Utility Business Outlook: Power prices stay elevated as elections sow uncertainty for clean energy plans

For utilities and the clean energy sector, 2024 could bring “an exceptional level of volatility and opportunity,” according to Bank of America Global Research analysts.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 23, 2024

NERC issues 3-year plan for setting reliability standards for wind, solar, storage

The plan responds to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order driven by concerns about inverter-based resources tripping offline. The new reliability standards are scheduled to take effect by the end of the decade.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 23, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

FERC rejects MISO interconnection queue cap, saying it could be undermined by exemptions

However, the agency on Friday approved other elements of the midcontinent grid operator’s proposal to revamp its interconnection process, such as increased milestone payments.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 22, 2024

FERC approves gas pipeline needed for TVA plan to shutter 2.5-GW coal-fired power plant

Replacing the Cumberland power plant with gas-fired generation will reduce carbon emissions by about 7 million metric tons a year, FERC said Thursday.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 19, 2024

Extreme weather shows need for dispatchable resources, new transmission: FERC commissioners

FERC Acting Chairman Willie Phillips expects the agency will issue new transmission planning and cost allocation rules in the “coming months.”

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 19, 2024

Federal programs create little incentive for companies to make low-carbon hydrogen: IEEFA

Hydrogen producers could gain greater financial benefit from incentives for carbon capture than from the hydrogen production tax credit, which imposes caps on emissions, IEEFA analysts say.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 19, 2024

Renewable Energy Outlook: Addressing supply chain, project hurdles could see dividends in 2024

It may be a blessing in disguise for the offshore wind industry that so many developers had to delay or cancel projects last year, one attorney said.

By Diana DiGangi • Jan. 18, 2024

Four key predictions for FERC’s 2024 electricity agenda

Looming over any predictions are the ever-increasing concerns about the reliability and stability of the nation’s electric grid. Any major reliability event in this election year could instantly reshape FERC’s agenda and priorities.

By William Scherman, Jeffrey Jakubiak, John Decker, Damien Lyster, Jennifer Mansh, Jessica Rollinson and Jake Silver • Jan. 17, 2024

DC government, ratepayer advocate oppose Exelon utility’s multi-year rate plan

The opposition reflects emerging concerns about rising electric rates, per Paul Patterson, a Glenrock equity analyst. “We’re beginning to see — in certain jurisdictions — regulatory pushback,” he said.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 17, 2024

Gov. Newsom proposes $283M cut to California’s building decarbonization programs

The proposed 2024-25 budget would also delay $600 million of funding for the state’s electric vehicle rebate program, Clean Cars 4 All, and EV charging stations by three years.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 16, 2024

SRP’s residential rooftop solar program violates PURPA, Vote Solar tells FERC

Federal regulators should launch an enforcement action over Salt River Project’s allegedly discriminatory solar rates, according to Vote Solar and two SRP customers.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 16, 2024

FERC allows activist investor Elliott to buy up to 20% of NRG Energy stock

The decision comes as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering changing its policy on investment firm purchases of utility stock.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 11, 2024

9 US power sector trends to watch in 2024

The U.S. march toward a decarbonized electric system will continue in 2024 as policymakers and others work to balance, climate, reliability, affordability and other goals.

By Robert Walton, Ethan Howland, Diana DiGangi, Larry Pearl, Kavya Balaraman and Emma Penrod • Jan. 10, 2024

Virginia lawmaker proposes data center efficiency bill, possibly affecting Dominion Energy

A proposed bill would require facilities in the state to meet power usage effectiveness standards and procure carbon-free renewable energy to obtain tax exemption credits.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 8, 2024

It’s time to get our mojo back

The energy industry used to symbolize innovation — how to tap into our ingenuity and look forward to 2024.

By Tyler Rogers, Head of Business Development – North America, Kraken • Jan. 8, 2024

Vitol, power trader to pay $2.3M to settle CAISO-related market manipulation charges

A settlement agreement approved Thursday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission resolves a long-running market manipulation dispute.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 5, 2024

Legal threats to city, state natural gas bans in 2023: A timeline

The nation’s first gas ban was overturned. One state changed its building codes to avoid legal challenges. Here’s the biggest gas ban news of 2023.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 4, 2024

As reliability concerns with renewables rise, upgrading inverters is urgent, analysts say

The variable output of renewable energy resources requires “grid-forming” inverters to protect power system current flows, engineers and others agree.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 2, 2024

Industry leaders blast Treasury’s draft guidance for clean hydrogen tax credits

Some leading hydrogen producers are already talking about suing to stop the implementation of the Treasury Department’s proposal, according to Mona Dajani, a partner at Baker Botts.

By Emma Penrod • Dec. 22, 2023

FERC approves CAISO’s Western day-ahead market plan with 2026 start date

“Utilities across the West are considering their positioning on markets intensively now, with many signaling an intent to move forward in the next six months,” said Brian Turner, a director at Advanced Energy United.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 22, 2023

How COP28 is shaping the energy transition

While decisions at the recent UN climate conference are a significant step forward, more action is needed to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.

By Andrew Keen • Dec. 22, 2023

PJM overstated capacity shortfall risks for this decade: Ohio manufacturers

PJM focused on a worst-case scenario in a report released early this year, but a less-emphasized scenario found the grid operator could meet its power supply needs, according to the trade group.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 22, 2023

Exelon, ComEd, Ameren outlooks lowered by financial firms after regulator rejects grid plans

While recent Illinois Commerce Commission decisions may hurt the utilities’ credit and financial outlook, consumer advocates said the agency’s actions protect ratepayers.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 21, 2023

Good policy by grid operators can address reliability concerns with EPA’s power plant rule

There is an opportunity through the proposed rule to create more certainty around the timeline for the clean energy transition.

By Michelle Solomon • Dec. 21, 2023

FERC transmission incentives ‘way out of whack,’ drive up consumer costs: Commissioner Christie

The agency’s transmission incentives have been “ridiculously generous to transmission developers while inflicting an ongoing victimization of consumers,” FERC Commissioner Mark Christie said Tuesday.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2023