A grid of DERs: DOE program aims for 100% solar penetration on the distribution system

The new SunShot program will dole out $25M to solutions aimed at integrating truly unprecedented amounts of distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 24, 2016

The U.S. needs more transmission. One Midwest project could provide a collaborative model.

A new report outlines how 11 utilities leaped big hurdles to build the 800-mile CapX2020 project.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 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

Arizona begins hearings on co-op plan for higher fixed charges, lower net metering rates

The Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative rate case request includes a special charge to rooftop solar customers and a cut in net metering rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

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

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

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

'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

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