FERC chair outlines three paths for power market reforms ahead of technical conference

Without a negotiated solution to generation subsidy issues, acting Chair Cheryl LaFleur fears states may back themselves into an unplanned re-regulation of their power markets. 

By Gavin Bade • April 19, 2017

ISO-NE proposes two-part capacity auctions to handle subsidized generation

The ISO's proposal is meant to allow the entry of significant subsidized resources into the market while preserving price formation for unsubsidized plants. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 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

The great capacity market debate: Which model can best handle the energy transition?

Cheap natural gas and generation subsidies have exposed vulnerabilities in capacity and energy-only market constructs. Can grid operators preserve reliability and maintain fair prices for consumers and generators alike?

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2017

Is grid defection still a threat to the utility business model?

Three studies debate solar-plus-storage economics, but all agree the technology will disrupt the power sector.

By Peter Maloney • April 18, 2017

Updated: Perry orders DOE review of clean energy impacts on baseload generation

The Department of Energy will reportedly review how policies supporting wind and solar energy are pushing the early retirement of coal and nuclear generators.

By Gavin Bade • April 17, 2017

Ohio power auctions for DP&L, Duke Energy clear above $50/MWh

Despite coal retirements and a shift toward gas generation, clearing prices in DP&L auctions have remained above levels seen in 2013. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2017

Despite lack of agreement, New Hampshire groups say solar struggle is 'worth it'

Months of negotiation over a net metering successor failed to produce a settlement, but did reveal ample common ground between utilities and solar advocates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2017

Texas regulators reject $18B NextEra-Oncor deal

The Public Utilities Commission of Texas indicated it was concerned about increased risk for ratepayers and the independence of the Oncor board under the acquisition proposal. 

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

SoCal Edison in talks to resolve lawsuit challenging San Onofre fuel storage plan

A plan to expand interim dry cask storage at the San Onofre nuclear plant has been tied up in court for two years.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Siding with Trump, DC Circuit Court puts EPA ozone rule case on hold

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a request by the White House to delay the fight over Obama-era smog restrictions.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Wal-Mart taps AMS to install 40 MWh of energy storage at California stores

Advanced Microgrid Solutions will put batteries at 27 of the retail giant's locations, helping reduce peak demand and providing grid services to Southern California Edison. 

By Peter Maloney • April 13, 2017

California PUC, Energy Commission to scrutinize future of retail choice

By 2050, 80% of California consumers could have some sort of alternative retail electric service, the CPUC and CEC said, prompting the agencies to hold a special en banc hearing May 19.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2017

Maryland passes 30% energy storage tax credit for residential, C&I installations

The bill now goes to Gov. Larry Hogan (R), but passed with more than enough votes this week to override a veto. 

By Peter Maloney • April 13, 2017

Westinghouse bankruptcy could grind US nuclear sector to a halt

The contractor's financial woes could sink the Vogtle and Summer plants and "doom" new nuclear construction in the U.S.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

As New York rejects gas pipeline, developer raises reliability concerns

National Fuel Gas CEO Ronald Tanski warned the state that utilities could run short of gas if regulators don't stop denying pipeline permits.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

Portland commits to 100% economywide renewable energy by 2050

Portland and Multnomah County want to meet all electricity needs with renewable power by 2035 and then shift all remaining sectors to renewables by 2050.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

With new group, Pennsylvania nuclear critics look to 'get ahead' of subsidy proposal

Pennsylvania lawmakers have yet to draft a bill to subsidize the state's five nuclear plants, but generators and business groups are still organizing to stop them. 

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

First BTM li-ion battery project approved in New York City

Fire safety concerns had blocked deployment of lithium-ion batteries in New York, despite the city's 100 MWh energy storage mandate. 

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2017

Oklahoma poised to roll back wind incentives — with the industry's support

Gov. Mary Fallin (R) is likely to sign a measure phasing out a $0.005/kWh state tax credit three years early, a subsidy the industry says it no longer needs. 

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

'America's Greece' and its insolvent electric utility

Former Puerto Rico Sen. Ramón Luis Nieves calls for an energy revolution to transform the island's ailing utility.

By Ramón Luis Nieves • April 11, 2017

'Enabler of the smart city': CPS Energy's CEO on democratizing distributed energy

Electric utilities have a central role to play in spreading the energy technologies that make smart cities possible, Paula Gold-Williams, CEO of San Antonio's municipal utility, told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2017

Chicago to power city-owned buildings with 100% renewable energy

Chicago will purchase renewable energy credits, buy wind and solar from utilities and invest in on-site generation to offset power demand from 900 buildings. 

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2017

Generators, business groups line up against Ohio nuclear bill

Arguments against a bill to support at-risk FirstEnergy nuclear plants are similar to those animating legal challenges against generation subsidies in other states. 

By Peter Maloney • April 11, 2017

White House signals it will not defend Obama-era smog rules

The Trump administration asked the D.C. Circuit to postpone arguments on ozone standards as senators wrote to the White House asking for clarification on its strategy to unwind the Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2017

Vermont bill would direct PUC to draw up energy storage recommendations

Sponsor Rep. Laura Sibilia (I) says she is concerned Vermont could fall behind neighbors like Massachusetts, which is implementing a storage target for utilities. 

By Peter Maloney • April 11, 2017