Looming tax reforms and regulatory changes could challenge utilities' financials

If proposed tax reforms and regulatory changes from the Republican-led Congress and the Trump administration succeed, what will they mean for utilities? 

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 6, 2017

Republican lawmakers propose changes to Minnesota PUC operations

One measure would allow the Legislature to approve a proposed Xcel gas plant instead of regulators. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Will Trump disrupt the US military's clean energy mission?

President Trump’s election has thrown climate goals in doubt, but former leaders say the military will keep investing in renewables and shifting away from fossil fuels. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 3, 2017

New Mexico lawmakers propose expanding RPS to 80% by 2040

A bill introduced in the New Mexico Senate would also require rural electric cooperatives to supply 70% renewable energy by 2040.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2017

Maryland Senate overrides Gov. Hogan's veto of energy bill, raising renewables goal

Both legislative chambers this week voted down Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of an energy bill that boosts the state's RPS to 25% by 2020. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2017

Kemper coal gasification plant operations delayed again

Mississippi Power said in a filing the delay will cost $51 million. 

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 2, 2017

GOP senators suspend committee rules to advance Trump EPA pick Scott Pruitt

Democrats on the Environment and Public Works Committee boycotted scheduled votes, leading Republicans to suspend rules requiring two members of the minority party to be present.  

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2017

Stem, HECO launch 1 MW storage virtual power project on Oahu

The project serves 29 C&I customers and is designed to help them reduce the demand charge portions of their bills.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 2, 2017

Reframing LCOE: New interactive tool expands the scope of generation cost comparisons

A new project from UT-Austin compares the full cost of electricity from 10 different generation resources in every U.S. county.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 2, 2017

Divided Senate approves former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State

The former head of Exxon Mobil drew record votes against his nomination and condemnation from environmentalists.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2017

Tesla's 80 MWh battery storage facility starts operations for SoCal Edison

The battery storage system will help Southern California Edison address any reliability issues resulting from the Aliso Canyon gas leak in 2015. 

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 1, 2017

Senate committee advances vote on DOE nominee Rick Perry

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 17-6 in favor of Perry, sending his nomination to the full Senate. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 1, 2017

Zibelman exit interview: How the New York REV is paving the way for transactive energy

As she prepares to leave her post, New York PSC Chair Audrey Zibelman says the REV docket is well on its way to transforming utility operations.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 1, 2017

Senate committee approves Trump pick Ryan Zinke to lead DOI

The nomination, approved by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will now head to the full Senate.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 1, 2017

AES and Mitsubishi pair up for India's first grid-scale storage project

The project will help India meet its goal to integrate 175 MW of renewables by 2022. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 31, 2017

How behind-the-meter storage could make up 50% of the U.S. market by 2021

Falling costs for residential solar systems and changing net metering policies are contributing to the growth of the BTM storage market. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 31, 2017

Powin Energy's 8 MWh storage project enters service for Aliso Canyon leak mitigation

The Powin Energy storage project was commissioned to alleviate shortages after the Aliso Canyon methane leaks in 2015. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 31, 2017

With FERC shorthanded, insiders worry energy sector permitting will 'grind to a halt'

After this week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will not have enough members to issue major decisions, and confirming a new regulator could take months.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 31, 2017

White House lifts freeze on EPA grants, contracts

Officials also told agency employees that reports of a communications blackout between press and staff were inaccurate.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 31, 2017

Republicans gear up to eliminate BLM's methane waste rule

The rule targets methane emissions from oil and gas drilling sites and pipelines, but the GOP says it would limit U.S. energy production and boost prices. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 31, 2017

Trump appoints Kristine Svinicki as chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The NRC still has two vacancies, giving the president the opportunity to reshape nuclear oversight.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 30, 2017

After 'banner year,' power sector deal momentum set to carry through 2017

Despite policy uncertainty, low gas prices and stagnant load growth are set to drive more consolidation.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 30, 2017

Hawaii lawmakers mull performance-based rates for HECO

The bill would require state regulators to tie performance incentives and penalty mechanisms to utility revenues.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 30, 2017

Washington lawmaker proposes second carbon tax at $15/metric ton

The bill would direct revenues from the tax to clean energy and communities impacted by climate change. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 29, 2017

FERC Chair Norman Bay resigns after Trump names LaFleur to top job

Bay's departure will leave the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with just two members, rendering the agency unable to issue decisions until new regulators are confirmed. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2017