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

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

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

Kansas utility legislation wants smaller, more frequent rate hikes

A Missouri senator proposes amending the state's century-old utility law to allow for more frequent, and predictable, rate increases, but critics say it could lead to weaker regulatory oversight. 

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2016

Report: US generators face $2B in lost revenues from rooftop solar

As more homes install rooftop solar, a report from ICF International finds that grid operators plan to cut the amount of conventional generation they purchase starting in 2019. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2016

Australian company unveils major 250 MW geothermal project in California's Salton Sea

Australian company, Controlled Thermal Resources, hopes to obtain regulatory approval through economies of scale and providing a baseload resource to offset intermittant wind and solar resources. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2016

Ohio's new clean energy ballot initiative sparks concern among utilities

A new ballot initiative would enable Ohio to issue over $14 billion in bonds to foster the development of clean energy resources.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 16, 2016

Why battery storage is key to a clean energy grid

In a guest post, former FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff argues that storage needs policy support to pave the way for the grid of the future.

By Jon Wellinghoff • March 16, 2016

Study: US offshore wind farms costs could drop 55% in 13 years

If wind developers commit to building 2,000 MW of new capacity, economies of scale will drive prices down 55% over 13 years, according to a new study. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2016

Vermont proposed legislation seeks to overhaul energy siting

The bill would give municipalities more say in where energy infrastructure is sited, especially renewables, and would provide incentives for decisions that do not impact property values.

By Robert Walton • March 15, 2016

ComEd forges ahead with ambitious microgrid plans amid legislative debate

A $4 million DOE grant could help ComEd build up to six microgrids in Chicago, depending on the outcome of pending legislation.

By Peter Maloney • March 15, 2016

Are residential demand charges the best rate reform for DERs?

The debate over rooftop solar is shifting in a new direction, with utilities and regulators examining new rate reform methods.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 15, 2016

EPA: 11 states failed to submit sulfur dioxide pollution plans

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said those states have until late 2018 to reduce their pollution limits or finalize plans to do so. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 14, 2016

New York PSC request for $98.6M bond for energy service companies 'wild speculation,' critics say

Energy Service Companies, known as ESCOs, have come under scrutiny in New York for allegedly overcharging customers. The state wants the companies to post a bond, almost $100 million, to cover potential repayments.

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2016

Montana court upholds PSC order to keep original PURPA rates

A Montana judge upheld the state's utility regulators' decision to reject NorthWestern Energy's bid to reduce the established avoid cost rate paid to independent power producers under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2016

New Hampshire House passes bill to raise net metering cap to 100 MW

New Hampshire lawmakers look to revamp the state's net metering policy in the wake of dominant utility, Eversource Energy, hitting its net metering cap in January. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2016