As solar matures, rate design and incentive debates grow ever more complex

The newest national solar policy update finds policymakers considering more detailed programs to compensate DER owners and cover grid costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2017

New York Gov. Cuomo plans 16 MW microgrid in the state capital

The gas-powered microgrid will provide backup power for the 90-acre Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany.

By Peter Maloney • May 23, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

Nevada utility regulator Paul Thomsen resigns

Thomsen joined the Nevada Public Utilities Commission in 2015 and led it through a controversial net metering decision last year.

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2017

PPL shareholders pass resolution for climate strategy assessment

The non-binding proposal, passed last week, expresses concern that PPL is "not properly accounting for the risk of its current high reliance on carbon-intensive generation."

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2017

The state of US wholesale power markets: Is reliability at risk from low prices?

Robbie Orvis from Energy Innovation explores why generator revenues are shrinking and how the decline isn't a problem for reliability. 

By Robbie Orvis • May 22, 2017

Power & Gas Index: Enjoy the shoulder season — natural gas prices are about to rise

Coal generation may get a temporary boost, but the long-term future remains dim.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2017

FirstEnergy keeps pressure on for passage of Ohio nuclear subsidy bill

Ohio lawmakers last week suspended hearings on a bill to support two of the company's struggling Ohio nukes.

By Peter Maloney • May 22, 2017

Report: Vistra Energy in talks to purchase fellow generator Dynegy

An acquisition would create one of the largest independent power producers in the country, with more than 46 GW of capacity.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • May 22, 2017

Senate panel advances deregulation bills, including controversial RAA

The Regulatory Accountability Act has sparked outrage among environmental and public interest advocates, who say it would paralyze federal rulemaking processes. 

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • May 22, 2017

Westinghouse will not object to unsealing contract for VC Summer nuclear project

South Carolina regulators will ultimately decide whether or not to open up the documents to the public at its upcoming May 24 meeting.

By Peter Maloney • May 22, 2017

Report: EPA wants to reserve $12M for buyouts, early retirement

The budget allocation appears to begin fulfilling campaign promises to significantly reduce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's workforce. 

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2017

Trump nominates Senate committee counsel to lead EPA enforcement

Susan Parker Bodine, currently chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, represents a more mainstream EPA pick from Trump.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2017

Leading Dem. senator presses Pruitt again for details on how EPA will regulate carbon

Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has so far not responded substantively to his questions.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2017

Sunrun CEO: 'Long-term growth rate' for residential solar still strong

Lynn Jurich sought to restore confidence at the GTM Solar Summit this week after the residential solar market slowed year-over-year for the first time in Q1.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 18, 2017

SoCal Edison should go back to the drawing board on its grid modernization proposal

Officials from two top solar groups argue the utility is taking the wrong approach in its pending rate case

By Ed Smeloff, Sean Gallagher • May 18, 2017

The SoCal Edison rate case: A canary in the coal mine for DER policy debates

SCE wants $2.1 billion to upgrade its grid for distributed resources — a request that's raised ire from consumer advocates and DER providers alike.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2017

Regulators probe Duke about Lee nuclear plans in wake of Westinghouse bankruptcy

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has asked Duke Energy for details of how Westinghouse’s bankruptcy could impact the proposed Lee nuclear project in Cherokee County, S.C.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

Updated: Ohio House suspends hearings on FirstEnergy nuclear subsidy bill

As Ohio hits the brakes on subsidies, a group of Ohio activists has another solution: Pressure corporate giants like Amazon to include nuclear in their clean energy goals. 

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

San Jose is latest, largest city in California to embrace community choice

After multiple notifications, residents will be automatically enrolled in San Jose Clean Energy, taking them out of PG&E retail service. 

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

CAISO: Renewables served 42% of California demand on May 16, setting record

During the 2 p.m. hour, renewables served more than 70% of power demand, setting another record in California.

By Gavin Bade , Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

GOP Sen. Grassley questions DOE baseload review in letter to Perry

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the White House's "hastily developed study" appears to pre-judge renewable resources and may not be "credible, relevant or worthy of valuable taxpayer resources."

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

SRP, Navajo Nation near lease agreement to extend coal plant's life

Salt River Project and the Navajo Nation are close to a deal that would keep a 2,250 MW coal plant in Arizona operating through 2019.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2017

How Indiana Michigan Power helps C&I customers bring their flexibility to market

Key to the continued success of the utility's emergency DR program will be adapting to coming changes in PJM capacity auctions.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

DTE clarifies goal to cut carbon emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2050

The company expects to eliminate coal from its fuel mix by 2040 while leaving new nuclear on the table as a longer-term capacity option.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2017

Minnesota Gov. Dayton vetoes energy omnibus bill opposed by green groups

Dayton said energy provisions in the spending bill were among the most controversial and least discussed elements, prompting his veto.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017