Regulation & Policy: Page 227
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Maine lawmakers near approval of solar incentive bill, but still lack votes for veto override
Gov. Paul LePage, a frequent critic of renewable energy policies, is expected to veto the bill.
By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • April 15, 2016 -
Senate reaches deal to forge ahead with sweeping energy bill
Holds by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) have been lifted, allowing debate on the broad energy measure to move forward.
By Robert Walton • April 15, 2016 -
Explore the Trendline➔
adamkaz via Getty ImagesTrendlineThe Energy Transition to Renewables
New policy and business actions are giving a significant boost to renewable energy in the U.S., but opposition is growing and grid interconnection, permitting, labor and other challenges remain.
By Utility Dive staff -
Video: NV Energy-backed group launches media campaign to keep solar net metering rates
A new statewide ad buy aims to counter efforts from solar installers to overturn lower net metering rates approved by regulators at the end of last year.
By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • April 15, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Kicking the can: Massachusetts solar law buys time, but full incentive plan remains elusive
Massachusetts' new law lifts solar caps that stalled growth, but plans for a comprehensive incentive system are still in their early stages.
By Krysti Shallenberger • April 14, 2016 -
Wind installed more capacity than any other generation source in 2015, industry says
Increasing buy-in from non-utility customers marked strong growth for the sector last year.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 14, 2016 -
Report: One-third of solar installers offer energy storage, number set to rise
More than a fourth of the installers not offering storage told researchers they plan to offer it this year.
By Peter Maloney • April 14, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Inside Hawaiian Electric's new plan to get to 100% renewables
Liquefied natural gas, the NextEra merger and the role of DERs are the major sticking points emerging from the utility's new power supply plan.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 14, 2016 -
Idaho Power will be sixth utility to join CAISO's western Energy Imbalance Market
The market allows for real-time balancing of supply and demand across utility systems in the West, helping control costs and integrate more renewable energy.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2016 -
Utility-backed solar group raised over $7M to counter TPO proposal in Florida
While money troubles sunk the proposal that would have legalized third party ownership, the utility-backed measure created to counter it is cleared to appear on the ballot.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2016 -
Deep Dive
How Minnesota is approaching grid modernization as a vertically-integrated state
A new PUC report outlines the state's vision for grid modernization and previews coming regulatory debates.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2016 -
Stakeholders debate expanding storage's role in MISO markets
Discussions under way at MISO could expand storage into the medium-term market.
By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2016 -
Minnesota report points to flaws in Xcel's community solar installations
An independent engineer appointed by the PUC says the utility mishandled cost estimates, interconnection processes, and cooperation with developers in a community solar project.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 2016 -
Civil Rights Commission eyes North Carolina coal ash in environmental justice probe
The Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights was at a hearing in North Carolina last week focused on the impacts of coal ash on predominantly low-income, minority communities.
By Shalina Chatlani • April 12, 2016 -
Deep Dive
'Straight uphill': Power sector reforms face tough path in gridlocked Illinois legislature
Three utility-backed bills to support, nuclear generation, renewables and efficiency did not pass in the last session of the General Assembly. Stakeholders are now trying to role them into a single law.
By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2016 -
Nebraska legislature advances bill to ease wind development
The bill would remove impediments to developing some of the biggest wind potential in the United States.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 2016 -
Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs bill lifting solar cap, lowering net metering rates
Baker's approval comes after months of contention over solar policy in the state, but critics say it's just a short-term fix.
By Krysti Shallenberger • April 11, 2016 -
New Hampshire legislature doubles net metering cap to 100 MW
The new law also orders state regulators to ready a successor tariff when the new cap is reached.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 11, 2016 -
Offshore wind needed for New York's 50% energy goal, energy czar says
A newly designated ocean tract off Long Island could deliver competitively-priced wind-sourced electricity, Richard Kauffman said this week.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016 -
MISO capacity auction design proposal draws concern
The grid operator is considering a forward auction for deregulated areas, to address concerns market signals are not working to ensure reliability.
By Robert Walton • April 8, 2016 -
Vermont regulators propose net metering changes
The proposal would encourage net-metered systems to be developed in preferred, pre-developed locations, including different price levels.
By Robert Walton • April 8, 2016 -
With another generation record, Texas edges closer to 50% wind penetration
ERCOT got more than 48% of its generation from wind during early hours of March 23.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Community solar poised for growth as utilities gain confidence, familiarity
Two new reports detail a bright future for community solar as utilities and developers gain experience and realize the resource's potential.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016 -
Deep Dive
How California wants to align utility revenue models with DERs
A new CPUC proposal puts forth an innovative framework for utilities to earn a rate of return on DER procurements.
By Gavin Bade • April 7, 2016 -
Iowa House passes bill to toughen eminent domain rules for transmission developers
The bill would prevent utility regulators from granting eminent domain rights for a project unless 75% of landowners in its path approved.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016 -
Massachusetts lawmakers pass bill to raise solar cap, cut net metering rates
The Masschussetts legislative committee tasked with coming up with a solution to deal with net metering caps and solar remuneration arrived at a final bill, which passed through both houses and now awaits Gov. Charlie Baker's signature.
By Krysti Shallenberger • April 6, 2016