Technology, markets and contracts — oh my! The keys to profiting from California's duck curve

California policymakers look to address renewables over-generation through smart investments in supply- and demand-side resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2017

SCANA will likely cover $210M in expected costs from abandoned Summer nuclear project

The utility assumes it will not be allowed to charge its customers the accrued costs since state regulators last reviewed the status of the nuclear project about 18 months ago.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 30, 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

PREPA, Gov. Rosselló reject appointment of 'chief transformation officer' for grid rebuild

The federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico's finances wants to appoint a retired Air Force Colonel with “all the powers of a chief executive officer” to direct grid rebuilding efforts.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017

FEMA will probe Whitefish-PREPA contract, citing 'significant concerns'

FEMA issued a statement Friday saying it was not involved in selecting Whitefish, but will work with PREPA's legal team to review the contracting process. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017

'Darknet' and quantum communications could enhance grid cybersecurity, scientists tell Senate

The Department of Energy's national labs are working to develop a private grid communication system called "darknet" they say could automatically detect, isolate and defend against cyber intrusions.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017

Whitefish-PREPA contract aimed to avoid government oversight

"In no event," the leaked contract reads, will government agencies "have the right to audit or review the cost and profit elements" of Whitefish's work. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017

Connecticut passes bill to support Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant

After a couple of failed attempts, Connecticut's House of Representatives passed a measure this week to provide a financial lifeline to Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

Uptown Funk: Where will NYC get its peak demand capacity?

Few new peak providers have come online for the city because short-term market rules don’t offer investors the certainty they need.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2017

Sunrun secures $303M in funding for solar business

The financing package is composed of a $234.5 million senior delayed draw term loan, $10 million letter of credit and a $59 million subordinated delayed-draw term loan facility. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

Senate committee stirs controversy with narrow approval of four EPA nominees

The candidates to head the agency's air and chemical offices have been criticized by Democrats and others for their close ties to industry.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

PSE&G brings solar+storage online for resilience at New Jersey wastewater plant

Public Service Electric & Gas now has three solar-plus-storage systems online in New Jersey — all aimed at providing power during extended grid outages. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

EPA, DOE target regulatory reviews, eliminations in response to Trump executive order

According to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, reviewing and changing some rules will free the energy sector "from unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2017

DOE NOPR opponents: No basis for expanded FPA to justify coal, nuke cost recovery

Backers of the DOE proposal argue FERC has interpreted the Federal Power Act too narrowly, but a wide array of energy groups say market conditions fail to justify that claim.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 25, 2017

Another study pins coal retirements on cheap gas, stagnant load growth

The analysis, released by Resources for the Future, also concludes air regulations had a large impact on emissions but very little on plant profitability.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2017

Storage or generation? AEP case could help answer the question in Texas

The utility proposed two storage projects in North Texas to defer transmission and distribution upgrades. But opponents worry the projects would distort market signals in ERCOT and violate the market's competitive rules. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

The pro-NOPR playbook: Supporters broadly interpret FPA to justify DOE proposal

Key supporters argue FERC has interpreted its mandate for just and reasonable rates too narrowly — leaving customers "exposed to catastrophic risks." But the stakeholders differ in how they want any new rules implemented. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 24, 2017

Solar manufacturer Stion's decision to close Mississippi plant could spark lawsuit

The thin-film developer will close its facility in December, blaming competition on cheap foreign imports. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

DOE to fund $15M for fast electric vehicle charging research

The department's goal is the development of plug-in electric vehicle systems that can decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

NY regulators move to protect consumers in DER market

The New York Public Service Commission says oversight is needed to prevent false promises by marketers of distributed energy resources. It isn't the first time regulators have come forward to protect consumers in the state.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2017

Greening the ramp: California looks to carbon-free resources to combat the 'duck curve'

A new law directs utilities to plan non-emitting resources to serve peak demand, sparking new debates about resource adequacy and the future of gas generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 23, 2017

New ARPA-E program to fund $20M for advanced nuclear power research

The program will coordinate with the Energy Department’s Office of Nuclear Energy to leverage new manufacturing processes and technologies to increase nuclear power's competitiveness. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 23, 2017

Illinois regulators tighten rules for retail electricity marketers

The Illinois Commerce Commission aims to strengthen consumer protection requirements governing the sale and marketing of alternative retail electricity.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2017

Winter reliability strong, RTOs tell FERC, undermining DOE NOPR justification

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has repeatedly said the threat of outages justifies his agency's controversial cost recovery proposal, but market leaders told regulators they have the risks under control.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 20, 2017

FERC to consider NERC's proposed cybersecurity standards

New North American Electric Reliability Corp. standards would cover "transient electronic devices" like thumb drives and laptop computers in an effort to secure the bulk electric system.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2017

Arizona Gov. Ducey appoints tax analyst to replace utility regulator Doug Little

Justin Olson, a former aide to Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), will fill the vacant seat left by Doug Little on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2017