Arizona governor signs bill easing conflict of interest standard for utility regulators

The new law will allow a recent ACC appointee to vote in solar proceedings from which he had previously recused himself.  

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

Ahead of review vote, Pennsylvania agencies at odds over net metering changes

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission is scheduled to vote today on new net metering limits — changes environmental regulators in the state oppose.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Hopes for speedy energy bill fade as lawmakers plan rare conference committee

Sen. Lisa Murkowski wanted a bill on the president's desk before the August recess, but that's looking less likely as lawmakers work through the details of forming a conference committee. 

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

SDG&E kicks off $52.5 million EV charger installation and customer education pilot

The utility will build, own, and maintain 3,500 charging stations at 350 locations across its territory under a program approved by regulators earlier this year.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

North Carolina to release cleanup plans for Duke coal ash ponds

The DEQ report will classify Duke's coal ash ponds by risk severity, directing the utility to completely excavate the highest priority basins by August 2019.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

California PUC proposes storage buy to deal with Aliso Canyon gas shortage

The CPUC released a draft decision last week that would require Southern California Edison to hold an expedited storage procurement process to help alleviate the electrical outage risk posed by the nation's worst-ever methane leak.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2016

Energy storage bills fail in Hawaii, but could re-appear in next legislative session

Support for storage is widespread in Hawaii, but the state's financial situation makes new incentive funding a challenge.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

DC Circuit to skip 3-judge panel, hear Clean Power Plan 'en banc' in September

In a surprise move, the nation's top appeals court will skip a panel review of the Obama administration's signature carbon regulations and move straight to an en banc hearing — a review by the entire contingency of D.C. Circuit Court judges.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2016

Yieldco problems: systemic or a speed bump?

With SunEdison's bankruptcy, yieldco shares have taken a hit, raising questions about the viability of the investment vehicle.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

UES Electric drops mandatory demand charge proposal, except for new solar customers

Residential demand charges would still be mandatory for new rooftop solar customers, who would also see higher fixed monthly fees and lower net metering rates under the proposed rate plan.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

DOE pulls funding for Texas clean coal project

The decision likely kills the Texas Clean Energy Project, which had support from a wide range of backers, including some environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

Renewables advocates ask Minnesota regulators to streamline DER interconnection

Their proposal calls for fast-tracking small distributed generation and simpler fees.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

SolarCity, PSC, Gov. Cuomo handed subpoenas in New York construction probe

A number of other state agencies were also tapped in the construction probe focusing on SolarCity's new upstate factory. 

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Updated: EPA finalizes methane rules for new oil and gas facilities

The new rule was decried by oil and gas companies but was welcomed by environmentalists, who have long pushed for stricter methane regulations.

By Gavin Bade • May 13, 2016

Hawaii solar jobs fall 35% after regulators end retail net metering

Solar installation permit numbers have also fallen, suggesting the new options to replace retail rate remuneration aren't as effective. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

PSE&G to invest $275M in new solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites

If approved, the New Jersey utility will build ten solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

CFTC proposes to allow market actors to sue grid operators

The agency has proposed a clarifying amendment to exemptions grid operators received under the Commodities Exchange Act, saying it never intended to limit the ability of private parties to sue.

By Gavin Bade • May 12, 2016

Georgia mulls state rules for coal ash waste disposal

After a series of coal ash incidents, Georgia is the latest state to ponder its own guidelines for coal ash waste. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 12, 2016

Utilities, greens still miles apart on solar valuation, new report shows

The Center for Biological Diversity identified 10 states it says are blocking rooftop solar, but the bigger takeaway is how its perspective on solar valuation differs from those of utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016