Puerto Rico utility regulators push back on feds in new court filing

The Puerto Rico Energy Commission wants a judge to clarify that the federal board that oversees the island's finances cannot overrule decisions from the regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 3, 2017

Senate confirms McIntyre, Glick to FERC, filling commission seats

McIntyre is expected to become chairman of FERC just as the agency is set to tackle a Department of Energy proposal that could reshape federal power markets.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 3, 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

House GOP tax package boosts nukes, slashes wind, EV credits

The long awaited tax package includes an estimated $6 billion credit for nuclear power but would cut the wind PTC and end incentives for electric vehicles.  

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2017

California ISO to increase reliability reviews of proposed plant shutdowns

The grid operator's board of directors also approved entering into a reliability must-run contract with the Metcalf Energy Center. The Calpine-owned facility may be offered a utility contract in 2018.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2017

Portland General to spend up to $100M for 39 MW of energy storage

The utility's plan will help it comply with Oregon's energy storage mandate, requiring major utilities to deploy a minimum of 5 MWh of energy storage by 2020.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2017

Army Corps. hurricane lead tells House he hasn't spoken with anyone from PREPA

Ret. Gen. Ray Alexander told a House subcommittee he has personally not spoken with any employees of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, but other members of the restoration team "collaborate with PREPA every day."

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 2, 2017

In new trend, utilities propose separate rate classes for solar customers without rate increase

Recent proceedings in Kansas, Iowa and Utah raise new questions about how best to deal with the impacts of solar on utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 2, 2017

PNM issues RFP for 456 MW of resources, pushing for renewables and storage

The utility announced earlier this year that it plans to phase out coal-fired generation completely, replacing it with natural gas, storage, solar and its stake in the Palo Verde nuclear facility. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2017

Northeast pipeline controversy exposes gas markets as 'a recipe for chaos,' researchers say

Contention over Eversource and Avangrid's pipeline scheduling practices shows that natural gas markets are "at odds" with reality, according to EDF.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2017

Ex-GOP FERC regulator: DOE NOPR 'a tax on customers' to benefit Murray, FirstEnergy

Former FERC Commissioner Nora Mead Brownell said the proposal is "all about" benefiting "friends" of the Trump administration — like the two coal firms that recently held policy conversations with the White House. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 1, 2017

FERC sees few regulations limiting domestic energy use or development

The agency has completed a review of what the Trump administration considered potentially burdensome regulations in response to an executive order signed by the President in March.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2017

ITC proposes 3 solar trade case remedies with tariffs, quotas and capped imports

The agency will send three remedy recommendations to President Donald Trump, who has final say. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 31, 2017

Is solar+storage eligible for net metering in Massachusetts? Tesla and others want to know

The state could become the first to provide comprehensive guidance on pairing energy storage with solar installations.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 31, 2017

Utilities focus on plausibility, prevention in preparing for worst-case scenarios

From natural disasters to cyberattacks, utilities face many threats — the key, according to one Southern California Edison official, is to focus on the most likely events.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 31, 2017

PREPA to cancel Whitefish power restoration contract after widespread criticism

Controversy over the public utility's contracting process comes as critics in Puerto Rico and Washington push for far-reaching reforms, including potential privatization. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 30, 2017

Technology, markets and contracts — oh my! The keys to profiting from California's duck curve

California policymakers look to address renewables over-generation through smart investments in supply- and demand-side resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2017

SCANA will likely cover $210M in expected costs from abandoned Summer nuclear project

The utility assumes it will not be allowed to charge its customers the accrued costs since state regulators last reviewed the status of the nuclear project about 18 months ago.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 30, 2017

PREPA, Gov. Rosselló reject appointment of 'chief transformation officer' for grid rebuild

The federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico's finances wants to appoint a retired Air Force Colonel with “all the powers of a chief executive officer” to direct grid rebuilding efforts.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017

FEMA will probe Whitefish-PREPA contract, citing 'significant concerns'

FEMA issued a statement Friday saying it was not involved in selecting Whitefish, but will work with PREPA's legal team to review the contracting process. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017

'Darknet' and quantum communications could enhance grid cybersecurity, scientists tell Senate

The Department of Energy's national labs are working to develop a private grid communication system called "darknet" they say could automatically detect, isolate and defend against cyber intrusions.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2017

Whitefish-PREPA contract aimed to avoid government oversight

"In no event," the leaked contract reads, will government agencies "have the right to audit or review the cost and profit elements" of Whitefish's work. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2017

Connecticut passes bill to support Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant

After a couple of failed attempts, Connecticut's House of Representatives passed a measure this week to provide a financial lifeline to Dominion's Millstone nuclear plant.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

Sunrun secures $303M in funding for solar business

The financing package is composed of a $234.5 million senior delayed draw term loan, $10 million letter of credit and a $59 million subordinated delayed-draw term loan facility. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

Uptown Funk: Where will NYC get its peak demand capacity?

Few new peak providers have come online for the city because short-term market rules don’t offer investors the certainty they need.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2017

Senate committee stirs controversy with narrow approval of four EPA nominees

The candidates to head the agency's air and chemical offices have been criticized by Democrats and others for their close ties to industry.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017