Nevada regulator excludes 'grandfathering' provision in new net metering proposal

In a new draft proposal, a commissioner from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada opted not to grandfather in existing rooftop solar customers, which has Nevadans up in arms — in some cases, quite literally. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Feb. 11, 2016

Florida critics say utility-backed amendment curbs solar choice

The utilities said the amendment establishes a right for consumers to own or lease solar equipment while ensuring there is no cost-shift on non-distributed solar owners. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 11, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

The 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

Ex-regulator: NextEra's energy vision for Hawaii isn't good enough

Former Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kristin Mayes said NextEra Energy failed to show "strong tangible conditions attached to the deal." 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 10, 2016

Supreme Court puts Clean Power Plan on hold

In a surprise move, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to stay the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan until the D.C. Circuit Court reviews it and appeals to the high court are exhausted. 

By Davide Savenije , Krysti Shallenberger • Feb. 9, 2016

How Austin Energy is looking to manage solar-plus-storage on its grid

Austin Energy has been awarded a $4.3 million grant to implement a DERMS system aimed at integrating solar power into its grid.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 9, 2016

Utah consumer watchdogs cry foul over clean energy bill

A diverse coalition of consumer groups are urging Utah lawmakers to reject a bill that would allow utility Rocky Mountain Power to implement tariffs to fund clean energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

Report: Eastern Interconnect working group's research showed deeper decarbonization possible before CPP

In 2010, 39 states and 26 major utilities said they could cut carbon emissions 42% by 2030, according to a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

Obama proposes doubling clean energy R&D spending by 2021

The spending increase would be a part of Mission Innovation, an international commitment to accelerate public and private global clean energy innovation, reached last year as part of the United Nations climate talks in Paris.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

PG&E to launch new community solar program

Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric also prepare to offer their own community solar programs in response to a 2013 California mandate that calls for 600 MW of community solar. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

Sacramento muni cancels 400MW pumped storage project

Costs and environmental delays helped to scuttle SMUD's plans for a 400-MW pumped storage project in northern California.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 8, 2016

NextEra gives cost estimates for HEI's new energy plan

NextEra was the primary data provider for eight of the 14 project proposals Hawaiian Electric's revised "2016 Power Supply Improvement Plan," which was previously rejected by Hawaiian utility regulators in November 2015. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

Poll: Over 50% of Hawaii residents oppose NextEra-HEI merger

Almost two-thirds of those polled by Civil Beat expressed concerns that rates will rise if the deal goes through despite NextEra Energy's assurances that they will not. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

Virginia lawmakers mull slew of clean energy, storage bills

A slate of bills will be considered, including measures to grow community solar, encourage private-sector investment in renewables, and promote research and development for energy storage.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

Colorado utilities to test 5 rural, low-income solar models

The Colorado Energy Office and GRID Alternatives are developing five community solar projects to serve low-income customers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

Impasse over Flint water funding pushes Senate energy bill debate into weekend

Senators had hoped to wrap up debate on a broad energy policy bill on Thursday, but Democrats, led by the Michigan delegation, say they won't pass it without some level of funding for the water crisis in Flint.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 5, 2016

Arizona regulators approve $2B SunZia power line over objections from greens

The line's 3,000 MW carrying capacity will deliver New Mexico wind and Arizona solar to demand centers in the Southwest.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 5, 2016

Nevada ballot initiative seeks to break NV Energy monopoly with retail choice

Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices has proposed a constitutional amendment calling for energy choice by 2023. Another initiative would return the state's solar net metering rules to its original form and eliminate the cap. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 5, 2016

California ISO approves proposals to bolster storage and demand response

The California ISO has approved several proposals aimed at further integrating distributed energy resources into the states's wholesale power market.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 4, 2016

'The future grid': How one DOE program is pushing the boundaries of aggregated DERs

ARPA-E is funding research aimed at fuller aggregation and coordination of distributed resources on the grid through its NODES project. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 4, 2016

Newly appointed Arizona utility regulator to recuse himself from SolarCity cases

Andy Tobin has been sworn in as a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, but will not vote on SolarCity cases because his son-in-law works for the installer.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

EIA: Renewables to be 14% of U.S. electricity generation in 2016

Wind should supply 5.2% of U.S. power next year and solar is projected to top 1%. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 4, 2016

FERC Order 745 ruling a 'good omen' for Clean Power Plan, say legal experts

How much the justices decide to defer to agency interpretation of the law could be a key factor in a future CPP case.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

NV Energy proposes net metering 'grandfathering' provision in new filing

NV Energy filed a proposal outlining a "grandfathering" provision that would allow existing solar customers to keep retail rate net metering.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Feb. 4, 2016

Clinton campaign targets $70B in annual savings for new efficiency plan

The plan includes ways to unlock private capital for efficiency investments, including grants to support the development of successful financing mechanisms, such as the expansion of Property Assessed Clean Energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

What the Supreme Court decision on FERC Order 745 means for demand response and DERs

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold federal authority over demand response in wholesale markets is a return to business as usual for some, but a new opportunity for behind-the-meter service providers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016