Updated: Trump taps fossil fuel ally Scott Pruitt to head EPA

The Oklahoma Attorney General is one of the leaders of a lawsuit against the Clean Power Plan and has a close ties to the fossil fuel industry. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 7, 2016

Why NARUC wants state regulators to incentivize utility cloud computing

Allowing utilities to earn a return on cloud-based software could help them better serve customers and operate the modern grid, according to a new NARUC resolution.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

Updated: Illinois Gov. Rauner signs Exelon nuclear legislation

The bill to support unprofitable nukes and expand clean energy and efficiency passed the General Assembly last week. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 7, 2016

First two Vermont munis build solar projects

Utilities in Stowe and Hyde Park are the first municipally-owned power providers to build solar in the state.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 6, 2016

Memo from Trump's energy transition leader could yield hints at future policy

Days before American Energy Alliance President Thomas Pyle was named head of Donald Trump's energy transition team, he sent a memo outlining what he expected from the incoming administration.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2016

Inside construction of the world's largest lithium ion battery storage facility

SDG&E's 120 MWh Escondido storage project is being built in less than six months to help mitigate a natural gas shortage in southern California. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 6, 2016

California air regulator rolls out draft plan to achieve 2030 climate goals

The California Air Resources Board plans to utilize the state's cap-and-trade program to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2016

Oregon Gov. Brown leaves solar tax credits out of 2017-19 budget proposal

Legislative leaders support extending the tax credits, but tough choices lie ahead to fill a $1.7 billion shortfall. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 5, 2016

How PG&E's EV charging pilot will test utility ownership models

A new proposed decision seeks to strike the right balance between utility investment and third party participation. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 5, 2016

Arizona consumer advocate proposes timing tweaks for renewable standard

Adding a timing component to the renewable portfolio standard could make distributed energy resources more valuable to the grid, a new report says. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2016

Utility regulator Robert Burns rejects settlement with Arizona Public Service

Arizona Public Service had offered to accept new disclosure requirements if Burns would halt his quest for more information on the utility's past political spending. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2016

Ohio utility regulator resigns after Senate panel spurns appointment

Republican lawmakers called the Democrat's past work as an energy lawyer into question, saying he would often have to recuse himself. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 5, 2016

Moniz: DOE programs must 'show value added' to survive in Trump administration

The secretary spoke at the third anniversary of DOE's Minorities in Energy program, which he said should continue after Jan. 20.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 2, 2016

Illinois passes sweeping energy bill with support for Exelon nuclear plants

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is expected to sign the bill that would touch nearly every aspect of the state's power sector. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 2, 2016

White House rushing out energy efficiency rules in flurry of 11th-hour actions

Several new efficiency rules could impact furnaces, commercial boilers and portable air conditioners.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2016

Potential EPA candidate says renewables 'should compete on their own terms'

Kathleen Hartnett White, who leads a conservative think tank in Texas, is a possible selection to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2016

In New Hampshire, stakeholders debate the next NEM successor tariff

Proposals including demand charges and TOU solar compensation could help boost energy storage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2016

Last-minute amendments slow progress on Exelon Illinois bill as deadline nears

Exelon and ComEd reached an agreement with Gov. Bruce Rauner that could see the bill signed — if legislators can push it through in time. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2016

Votes nearing, efficiency changes in Exelon Illinois bill draw environmental support

Further changes to Exelon's far-reaching Illinois legislation have won over some green groups, but lawmakers only have through Thursday to pass the bill.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2016

Without the Clean Power Plan, are nuclear plants essential to combat climate change?

A new report says emissions would skyrocket if nuclear plants are shuttered, but some in California say that's not a given.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 30, 2016

Georgia Power Vogtle franchise fees head to the state Supreme Court

Two new reactor's at Georgia Power's Vogtle nuclear station are on track for 2019 and 2020 startup, but the utility is still fighting for recovery of some costs.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2016

Congressional lawmakers restore key provisions to advance bipartisan energy bill

The U.S House and Senate are continuing to try and merge their energy bills into one piece of legislation that President Obama could sign before he leaves office.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2016

AMS CEO: Energy storage can reach scale without subsidies

The biggest problem for energy storage is scale, and Advanced Microgrid Solutions has a plan to get there.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

Illinois lawmakers still shaping Exelon nuclear bill ahead of planned Wednesday vote

The far-reaching legislation has seen a number of controversial provisions stripped from it as lawmakers try to push it through during the shortened session. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

The top 10 utility regulatory commission issues of 2016

From rate design to grid modernization and storage, AEE outlined the top power sector regulatory issues of the year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 28, 2016