EU to ratify Paris climate accord

Once Canada signs on this week, the treaty will have enough commitments to enter into legal force. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 3, 2016

PNM vows Supreme Court appeal after regulators slash proposed rate hike in half

Public Service of New Mexico wanted a $121 million rate increase, but regulators granted it $61 million.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 30, 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

Civil Rights Commission: EPA failing in environmental justice obligations on coal ash

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2016 report takes aim at federal regulators, finding the EPA "does not take action when faced with environmental justice concerns until forced to do so."

By Shalina Chatlani • Sept. 30, 2016

FERC approves CAISO ramping product, rejecting calls to make it biddable

The product is designed to help CAISO with more renewable resources and the uncertainty they cause in electricity markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 30, 2016

Duke-Piedmont deal clears final regulatory hurdle

The North Carolina Utilities Commission approval was the last hurdle left to move the deal forward. It is expected to close on Monday.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2016

The solar toolbox: How utilities can find the best planning approach for distributed solar

Studying locational benefits of distributed solar is one way to plan, a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study says. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 29, 2016

To speak softly: Why Sunrun's new policy head could signal a shift in solar advocacy

Former Maryland Commissioner Anne Hoskins outlines her approach to utility-solar regulation.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 29, 2016

California PUC rejects rehearing on revised net metering policy

California regulators cited insufficient evidence of cross-shifting costs as a big factor in their decision to deny a rehearing. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 29, 2016

Inside the DC Circuit: What happened at the Clean Power Plan's court hearing

How judges view the EPA’s authority could prove critical as they weigh more than seven hours of arguments.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 28, 2016

Massachusetts floats new solar tariff structure in incentive program redesign

The new program would replace current incentives with tariffs designed to reduce risk and provide more predictable revenue streams for developers.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 28, 2016

California Gov. Brown signs bill to strengthen PACE protections

The law requires a new disclosure form ensuring customers can understand all of the terms associated with Property Assessed Clean Energy financing loans.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2016

In strong Q2 showing, non-traditional storage markets edge out California, PJM

After a White House initiative gave the sector a boost, GTM Research forecasts a record year for storage deployment.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 27, 2016

DC Circuit judges grill EPA, industry lawyers in first round of Clean Power Plan hearings

It was difficult to say which side got the better of the first three-and-a-half hours of Clean Power Plan testimony at the D.C. Circuit Tuesday morning. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 27, 2016

'Eyes wide open': Despite climate risks, utilities bet big on natural gas

Scientists say the United States can't build much more fossil fuel infrastructure if it wants to meet the Paris climate goals. So why are utilities going all-in on gas?

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 27, 2016

India to ratify Paris climate deal

If the European Union signs on, the deal could start implementation in a few weeks. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2016

NYC targets 100 MWh energy storage by 2020

The new energy storage target will help New York City reach its goal to cut emissions 80% by 2050.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2016

Study: Transportation CO2 emissions outpace power sector

As the power sector shifts from coal to gas to cut emissions, transportation takes the No.1 spot as biggest CO2 emitter. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2016

Demand charges vs. TOU rates: The great Arizona rate design experiment

APS wants to be the first utility with mandatory demand charges for residential customers, but critics say time-of-use pricing provides similar benefits and is easier for consumers to adopt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 26, 2016

California auditor: CPUC open to improper influence, needs reforms

A series of controversies has led some stakeholders to question the impartiality and legitimacy of CPUC governance. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2016

FERC to rethink market power issues in a more 'open' approach

The agency is considering changes to how it examines market power issues surrounding mergers and other transactions.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2016

House committee votes to lift 2020 deadline on nuclear power tax credit

Plants under construction by Southern Co. and SCANA Corp. are behind schedule and risk losing out on federal assistance if the deadline is not lifted.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 23, 2016

Critics question effectiveness, fairness of FirstEnergy Ohio efficiency plans

Consumer advocates say the utility's plan would allow it to profit from work done by other organizations or municipalities. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2016

Trump vows to scrap Clean Power Plan

At a fossil fuel conference in Pittsburgh yesterday, the Republican nominee vowed to loosen energy production restrictions and keep American power bills low.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2016

DC Circuit Clean Power Plan hearing will have 10 judges after Pillard drops recusal

Judge Cornelia Pillard did not participate in the decision to hear the CPP before the full DC Circuit Court, but she will sit for the hearing next week. Judge Merrick Garland remains recused from the case. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 22, 2016

Inside the new guidebook for electric utility regulation

A new regulatory primer from RAP clearly outlines the strengths and pitfalls of utility regulation, along with a number of fixes.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 22, 2016