Federal agency considers 1st floating offshore wind project

Trident Winds, LLC submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop an 800 MW offshore floating wind project off Morro Bay, California. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2016

How Maine's power players are reacting to its pathbreaking new solar proposal

A landmark bill offers a plan that could be the next step beyond net energy metering if it gets past partisan Maine politics and doubts about untested ideas.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 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

In Supreme Court's second power case of 2016, renewable energy advocates are on edge

On paper, the case is about a natural gas plant. But how the U.S. Supreme Court rules a contract between Maryland and a power developer could have broader consequences on interstate markets and renewable energy development.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2016

Sunrun, TASC fight to keep net metering in Maine

Plan to replace net metering threatens some installers but the difference to customers is small

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2016

EIA: Wind, solar and natural gas make most new electrical generation in 2015

The U.S. Energy Administration expects this trend of wind, solar and natural gas making up the dominant amount of the new electrical generation to conintue into 2016. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2016

Updated: DC PSC approves Exelon-Pepco merger

The District of Columbia Public Service Commission voted 2-1 today to approve the Exelon-Pepco merger. Approval from D.C. regulators was the final hurdle for the merger, which will now make Exelon the largest electric utility in the U.S.  

By Gavin Bade, Davide Savenije, Krysti Shallenberger • March 23, 2016

Analysts: Exelon-Pepco merger headed for rejection

D.C. regulators are widely expected to decide the fate of the $6.8 billion acquisition today.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2016

Getting to 100% renewables: How Hawaii plans to get fossil fuels off the grid

In Hawaii, getting consensus around a 100% renewable energy mandate was the easy part. The hard part comes next.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2016

Constellation partners with Sunrun on residential solar option

Constellation's program with Sunrun will be offered to residential customers in Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2016

3 ways utilities can optimize energy storage

Anissa Dehamna from Navigant outlines three strategies for utilities to monetize energy storage

By Anissa Dehamna • March 22, 2016

How utilities can prepare for the invasion of the Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants are poised for growth, especially if standardization efforts succeed.

By Peter Maloney • March 22, 2016

TASC sues Nevada PUC to overturn net metering decision

The solar lobbying group has filed suit in the wake of Nevada regulators' decision to lower net metering rates, increase fixed charges, and not "grandfather" in existing customers under old rates.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 22, 2016

Maryland House approves 25% renewables mandate, sending bill to Senate

A provision for clean energy job training and programs to support development of minority- and women-owned businesses was separated from the bill and set aside for a separate workforce development measure. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 2016

Arizona Dems call on GOP utility regulator to resign over SolarCity conflict

Two Democrats vying for seats on the Corporation Commission say lawmakers are trying to rewrite the rules for a GOP appointee. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 2016

5 maps that show where the action is on solar policy

With 46 of 50 states considering policy action last year, solar is literally the talk of the nation.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 2016

Minnesota regulators submit broad outline for CPP compliance

The state has requested an extension, and the agency charged with developing a compliance strategy said despite a court's stay of the new rule it was moving ahead to complete its initial submittal.

By Robert Walton • March 22, 2016

North Carolina coal ash commission abruptly shuts down

The news came after the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gov. Pat McCrory's challenge that legislative appointments made to the commission are unconstitutional.

By Shalina Chatlani • March 21, 2016

Leading edge: Hawaii utilities push storage, solar integration for 100% renewables mandate

Two innovative projects on the islands could provide lessons for power providers throughout the country.

By Peter Maloney • March 21, 2016

GSA urges DC regulators to reject latest iteration of Exelon-Pepco merger

The failure of merger parties to agree to conditions put on the deal by regulators means the $6.8 billion acquisition should be thrown out, the federal agency argued.

By Krysti Shallenberger, Gavin Bade • March 21, 2016

Maryland bill to cut greenhouse gases 40% by 2030 awaits governor's signature

Only California and New York have stronger emission reduction measures and both came through executive actions, not the kind of bipartisan commitment shown in Maryland. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 21, 2016

Proposed New York offshore wind site capacity could match a nuclear plant

127 square mile area could generate 900 MW of electricity for Manhattan

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2016

Nevada regulator stands by net metering decision

Nevada PUC member David Noble described the raucus environment in which the commission considered solar rules last year. "In 19 years with the commission, I've never seen anything quite like it," he said.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2016

Ivanpah CSP facility nabs more time to ramp up output, avoid default

The California Public Utilities Commission granted forbearance agreements to the owners of the world's largest concentrating solar facility to avoid defaulting on power pruchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric after under-delivering electricity. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2016

Maine lawmaker calls for PUC to revamp net metering, not legislature

But supporters worry that Maine's Public Utilities Commission will not keep the current net metering intact, casting a shadow over the nascent solar sector. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2016

Can performance-based regulation unlock the utility of the future?

Fewer rate cases and smart performance incentives could drive utilities to innovate, according to a new paper.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2016