As utilities embrace DERs, pilot projects emerge as key element of compromise

Utility DER pilots are helping build familiarity with new technologies and resolve sector disputes over distributed energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017

Bucking Trump, US cities press ahead on clean energy, climate goals

More than two dozen cities now have renewable energy commitments, putting them on the front lines of climate action in the Trump era. 

By Jackie Snow • May 4, 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

Green designs: Corporate demand pushes new generation of utility green tariffs

Utilities are rolling out more sophisticated, lucrative green tariffs to satisfy corporate sustainability goals. Can they prevent key accounts from defecting to independent suppliers? 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017

Fanning: Southern needs $3.7B from Toshiba to finish Vogtle nuke

And even with that guarantee, Southern's CEO is unsure whether the utility can complete construction of the Georgia plant. 

By Peter Maloney • May 4, 2017

California PUC finalizes new 500 MW BTM battery storage mandate

The new utility mandate for 500 MW of behind-the-meter and distribution-connected storage is separate from private deployments under the state's SGIP incentive program, which re-opened Monday.

By Peter Maloney • May 4, 2017

The carbon consensus: Generators, analysts back CO2 price at FERC technical conference

Putting a price on carbon was just about the only common ground power sector stakeholders could find in two days of discussion on wholesale market reforms.

By Gavin Bade • May 3, 2017

FirstEnergy pins hopes on Ohio nuclear support, federal baseload review

Even if Ohio nuclear supports are approved, FirstEnergy's CEO says its two plants may need to go through a bankruptcy proceeding and be sold to another operator. 

By Robert Walton • May 3, 2017

Mississippi Power delays start date for Kemper plant, raises costs again

The Kemper IGCC project is slated to come into service by the end of the month, the utility told Mississippi regulators. 

By Peter Maloney • May 3, 2017

Safety first: A microgrid project in Brooklyn tackles lithium-ion fire fears

A microgrid project in Brooklyn demonstrates progress in New York's efforts to adopt safety guidelines for lithium-ion energy storage installations.

By Peter Maloney • May 2, 2017

Anxiety common, consensus elusive over power market reforms at first day of FERC conference

At FERC's technical conference, stakeholders expressed worries over the long-term viability of the wholesale market model. But the federal agency's hands are tied until it has a quorum. 

By Gavin Bade • May 2, 2017

San Diego water authority wants proposals for 500 MW of pumped storage

The water authority is looking for more detailed proposals after 18 responses to a previous RFP issued earlier this year. 

By Peter Maloney • May 2, 2017

Last-minute congressional budget compromise saves EPA, ARPA-E funding

The budget compromise reached by Congress over the weekend only trimmed the U.S. EPA's budget 1% and boosted funds for clean energy research.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2017

Despite high-profile denials, power sector M&A strength to continue

As utility companies grow larger, some see a new paradigm emerging for power sector consolidation. 

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2017

Deadline dodged, Southern, SCANA weigh wresting nuclear plants from Westinghouse

Southern Co. and SCANA extended construction agreements with Westinghouse on Friday, saying they will use the time to evaluate whether they should take control of nuclear construction themselves. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 1, 2017

FERC's Honorable to step down when term expires in June

The Obama appointee's decision could leave FERC with only one regulator if the Senate does not confirm any nominees before her departure.

By Gavin Bade • April 28, 2017

DC Circuit halts Clean Power Plan case in win for Trump

The decision comes one day after the court also delayed oral arguments over the EPA's MATS standards as the administration reviews Obama-era environmental rules.  

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2017

Subsidies are subsidies, whether 'in' or 'around' the market

Ahead of the FERC technical conference, WBK lawyers Ray Gifford and Matt Larson caution the cures for market woes may be as bad as the disease.

By Raymond L. Gifford and Matthew S. Larson • April 28, 2017

FERC should go big (but fair) on markets

While full-scale reform may not be possible, goodgrid's Allison Clements says FERC has a big opportunity to improve market operations at May's technical conference. 

By Allison Clements • April 28, 2017

California SGIP re-opens Monday with greater funding for energy storage

Under the revised program, 79% of SGIP’s $567 million budget through 2019 is now earmarked for energy storage projects.

By Peter Maloney • April 28, 2017

AEP CEO: Ohio re-regulation off, but plant support bills on tap in Q3, Q4

AEP will not seek a complete reintegration of Ohio power markets, CEO Nick Akins said this week, but instead will push for narrower bills to support cost recovery for utility-owned plants. 

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2017

New Jersey officials say PennEast gas pipeline application is incomplete

Developers of a $1 billion gas pipeline proposed for Pennsylvania and New Jersey will have one month to update the application.

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2017

Southern Cross transmission builders file for approval in Mississippi

The 2,000 MW transmission project would move Texas wind to markets in the southeastern U.S. 

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2017

Duke Energy plans to cut carbon emissions 40% from 2005 levels by 2030

The utility outlined $11 billion in clean energy investment as part of its 2016 Sustainability Report.

By Robert Walton • April 28, 2017

Is rooftop solar just a toy for the wealthy?

A new report finds the income gap for rooftop solar is narrowing, but work remains to spread distributed energy to all. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 27, 2017

Can California hit 1.5M zero-emission vehicles by 2025?

The state is lagging on Gov. Brown's ambitious ZEV goal, but investment in chargers and customer education could build more market momentum.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 27, 2017