Report: EPA forges ahead with staff reduction, buyouts to meet 'changing mission requirements'

According to Reuters, an internal memo indicates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to complete the staff reduction push by September.

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2017

California Senate struggles to extend cap-and-trade program

Two bills failed to clear the California Assembly last week as lawmakers sought a supermajority to protect the program from legal challenges. 

By Robert Walton • June 5, 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

DOE taps new deputy secretary appointee for Office of Nuclear Energy

Edward McGinnis will take the place of principle deputy assistant secretary in the Energy Department's Office of Nuclear Energy. 

By Peter Maloney • June 5, 2017

Stem tapped by Austin Energy for up to 1MWh of aggregated energy storage

The partnership is part of Austin Energy's SHINES grant from the Energy Department, which assists in integration of renewables and distributed energy. 

By Peter Maloney • June 2, 2017

Utilities post-Paris: Uncertainty rules power sector as Trump shatters climate consensus

There are plenty of factors still pushing the utility sector to cut carbon, but time is running out to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

By Gavin Bade • June 2, 2017

NRC to issue license for Dominion's new nuclear unit in Virginia

Dominion wants to add a third reactor at its North Anna nuclear plant in Virginia, even as Westinghouse Electric's bankruptcy jeopardizes ongoing nuclear plant construction. 

By Peter Maloney • June 2, 2017

Despite budget worries, DOE SunShot director 'bet his life' on program's survival

SunShot Director Charlie Gay is optimistic about Trump's approach to renewables and the DOE's controversial baseload study.

By Krysti Shallenberger • June 1, 2017

Trump pulls US out of Paris climate accord

The president said the accord is a "bad deal for Americans" that would cost jobs and do little to meaningfully cut carbon emissions.

By Gavin Bade • June 1, 2017

Is renewable energy threatening power reliability?

In Texas and elsewhere, reliability concerns are merely a "Chicken Little argument" fossil generators use to advance their financial interests, analysts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2017

DOE review author called renewable energy policies 'greatest emerging threat' to reliability

Travis Fisher wrote the phrase in a 2015 report for a conservative think tank, but the appointment of a clean energy consultant to direct the review could act as a counterweight to his perspective. 

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2017

Low carbon prices hang over RGGI as June auction approaches

In the March auction, CO2 allowances sold for $3/short ton, the lowest price in more than three years.

By Peter Maloney • June 1, 2017

Ohio lawmaker considers opt-out clause to keep FirstEnergy nuke bailout alive

The GOP senator who suspended hearings on the bill is searching for ways to build support for the nuclear subsidies. 

By Peter Maloney • June 1, 2017

Trump set to announce Paris decision Thursday

The president is expected to pull the United States out of the historic climate accord, but details on how remain sketchy. 

By Gavin Bade • June 1, 2017

What's the future for demand response under PJM's new capacity and aggregation rules?

Vendors blame new market rules for diminished DR capacity in a recent auction, but some see ways forward for the resource. 

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2017

More than 30 states embrace grid modernization, new policy tracker finds

A new quarterly report from the folks who brought you "50 States of Solar" aims to chronicle grid modernization initiatives across the U.S.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2017

US tells WTO it is considering tariffs on solar panels

The U.S. International Trade Commission told the WTO it will decide by mid-September whether to slap duties on imported solar cells and parts. 

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2017

How can Tucson Electric get solar + storage for 4.5¢/kWh?

Subsidies and aggressive pricing strategies are key to the stunning Arizona PPA price, analysts say.

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

Updated: Trump will pull US out of Paris climate accord, reports say

The details of the withdrawal will reportedly be worked out by a small group of White House officials, including EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. 

By Gavin Bade • May 30, 2017

After failing to clear PJM auction, Exelon says Three Mile Island nuke will close in 2019

The closure announcement includes a number of proposals Exelon says would save the plant if approved by Pennsylvania lawmakers. 

By Gavin Bade • May 30, 2017

Attorneys tussle over Arizona regulator's pursuit of APS campaign finance records

Lawyers for Arizona Public Service say utility regulator Robert Burns does not have the authority to unilaterally subpoena the utility's financial records.

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2017

New Ohio bill would revamp state power market for full deregulation

HB 247 would require regulated utilities to divest their generation assets and put an end to lengthy procedings on utility resource planning. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

Senators defend state energy policies in confirmation hearing for FERC, DOE nominees

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle told Trump energy nominees that the federal government should not preempt state policies on nuclear and renewables in a wide-ranging hearing Thursday morning.

By Gavin Bade • May 26, 2017

Report: Bechtel, Fluor interested in taking over Vogtle nuke construction

Toshiba’s nuclear development subsidiary Westinghouse Electric filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March, throwing the future of two nuclear projects into question. 

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2017

Southern CEO: Decision on Vogtle's fate not likely until late summer

The utility previously said it would reach a decision on whether or not to proceed with construction on the nuclear plant by June.

By Peter Maloney • May 26, 2017

Colorado regulators seize the climate fight in landmark ruling on carbon costs

The PUC's March decision is the first application of the Obama administration's social cost of carbon in utility resource planning. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 25, 2017