First US offshore wind farm fires up the turbines

Deepwater Wind's 30 MW Block Wind Farm entered into commercial operation this week. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 14, 2016

Federal appeals court lifts injunction on New England renewables RFP in Allco case

The injunction had halted the awarding of more than 450 MW of projects as the court considers if state renewable power mandates are constitutional. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2016

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

North Carolina committee votes for review of energy policy, including PURPA

North Carolina Energy Policy Council voted unanimously to request a re-evaluation of energy policies spurred by Duke's concerns about solar. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 13, 2016

With big gains in the Q3, energy storage market set to finish strong in 2016

Corporate investment in energy storage nearly hit $660 million in the third quarter, according to a new GTM Research report. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 13, 2016

Lloyd's: Renewables, efficiency could help fossil-producing countries make up lost revenue

Renewable and energy efficient technologies could help meet the expected 48% increase in global energy consumption between 2012 and 2040. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 13, 2016

Reports: Montana Rep. Zinke, not McMorris Rodgers, to be tapped for DOI

Multiple media reports this week indicated Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers had the DOI job locked, but she said in a social media post that she will continue in Congress.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2016

Retooling regulation: Is integrating energy and environmental regulation legal?

Broad state authority under the Clean Air Act means regulatory reforms would likely be permitted by the courts, RAP analysts write.

By Chris James, Ken Colburn • Dec. 13, 2016

How forward-thinking utilities are addressing corporate demand for renewables

New green tariffs from Puget Sound, PNM, Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion could change how utilities market renewables to key accounts. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2016

Michigan regulators approve new utility to address UP reliability issues

Starting in the new year, the new utility will serve 40,000 customers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as part of a plan to secure reliable capacity for the region. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2016

Updated: Trump to pick former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to lead Department of Energy

Perry has deep ties to the fossil fuel industry and once famously forgot his pledge to eliminate the department during a 2011 presidential debate. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 13, 2016

Utah regulators put Rocky Mountain Power net metering proposal on hold

RMP requested regulators to halt the proposal for now until all sides find a "mutually acceptable solution."

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 13, 2016

Why Exelon's mammoth Illinois energy bill could set a precedent for other states

The grand bargain in Springfield may be a model to save nuclear plants in other jurisdictions, though not everyone is comfortable with the final deal. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2016

Updated: Trump expected to tap McMorris Rodgers to head Interior

U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) has voiced skepticism over man-made climate change and supported lifting restrictions on fossil fuel development, including coal. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2016

APS selects AES to install 4 MW of storage to support utility-owned solar pilot

The two installations will provide power to participants in APS's utility-owned rooftop solar pilot. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2016

Missouri lawmaker tries 2nd attempt at ratemaking reform

Pre-filed legislation in the state Senate includes incentives for solar energy and smart grids, but also lower rates for large customers.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2016

Lawmakers, DOE probe Western Area Power Administration spending

Federal officials are concerned that the utility has been overcharging customers, according to local news reports. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2016

Arizona regulator rebukes APS gas plans, endorses renewables mandate fix

In two separate letters, ACC Commissioner Andy Tobin admonished the utility's plans to increase natural gas generation, saying renewables, storage and DR could meet peak demand for less cost. 

By Gavin Bade , Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 12, 2016

Energy storage projects win 6% of UK capacity auction

A total of 3.2 GW of energy storage projects were among the winners for the 15-year contracts.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 9, 2016

Canada poised to implement carbon price by 2018

Canada's federal government and 10 provinces will soon agree on a national carbon price, marking a split with expected U.S. climate policies. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 9, 2016

Report for ERMF questions long-term sustainability of net metering

A report from Meridian Energy Policy notes that the value of rooftop solar is likely to diminish as more of it is added to the grid. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 9, 2016

Updated: Arizona proposal seeks to mandate renewable generation during peak demand hours

A fix to the renewables mandate floated by the state’s consumer advocate would require a portion of wind and solar resources to deliver power when electricity demand is highest.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 9, 2016

PNM files rate hike to support shutdown of coal-fired San Juan station

The utility has asked the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to approve new revenues of almost $100 million, potentially adding 13% to residential bills. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2016

South Dakota regulators pause Xcel fuel rider request to mull Minnesota solar costs

Regulators worry the solar installations could boost rates for South Dakota customers in Xcel's territory. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 8, 2016

Can new tariff models help Massachusetts solve the rooftop solar compensation puzzle?

Getting past the usual debates on net metering may depend on yet-unproven rooftop solar incentives floated by state officials. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 8, 2016

Colorado's chief utility regulator Joshua Epel to step down

Colorado PUC Chairman Epel's term was slated to end in 2019. A search for his replacement is underway.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 8, 2016