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

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

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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

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

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

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

'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

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

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

'Wake up worrying': NextEra-Hawaiian Electric merger in doubt as regulators near decision time

NextEra's bid to buy Hawaiian Electric has failed to inspire state energy stakeholders, but the merger proceeding isn't a popularity contest.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

Missouri lawmakers skeptical of Ameren plan to overhaul rate cases

Residential customers could see rates rise more than 60% over the next 10 years, according to one official from the Missouri Public Service Commission.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2016