Mexico to launch cap-and-trade pilot to help meet climate goals

The year-long emissions reduction pilot will launch in November, with an eye toward full operation in 2018.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016

DC government, activists join appeal of Exelon-Pepco merger

The Washington city government, Public Citizen and Solar United Neighborhoods are among those who want the courts to block the merger, which regulators approved in March.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 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

Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

Arizona regulator, attorney battle over alleged ties with solar industry

Dueling letters from Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Doug Little and attorney Scott Hempling highlight the level of suspicion in the regulatory body.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 16, 2016

Report: California lawmaker wants 15% of cars to be emission-free in a decade

Automaker advocates, however, worry such legislation could rig the system in favor of EV automakers such as Tesla Motors. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

DC consumer advocate files to appeal Exelon-Pepco merger

The Office of People's Counsel in Washington claims regulators did not follow the appropriate process in approving Exelon's takeover of Pepco this June. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 15, 2016

Heating up again: Arizona turns to solar valuation after demand charge decision delayed

Regulators want to wait for the conclusion of a value of solar docket to reform incentive policies, but politics remains a constant distraction.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 15, 2016

Arizona regulators block political influence investigation, delay solar rate changes

Regulators are saving decisions on solar credits and demand charges until after the conclusion of a cost-benefit analysis of rooftop systems. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 12, 2016

Smart sharing: Sun-saturated Hawaii debates first TOU community solar proposal

Crediting community solar users depending on time of day could open new markets for storage and help optimize the grid, regulatory staff argue in a recent proposal. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Court upholds Obama's social cost of carbon accounting for federal regulations

The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of the Department of Energy's social cost metric for carbon emissions, which is set at $36 per metric ton.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2016

Bloomberg: Electric customers could pay $2.5B for unbuilt nuclear plants

Some utilities are getting regulatory clearance to maintain nuclear licenses or pursue nuclear plants that are years away from construction.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law

The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison

The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016

SolarCity backs Arizona utility regulator Robert Burns for upcoming election

The move could mark a return to public political battles over solar policy, most of which had been confined to back rooms this year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 10, 2016

If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption

Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016

Bay State storage: New law could give Massachusetts 3rd US energy storage mandate

Massachusetts was already a top state for energy storage. A new law could bolster that position with a mandate and utility ownership.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

Software-Driven Community Solar

Continued innovation and expanded partnerships are helping the industry bridge the gap to the multi-gigawatt scaling of community solar as projected by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Aug. 9, 2016

A lot of dam potential: Renewables growth could drive massive hydro buildout

With pumped storage, hydropower can grow 50% by 2050 — if developers can get over the hurdles.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 9, 2016

FERC greenlights Apple's petition to sell electric power

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted Apple market based rate authority, saying the tech company didn't raise the risk of unfairly hiking rates. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2016

Pacific Power: Oregon 50% RPS will barely raise customer rates thru 2028

Five months ago, the utility told regulators the 50% renewable energy mandate would raise retail rates 0.8% — annually — through 2030. Now it says the number is a cumulative 0.1% over nearly the same timeframe. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

Arizona regulator hires outside attorney to investigate ratemaking process

ACC regulator Bob Burns cited concerns over improper influences in the past as the basis for his inquiry. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 8, 2016

Upper Peninsula utility first in Michigan to hit solar net metering cap

Upper Peninsula Power Co. has hit its cap for net metered solar systems, which Michigan limits at 1% of a utility's peak demand. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2016

PJM suspends Artificial Island transmission project

The PJM Board directed the grid operator to do a comprehensive analysis of the project, which had come under scrutiny due to escalating costs.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 8, 2016

Nuclear plants safe, New York ISO CEO Brad Jones readies for a low-carbon grid

New transmission and grid practices will be needed for a deeply decarbonized grid, Jones told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016