FERC rejects FirstEnergy attempt to move coal plant into cost recovery

The company sought to sell the Pleasants Power Station, struggling in the PJM electricity market, to two of its regulated utility subsidiaries in West Virginia. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 16, 2018

Puerto Rico governor calls for DOJ probe after power equipment stockpile found

Federal officials reportedly raided a warehouse last weekend, finding nearly 3,000 pieces of electric equipment that could be used to restore power on the island. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 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

EPA provides details on new listening sessions for Clean Power Plan repeal

Kansas City and San Francisco will have public meetings in February, along with Gillette, Wyo., in March. Meanwhile, some states are hosting their own meetings to hear comment over the proposed repeal of the Obama era regulation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2018

Moniz on DOE NOPR: 'No identification of a public good'

The former Secretary of Energy was "not surprised" by FERC's rejection of a coal and nuclear subsidy proposal, saying DOE failed to prove it would improve system resilience. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 12, 2018

New Mexico customers could be the first to see rate reductions as a result of lower corporate tax

But a group of attorneys' general are pressuring FERC to compel states to pass on the savings more quickly. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 12, 2018

Dominion-SCANA proposal shows shareholder gains, few ratepayer benefits, analysts say

Dominion’s $14.6 billion purchase offer may be the only one on the table for the beleaguered South Carolina utility, but is it good enough to get across the finish line?

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

EIA: Low gas prices set to drive decline in coal generation

Continued plant retirements will likely drive even more attention to pricing reform discussions at regional grid operators and FERC.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2018

PG&E moves closer to retiring Diablo Canyon nuke with proposed decision from CPUC

The ruling from an administrative law judge could set up a regulatory vote on retiring the nuclear plant as soon as Thursday.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Murray Action Plan release shows Trump followed many of its directives

One version of the memo, released by The New York Times, targeted carbon, ozone, mining and other regulations for elimination, including the endangerment finding.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Puerto Rico Gov. Rosselló proposes overhaul of energy regulator

The new plan came only days after the Puerto Rico Energy Commission proposed new rules for microgrid development on the island.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

DOE issues final rule outlining emergency order procedures for the grid

The new rule outlines how the Secretary of Energy will issue emergency measures in the event of a grid emergency, such as a physical or cyberattack. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

DOE pivots on NOPR, will 'respect' and 'honor' FERC order

The Department of Energy is "actually encouraged" by FERC's rejection, Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette said, distancing himself from key arguments used to support the proposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2018

Could Florida be the next hot spot for energy storage?

One of the best new markets for energy storage might be the Sunshine State, a bastion of traditional, regulated utilities.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2018

Predictions 2018: Energy storage growth shows no sign of slowing down

Other trends spurring energy storage growth include an expected boom in electric vehicles, distributed energy resource aggregation and solar-plus-storage in Puerto Rico.   

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 9, 2018

'FERC did its job:' Former regulators, lawyers laud DOE NOPR rejection

Regulators didn't just kill a coal and nuclear bailout — they preserved FERC's critical policymaking independence.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2018

Coal takes the lead in organized markets after cold snap, but dominance won't last long

Some coal plants have benefited from the cold weather as gas prices rise, but experts tell Utility Dive that doesn't change the underlying market dynamics. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2018

FERC rejects DOE NOPR, kicking resilience issue to grid operators

The Department of Energy's plan to subsidize coal and nuclear plants didn't pass muster with regulators, but regional grid operators will still have to detail how they can make the power system more resilient. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 8, 2018

Texas PUC chair raises concerns over ERCOT independence

Transmission upgrades in Mexico could allow power from California to flow into Texas, DeAnn Walker warned, placing ERCOT under federal oversight.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 8, 2018

Xcel solicitation returns 'incredible' renewable energy, storage bids

Bids for wind and solar energy combined with battery storage could be the lowest yet, analysts said on social media. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 8, 2018

Predictions 2018: Federal policies to dominate

What will 2018 bring to the power sector? Seven experts weigh in. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 8, 2018

Virginia Sen. Kaine asks FERC to reconsider Mountain Valley, Atlantic Coast pipelines

The Democratic senator wants FERC to reconsider the controversial pipeline projects now that it has a full contingency of regulators. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 8, 2018

Minnesota regulators finalize carbon cost rules for utility procurements

The Jan. 3 decision sets a carbon cost range between $9.05 and $42.46 per ton in 2020 that utilities must use to analyze infrastructure decisions. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 5, 2018

Gas, not renewables, driving coal, nuclear woes; DOE labs show how much

The findings have important implications for DOE's proposal to provide cost recovery for coal and nuclear plants. FERC is expected to respond to that proposal on Wednesday.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 5, 2018

Federal appeals court hears arguments in Illinois ZEC case

The hearing came after a federal court upheld the ZEC program in the face of a challenge mounted by merchant generators. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 5, 2018

Winter storm to test Northeast grid as FERC tees up decision on DOE grid rule

Forget coal piles: It's oil stockpiles that are keeping the lights on in New England this week.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 4, 2018