An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Ohio governor taps Asim Haque to chair PUCO as Andre Porter steps down

Haque takes the helm of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at a time of profound change for the state's power system.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 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

Ohio lawmakers seek further freeze on renewable, efficiency standards

Some lawmakers are pushing to permanently freeze the state's renewables and efficiency mandates as the end of the current, temporary two-year freeze looms large.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

California regulators reopen San Onofre case over secret settlement talks

After finding that SCE engaged in secret settlement talks with former PUC Chair Michael Peevey, regulators decided to reassess the settlement that left ratepayers to pay $3.3 billion for the closing of the controversial nuclear plant in 2013. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

PJM defends market structure, cautions against state intervention in new report

A new report from the grid operator finds that its capacity market structure is functional — as long as state policies don't mess it up.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Wyoming lawmakers to consider raising the only US state tax on wind generation

Lawmakers say they want to make tax rates for renewables and fossil fuel generation comparable, but wind developers claim they already pay higher rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

It's the economy: Maryland RPS debate illustrates national divide on clean energy policy

States with RPS laws are doubling down, while those without take little interest. Maryland could help explain why.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Hawaii budgets $1.2M for study of alternative utility business models

If approved by Gov. Ige, the study would follow a separate report that recommended a nonprofit grid operator for the island of Maui.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Arizona lawmakers pass bill altering conflict-of-interest standards for utility regulators

The measure, expected to be signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, would allow one of his appointees to vote in proceedings involving SolarCity despite a familial connection. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Florida PSC open seat draws wide range of applicants

Commissioner Lisa Polak Edgar is not seeking a fourth term on the Florida Public Service Commission.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2016

South Carolina bill would ban citizen suits for enforcement of state pollution laws

The bill, a version of one passed last year in the Senate, needs only one more vote before going to Gov. Nikki Haley.

By Shalina Chatlani • May 9, 2016

ComEd jumps on the demand charge train with new Illinois proposal

Residential demand charges have been most popular in the Southwest, but the Chicago-based utility features them prominently in a new legislative push.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

California Gov. Brown calls for independent safety monitor for utility infrastructure

The proposed Division of Safety Advocates aims to prevent disasters like the San Bruno pipeline explosion and Aliso Canyon methane leak.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2016

Study: Coast Guard push to limit offshore wind development

In a new study, a working group from the Coast Guard worry offshore wind development could increase the chances of accidents and hurt shipping traffic. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2016

Updated: Exelon says 2 nuke plants on the line in sweeping new Illinois energy bill

The Next Generation Energy Plan, announced yesterday, would touch virtually every aspect of the state's power industry. Without it, Exelon plans to retire two challenged nuclear plants.

By Peter Maloney • May 6, 2016

NV Energy expands Green Energy Rider program to large customers

The program will now allow customers with demand of 1 MW or higher to source half or all of their electricity from solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2016

Weeks after law's passage, New Hampshire utilities near net metering cap for large solar

The ink has barely dried on a new law in New Hampshire raising net metering caps and already, one utility says it's nearly maxed out on large projects.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2016

Never heard of the Clean Power Plan? You're not alone.

Two new polls, one national and the other conducted in Texas, show most Americans have never heard of the Obama administration's signature climate plan.

By Robert Walton • May 6, 2016

Hawaii lawmakers to reconcile competing proposals for renewables, storage incentives

These proposals aim to ensure low-income families could purchase distributed generation systems and a tax break for energy storage for up to 25% of the costs. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2016

4 drivers of solar growth utilities need to know

Record solar growth forecasted in 2016 will rely on four key themes and one unifying trend, GTM Research says.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2016

Can the House and Senate turn two energy bills into one law?

Congress is a conference committee away from passing the first broad energy legislation in nearly a decade, but the House and Senate remain far apart on some key issues and a veto threat from the White House hangs over negotiations.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2016

Massachusetts lawmakers mull 2,000 MW offshore wind mandate

Two state lawmakers are working with developers to craft a bill that could come by the end of the month.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2016

Texas regulators delay decision on Hunt's bid for Oncor

Texas regulators have delayed a decision on whether or not to reconsider Hunt Consolidated's plan to purchase Oncor out of bankruptcy, but Dallas' mayor came out in support of the plan. 

By Robert Walton • May 5, 2016