Regulation & Policy: Page 223
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Florida Supreme Court strikes down FPL’s gas drilling investments
State regulators overreached in allowing FPL to become the first electric utility in the country to directly finance gas drilling, Florida’s highest court ruled last week.
By Robert Walton • May 23, 2016 -
New York PSC enacts new revenue models for utilities in REV proceeding
Utilities in the Empire State have new options to earn revenue, though the traditional cost-of-service model was preserved by regulators as well.
By Gavin Bade • May 20, 2016 -
Explore the Trendline➔
adamkaz via Getty Images
TrendlineThe 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 -
North Carolina bill would sharply restrict utility-scale renewables siting
The bill would require developers to conceal solar farms and keep the noise from wind facilities to near the volume of a human whisper.
By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016 -
DOE releases comprehensive overview of efforts to cut solar costs
The SunShot program is 5 years into its 10 year run and 70% of the way to cutting solar cost to $0.06/kWh.
By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016 -
Power sector preparing for EMP attack among grid risks, EEI official tells Senate
The power sector is working with the federal government to harden the grid against a potential electromagnetic pulse attack, and to develop restoration strategies in the event one is successful.
By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016 -
Bill to delay EPA ozone rule passes committee, moves to full House
Along party lines, Republicans in the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a measure to alter provisions of the Clean Air Act.
By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016 -
Hawaiian Electric proposes major plan to import LNG as bridge to 100% renewables
Hawaiian Electric wants to import liquefied natural gas under a 20-year contract with Fortis, but the proposal is contingent on the state’s approval of the utility’s merger with NextEra Energy.
By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Caps raised, New Hampshire turns attention to imminent struggle over solar value
A new law that raised net metering caps also directed state regulators to devise a new solar incentive program within 10 months. Already some innovative proposals are surfacing.
By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016 -
Nevada governor’s task force committee recommends grandfathering rooftop solar customers
A group on the energy task force convened by Gov. Brian Sandoval has passed a resolution recommending grandfathering, and it could end up being included in a future energy bill.
By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016 -
Hunt withdraws previously-approved bid to acquire Oncor
Though Hunt says it is still trying to salvage a deal, the door could be open for other suitors, like NextEra.
By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016 -
Massachusetts must do more to cut carbon emissions, state Supreme Court rules
The case is a win for Our Children’s Trust, a youth advocacy group making climate challenges around the country.
By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016 -
Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators’ action on net metering
National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.
By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016 -
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 -
Deep Dive
‘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 -
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 -
Deep Dive
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 -
Deep Dive
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 -
Deep Dive
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
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