PSE&G brings solar+storage online for resilience at New Jersey wastewater plant

Public Service Electric & Gas now has three solar-plus-storage systems online in New Jersey — all aimed at providing power during extended grid outages. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2017

EPA, DOE target regulatory reviews, eliminations in response to Trump executive order

According to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, reviewing and changing some rules will free the energy sector "from unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 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

DOE NOPR opponents: No basis for expanded FPA to justify coal, nuke cost recovery

Backers of the DOE proposal argue FERC has interpreted the Federal Power Act too narrowly, but a wide array of energy groups say market conditions fail to justify that claim.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 25, 2017

Another study pins coal retirements on cheap gas, stagnant load growth

The analysis, released by Resources for the Future, also concludes air regulations had a large impact on emissions but very little on plant profitability.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2017

Storage or generation? AEP case could help answer the question in Texas

The utility proposed two storage projects in North Texas to defer transmission and distribution upgrades. But opponents worry the projects would distort market signals in ERCOT and violate the market's competitive rules. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

The pro-NOPR playbook: Supporters broadly interpret FPA to justify DOE proposal

Key supporters argue FERC has interpreted its mandate for just and reasonable rates too narrowly — leaving customers "exposed to catastrophic risks." But the stakeholders differ in how they want any new rules implemented. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 24, 2017

DOE to fund $15M for fast electric vehicle charging research

The department's goal is the development of plug-in electric vehicle systems that can decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

Solar manufacturer Stion's decision to close Mississippi plant could spark lawsuit

The thin-film developer will close its facility in December, blaming competition on cheap foreign imports. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

NY regulators move to protect consumers in DER market

The New York Public Service Commission says oversight is needed to prevent false promises by marketers of distributed energy resources. It isn't the first time regulators have come forward to protect consumers in the state.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2017

Greening the ramp: California looks to carbon-free resources to combat the 'duck curve'

A new law directs utilities to plan non-emitting resources to serve peak demand, sparking new debates about resource adequacy and the future of gas generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 23, 2017

New ARPA-E program to fund $20M for advanced nuclear power research

The program will coordinate with the Energy Department’s Office of Nuclear Energy to leverage new manufacturing processes and technologies to increase nuclear power's competitiveness. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 23, 2017

Illinois regulators tighten rules for retail electricity marketers

The Illinois Commerce Commission aims to strengthen consumer protection requirements governing the sale and marketing of alternative retail electricity.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2017

Winter reliability strong, RTOs tell FERC, undermining DOE NOPR justification

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has repeatedly said the threat of outages justifies his agency's controversial cost recovery proposal, but market leaders told regulators they have the risks under control.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 20, 2017

FERC to consider NERC's proposed cybersecurity standards

New North American Electric Reliability Corp. standards would cover "transient electronic devices" like thumb drives and laptop computers in an effort to secure the bulk electric system.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2017

Arizona Gov. Ducey appoints tax analyst to replace utility regulator Doug Little

Justin Olson, a former aide to Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), will fill the vacant seat left by Doug Little on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2017

Moniz: Utilities should prepare for very low carbon future

Despite current moves to support coal generation, the former energy secretary tells Utility Dive "there's no going back on the fight against climate."

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 19, 2017

Former FERC heads: DOE NOPR would 'fundamentally distort' power markets

A bipartisan group of former FERC regulators filed comments on the DOE cost recovery proposal Thursday, warning that "investor confidence would evaporate and markets would tend to collapse" if it is finalized.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 18, 2017

Energy efficiency as a resource: The power of getting more from less

AEE’s Ryan Katofsky explores traditional and “pay for performance” approaches to getting the biggest bang for the energy-saving buck. 

By Ryan Katofsky • Oct. 18, 2017

Brattle: Despite NOPR, Trump energy policies unlikely to boost coal

The analysis notes Trump's policies will also benefit natural gas — coal's main generation competitor — allowing the decline of the coal sector to continue.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 18, 2017

Chatterjee sets pipelines, grid resilience as priorities for FERC chairmanship

The acting chairman laid out his plans for the federal regulatory body in a speech at the Energy Bar Association on Tuesday.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 18, 2017

New North Carolina regulatory order trims PURPA avoided cost rates

The state is also opening a request for proposals for 2 GW of renewable energy.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 18, 2017

Florida regulators deny FPL nuclear cost recovery for 2017

Regulators say Florida Power & Light failed to submit a feasibility analysis for its 2017 work on two new reactors at the Turkey Point nuclear plant.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 18, 2017

AES: Batteries helped keep lights on in Dominican Republic during Hurricane Maria

The company says its battery arrays were able to provide critical services to power plants, freeing them up to operate optimally during the storms.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 17, 2017

Connecticut regulators open investigation on Eversource, Avangrid pipeline practices

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) also sent a letter to FERC asking it to open a formal investigation into allegations that the two utilities artificially constrained pipeline capacity.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 17, 2017

LaFleur: DOE NOPR likely not detailed enough to form final rule

Unless FERC rejects the cost recovery proposal outright, LaFleur said regulators will likely need to extend consideration beyond the 60 days requested by DOE.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 17, 2017