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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

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

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

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

Colorado clean energy: 4 reasons the future is bright despite Trump

Earthjustice's Michael Hiatt says renewables and efficiency will continue growing in the state, regardless of federal policy.

By Michael Hiatt • July 21, 2017

Yucca Mountain: High stakes and high hurdles

The Trump administration may be underestimating the battle it faces in trying to revive plans for a national nuclear waste repository in Nevada. 

By Peter Maloney • July 21, 2017

House Republicans vote to simplify pipeline permitting

One measure would name the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency on pipeline reviews and allow it to set deadlines for other agencies and state regulators.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2017

White House outlines plan to dismantle environmental rules

The Clean Power Plan, Waters of the U.S. rule and methane limits for oil and gas drilling are all on the chopping block.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2017

Report: Summer nuke could cost up to $10B more, should be abandoned

The delayed project would create "massive excess capacity" at South Carolina utilities, argues the report from Vermont Law prepared for environmental groups. 

By Peter Maloney • July 20, 2017

Hydro One of Canada to acquire Avista in $5B deal

The deal gives Hydro One a toehold in the U.S. market, but has proved controversial back home.

By Peter Maloney • July 20, 2017

5 new strategies to design more effective utility DER pilots

A new RMI report uses insights from utility pilots and demonstration projects to form a roadmap for the energy transition.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2017

Senate subcommittee approves $38.4B to fund ARPA-E, DOE programs in 2018

The proposed funding for the Department of Energy is $629 million above this year's enacted levels and $4 billion more than the White House proposal. 

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2017

San Diego Water issues RFP for 500 MW pumped hydro storage project

The San Diego County Water Authority said the project would help integrate more variable generation resources, assisting electric utilities in meeting California's 50% renewables mandate. 

By Peter Maloney • July 20, 2017

House Appropriations Committee trims EPA budget to $7.5B

According to the House Appropriations Committee, the funding bill would "rein in burdensome regulations."

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2017

NARUC 2017: Are the days of cheap natural gas numbered?

Higher demand for gas could spark greater price volatility and spell bad news for the climate, analysts said. 

By Gavin Bade • July 19, 2017

Vermont regulators to examine grid modernization

The staff of the Public Service Board will lead an initial workshop in August.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2017

Washington regulators approve Microsoft deal to buy clean energy on open power markets

The tech giant will pay a $23.6 million transition fee to Puget Sound Energy.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2017

New Hampshire PUC halts C&I, residential renewable energy rebates

A flood of applications compelled the state Public Utilities Commission to put two popular renewable energy rebate programs on hold after Sept. 1. 

By Peter Maloney • July 19, 2017

California Assembly committee clears measure for 100% renewables goal

If the bill becomes law, the state would be the second to strive for 100% renewable energy by 2045. 

By Peter Maloney • July 18, 2017

A two-step approach to get commercial customers to act on energy efficiency

Persuading customers to act on these upgrades requires utilities to speak the customers' language and convey meaningful non-energy benefits.

July 18, 2017