Updated: NRG asks California agency to suspend hearings over Puente natural gas plant

The company's decision follows a rare statement from a California Energy Commission committee which recommended against approving the proposed natural gas plant. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 17, 2017

SEC investigating SCANA over abandoned Summer nuke expansion

Multiple shareholder lawsuits argue SCANA executives misled investors about progress at the now-cancelled nuclear plant, and now the SEC is involved. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 17, 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

EPA moves to deny greens legal tool by ending 'sue and settle' practice

The agency will no longer settle lawsuits from environmental groups, a decision critics say will result in longer litigation and enhanced uncertainty for regulated companies. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 17, 2017

New Ohio bill reintroduces nuclear subsidy program as DOE pushes cost recovery NOPR

The measure proposes a Zero Emission Nuclear Resource (ZEN) program that would support FirstEnergy’s North Perry and Oak Harbor nuclear facilities.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 17, 2017

California allocates $55M for energy storage in low income neighborhoods

The California Public Utilities Commission assistance program is providing 25% of the funds collected by the state’s Self Generation Incentive Program.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 17, 2017

Pipeline backers, New York duel over water quality certificates

Constitution Pipeline could be in service in 2019, but project backers will need federal officials to overturn New York's denial of a water quality certificate.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 17, 2017

Powelson rejects Polar Vortex arguments underpinning DOE cost recovery plan

The FERC commissioner dismissed the notion that natural gas generators "didn't perform" during the Polar Vortex in a Monday speech, rejecting a main assumption behind the Department of Energy's cost recovery rule for coal and nuclear plants. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 17, 2017

Massachusetts AG reviewing report on Eversource, Avangrid constraining pipelines

While not a formal investigation, a spokesperson said Attorney General Maura Healey considers the report "concerning" and that it demands "careful assessment and analysis."    

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 17, 2017

California solar pilot shows how renewables can provide grid services

A utility-scale solar pilot project demonstrated how solar can compete with natural gas over grid services and cost. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 16, 2017

California utilities finding their way on renewables integration

High levels of renewables can make utilities look good but also strain their systems, with potential solutions requiring vetting by regulators.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 16, 2017

Responsible gas utility planning meets irresponsible market analysis

Thomas Kiley, CEO of the Northeast Gas Association, writes Eversource and Avangrid did nothing wrong on the Algonquin pipeline, where a new report accuses them of artificially withholding capacity.

By Thomas Kiley • Oct. 16, 2017

FERC approves Atlantic Coast, Mountain Valley, rejecting broader pipeline review

The orders filed late Friday argue FERC should act only on individual applications, stressing that regulators are "not engaged in regional planning."

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 16, 2017

FERC, Barclays near settlement over $435M fine for US market manipulation

Federal regulators in 2013 ordered Barclays to pay a $435 million fine and disgorge almost $35 million in profits for manipulating electricity prices in California between 2006 and 2008.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2017

Nevada regulators to investigate impacts of energy choice in preparation for 2018 vote

The state residents will vote on a constitutional amendment giving customers the right to choose their power supplier in 2018. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 16, 2017

Utilities take note: Next generation utility-led community solar is emerging

Utilities are offering new community solar customer segments with no upfront costs and combining it with demand response and storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 16, 2017

New Mexico regulators move forward on clean energy standard

The state Public Regulation Commission plans to hold workshops on a proposed clean energy standard that would reduce carbon emissions 4% annually through 2040.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 16, 2017

Chatterjee: FERC may boost coal, won't 'blow up the market'

The acting chairman said FERC could take a variety of actions on the Department of Energy's proposed cost rule, including extending consideration beyond next month or rejecting it entirely. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 13, 2017

Luminant to close 2 more Texas coal plants despite Trump support

The utility has announced plans to close three coal plants, despite the Trump administration's moves to bolster the resource and repeal the Clean Power Plan. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 13, 2017

Washington utilities need to consider storage in resource planning, regulators say

The state utility regulators issued a policy statement outlining expectations for utilities to invest in and incorporate storage into resource planning.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 13, 2017

Oregon utilities, regulators grapple over major renewables investments

Portland General Electric reduced its proposed $1 billion wind investment plans 40%, and PacifiCorp is still on the fence. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 13, 2017

Perry on DOE NOPR pricetag: 'What's the cost of freedom?'

The comment was one of many in which the former Texas governor questioned existing assessments of grid reliability, saying the NOPR is needed to preserve power service in emergencies. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 12, 2017

North Korea likely targeted US power companies in spear phishing campaign, firm says

Cybersecurity firm FireEye said it detected and stopped spear phishing emails sent to U.S. electric companies by known cyber actors likely affiliated with the North Korean government. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 12, 2017

Virginia prepares RFP for EV charging network

The state is allocating $14 million for electric vehicle charging stations from its portion of the Volkswagen settlement. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 12, 2017

Coal generation to grow as natural gas prices rise, new EIA report says

But the agency sees natural gas rising to 32% in 2018, while coal remains steady at 31%. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 12, 2017

Transmission developers power forward in West as move to single market inches along

New lines are moving ahead and new deals are being closed, despite political pushback against California’s plan for a new regional market.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 12, 2017