Rhode Island lays out strategy for grid modernization

Gov. Gina Raimondo has directed the Public Utilities Commission and other agencies to develop a more dynamic regulatory framework aimed at advancing cleaner, affordable and reliable energy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2017

Senate confirms industry lawyer Wherum to lead EPA's air quality office

William Wehrum sued the Environmental Protection Agency more than two dozen times but will now serve as assistant administrator for agency's Office of Air and Radiation.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

Virginia regulators set to unveil new climate plan after Northam victory

With Democratic control of the governor's mansion confirmed, state regulators unveiled a plan to cut carbon emissions and join a regional cap-and-trade program this week.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2017

Senate GOP tax bill preserves wind PTC, EV tax credits

The bill's significant differences from a House tax package — which would cut wind subsidies and eliminate the electric vehicle credit — could set up contentious debates in the weeks to come.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

Chatterjee working on 'interim step' to save coal while FERC considers DOE NOPR

The plan echoes comments filed by coal generator FirstEnergy, and Chatterjee said he has met with the company's CEO to discuss its "thoughtful" proposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 9, 2017

One small step for Hawaii solar, one leap toward 100% renewables

After Hawaii regulators approved two new solar tariffs last month, solar customers in the state must now decide whether to buy, lease or pass on battery storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 9, 2017

House acts to boost hydro, simplify licensing process

Lawmakers say the complexities of hydropower licensing have created significant barriers that prevent investments in the resource.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2017

Reports: NextEra leading contender to buy Santee Cooper

Duke, Southern and Dominion are also reportedly lining up offers for the South Carolina public utility, put up for sale after the abandonment of the V.C. Summer nuclear reactor. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

California moves to double efficiency savings in electric, natural gas uses

The 2015 law driving the increase also called for a 50% rise in energy efficiency for existing buildings by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2017

EPA No. 2 nominee was present for crafting of DOE NOPR as Murray Energy lobbyist

Deputy EPA Administrator nominee Andrew Wheeler told senators he saw a Murray Energy plan submitted to the White House to revive the coal sector and attended two meetings to craft its contents into the Department of Energy's cost recovery proposal.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 8, 2017

DOE NOPR reply comments focus on shaping next phase of FERC rulemaking

FERC regulators have indicated they are likely to make big changes to the DOE cost recovery proposal, and reply comments largely aimed to shape that next chapter of rulemaking.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 8, 2017

VC Summer audit raised in Georgia hearings over fate of Vogtle nuclear project

Stakeholders questioned Southern Co. officials over why they failed to include in their testimony a 2016 audit of South Carolina's VC Summer nuclear project that revealed problems with construction. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2017

Energy storage gets a bigger seat at the utility planning table

The growing inclusion of storage in integrated resource plans is, to some extent, the next step in the evolution of the technology at utility-scale.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Puerto Rico oversight head urges Congress to reaffirm federal control over PREPA

PREPA could be fully or partially privatized if Congress reaffirms federal control over the utility, the head of Puerto Rico's Financial Oversight and Management Board told a House committee Tuesday.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 7, 2017

Uncertainty reigns in renewables sector as tax package, NOPR loom

At the RPS Summit in Arlington, Virgina, experts said the renewables sector is closely watching developments from a new tax reform package and the DOE's cost recovery rule. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 7, 2017

Federal report: It's 'extremely likely' that humans cause climate change

The report says there is "no convincing alternative explanation" for global warming over the last century.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 7, 2017

Regulators deny rehearing of FERC retirement policies

The New England Power Generators Association, Exelon Corp. and NextEra Energy Resources had asked FERC to reconsider a 2016 order they say changed how power plants set rates. Federal regulators disagreed with that assessment.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2017

Energy storage could hit 35 GW by 2025, new white paper says

The technology only makes up 0.5 GW of market share in the United States. But that's set to change, according to a new white paper.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Who needs a NOPR? 7 ways to make wholesale power markets more reliable

DOE wants to support coal and nuclear, but grid operators and experts say greater power system flexibility is what's needed.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 7, 2017

House GOP energy leader joins Dems in criticizing DOE NOPR

Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX), vice chair of a House subcommittee on energy, joined a group of Democrats filing comments urging FERC to take a longer look at the DOE's cost recovery proposal.  

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 6, 2017

South Carolina regulator steps down to work for Pepco

Nikiya Hall had been a member of the South Carolina Public Service Commission since 2010. She leaves as the state is dealing with the fallout of the botched VC Summer nuclear expansion.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 6, 2017

Moody's: Regulated utilities stable, but unregulated power sector outlook remains negative

Potential market reforms, such as the Energy Department's cost recovery proposal, could bolster coal and nuclear in the competitive markets, but delay closing uneconomic plants. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2017

Georgia regulators begin series of hearings over Vogtle nuclear project

Among the items on the agenda, regulators will examine documents that emerged showing that Georgia Power signed off on the blueprints for the reactors that were not approved by professional engineers.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2017

How Vistra's coal retirements could impact the Texas power market

Coal retirements are predicted to tighten reserve margins in ERCOT, but only time will tell if they will bring the higher prices fossil generators are looking for. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2017

Massachusetts lawmakers press for law banning 'pipeline tax'

The state's highest court last year ruled electric utilities cannot ask their customers to pay for gas infrastructure. Now a majority of legislators want it codified into law.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 6, 2017