Renewables, efficiency dominate robust job growth in energy sector

The solar and wind industries experienced the strongest growth, but the sector faces a number of workforce challenges — including retirements, skills gaps and a lack of diversity.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 17, 2017

Zinke skirts climate science, touts 'all of the above' energy approach in DOI hearing

Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Interior said he supports both fossil fuel development and renewable energy in his confirmation hearing, but refused to be pinned down on climate science. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 17, 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

As Trump takes office, job growth is pushing GOP governors to embrace renewables

Economic development is changing the equation for wind and solar, but some say more work remains to ensure benefits are spread to all.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 17, 2017

Moniz approves new protections for Department of Energy scientists

The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized a "scientific integrity" policy that ensures researchers can speak openly about their work and conclusions.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2017

Virginia legislation would lift Dominion rate freeze if CPP is repealed

But Dominion Virginia says regulatory uncertainty has only increased, since the CPP would have to be replaced with another carbon regulation under current law.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 17, 2017

Sunrun partners with National Grid to expand rooftop solar, storage

National Grid is contributing $100 million to finance the initial buildout of 200 MW of distributed solar, including direct utility investment in the rooftop systems. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 17, 2017

Wyoming lawmakers want to limit utility usage of in-state wind energy

Some GOP legislators are backing a measure that would block utilities from using wind power produced in the state and boost traditional generation, like coal. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2017

Proposed CA bill would require solar panels on 15% of new buildings

New bill would require solar power on 15% of new buildings in California not more than 10 stories tall.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 13, 2017

Secretary of State pick Rex Tillerson says US should 'maintain its seat' in Paris climate talks

Former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson appeared to split with President-elect Donald Trump on policies surrounding climate change in his nomination hearing.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2017

New York Gov. Cuomo backs 90 MW offshore wind farm

The Long Island offshore wind project will be part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's bid to expand offshore wind to 2.4 GW by 2030. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 12, 2017

Solar in 2017: As non-traditional markets break records, more doors open for utilities

A shift away from third party financing to cash or loan purchases has opened up a new window of opportunity for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 12, 2017

How will Ryan Zinke manage federal lands as head of the Interior Department?

Once seen as a moderate Republican, Zinke's recent record in Congress cast doubt on his conservation stances, critics say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 11, 2017

Vermont's newly-elected GOP governor backs 90% RPS

Gov. Phil Scott touted clean energy jobs as a positive factor for upholding the renewables goal. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2017

A silver bullet? Inside FERC's landmark energy storage rulemaking

Federal regulators are tackling ways to open wholesale markets to energy storage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 10, 2017

Hawaii co-op signs deal for solar+storage project at 11¢/kWh

AES will pair a 20 MW, 100 MWh battery system with a 28 MW solar array to deliver dispatchable generation to the Kauai Island Electric Cooperative. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2017

What electric utilities can learn from the Vermont hacking scare

The erroneous Russian hacking story contained some big lessons about managing critical security information.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

Wyoming lawmakers float measure to bag share of federal wind fees

A half dozen Wyoming lawmakers are pressing for a resolution to ask Congress for half of any fees paid for wind projects on federal land.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

Questions mount over Pruitt's fossil fuel ties as confirmation hearings loom

Energy companies are opening their checkbooks to support the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the U.S. EPA.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

PUCO regulator Lynn Slaby will not seek another term

Slaby's decision to leave at the end of his term in April leaves two open seats at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2017

Pennsylvania's retail choice program tracks growth despite December dip

December’s decline followed a November increase that was the greatest monthly growth in Pennsylvania residential electric shopping since February 2014.  

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2017

Hawaiian Electric seeks offers for Oahu wind projects

HECO says the responses it receives may help inform a more formal request for proposals. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 9, 2017

In new QER, Moniz leaves path for Perry to follow at DOE

The new Quadrennial Energy Review lays out more than 70 recommendations for a cleaner, more secure energy system. How will the Trump administration respond?

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 9, 2017

DOE: Emergency powers necessary to combat cyber threats to grid

The Department of Energy wants authority to issue emergency orders on grid security, the agency said in a new report. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2017

Oregon PUC release guidelines for energy storage mandate

Under the law, utilities must have a minimum of 5 MWh of energy storage in service by 2020. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 6, 2017

Maryland Gov. Hogan rolls out $65M environmental plan

The agenda includes incentives for electric vehicles and training for clean energy jobs. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 6, 2017