saying it has been meeting in secret.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2017

Federal court throws out challenge to New York nuclear subsidies

For the second time in as many weeks, a federal court ruled zero-emission credits for nuclear plants do not impede on FERC's wholesale power market jurisdiction.

By Gavin Bade • July 25, 2017

Connecticut Gov. Malloy orders financial review of Millstone nuke

The governor wants to assess whether financial support is needed for Connecticut's sole nuclear plant, but operator Dominion warns the review could come too late.

By Gavin Bade • July 25, 2017

The state of wholesale power markets; Principles for managing an evolving power mix

To harmonize state policies and power markets, Energy Innovation analysts say policymakers should define modern market parameters and then leave them mostly alone.

By Eric Gimon, Robbie Orvis • July 25, 2017

Energy storage group outlines ways for states to promote the technology

The report sees procurement targets as the top state policy needed to spur development.

By Peter Maloney • July 25, 2017

Reports: Trump to nominate coal lobbyist Wheeler to deputy EPA slot

The Murray Energy lobbyist and former Senate staffer follows a number of industry officials named to top energy slots in the Trump administration. 

By Robert Walton • July 25, 2017

UK outlines plan for major grid upgrades, battery storage investments

The U.K. government plans to invest $320 million in battery storage technology over a 4-year span.

By Peter Maloney • July 25, 2017

Hiding in plain sight: Aggregated DERs in wholesale power markets

Distributed resources can't yet compete like traditional generators in U.S. power markets, but demand response products allow them a foot in the door.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2017

DER aggregation: Sector experts identify emerging trends in a nascent market

Wholesale market changes and new regulatory frameworks are key to expanding the sector.

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 24, 2017

Texas muni to shut Gibbons Creek coal plant for most of the year

The Texas Municipal Power Agency says cheap natural gas and wind energy make it uneconomic to operate the plant except in the hottest months of the year.

By Peter Maloney • July 24, 2017

Atlantic Coast Pipeline gets environmental nod from FERC

FERC's action brings the project a significant step closer to approval, but final signoff awaits a quorum at the commission.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2017

White House nominates business, utility execs to key DOE positions

Mark Menezes, vice president of federal relations for Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and Paul Dabbar, managing director for mergers and acquisitions for J.P. Morgan, are nominated for top Energy Department positions. 

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2017

National Academies report finds grid vulnerable to cyber, physical attacks

The report, commissioned by Congress, says power sector stakeholders must work with government to protect against threats and natural disasters. 

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2017