Climate Change: Why every utility, regulatory body, and DER company needs a point person for it

A look at how DER, and all of the different components and aspects of smart grid, fit into climate strategies and action plans.

Sept. 23, 2015

As solar cap looms, installers ask CA regulators for interim metering measures

Companies in San Diego Gas & Electric territory say business could soon come to a standstill as the region approaches its net metering cap. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2015

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

Negative RECs for community solar: Market failure or utility opportunity?

Bidding has driven prices for Renewable Energy Credits for community solar projects into negative territory in Colorado, and installers say that constrains their ability to serve all customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2015

Washington state begins writing stricter GHG rules for utilities, industry

The state's Department of Ecology has begun writing new rules to reduce emissions, and intends to hold hearings and take public comment over the next year.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2015

Report on corporate influence hammers Duke Energy over climate positions

A British nonprofit awarded the utility an "F" for its work on climate change policy, but the utility says the grade is unfair.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2015

Younicos to construct first utility-scale Texas solar-storage project

The facility will be the first such utility-scale project in the ERCOT market, although smaller demonstration projects have shown promise in the state.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 22, 2015

Senate Dems to introduce ambitious climate bill

The measure, which stands little chance of passing, would mandate a 2% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 22, 2015

Lincoln, Neb. muni approves $2.25 fixed charge increase

Lincoln Electric System wants to shift recovery of fixed costs for grid maintenance and upgrades to the fixed charge portion of the residential customer bill over the next eight to ten years.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 22, 2015

Portland General Electric could join CAISO Energy Imbalance Market

PGE reportedly turned away from the Northwest Power Pool to take advantage of millions in savings being realized by the imbalance market.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 22, 2015

Duke Indiana reaches settlement on Edwardsport operating costs

If approved by Indiana regulators, the agreement would limit what customers would be required to pay since the plant began operation.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2015

Energy Dept. unveils plan to double energy productivity by 2030

The DOE "roadmap" calls for updated vehicle standards, efficient rate designs, putting more information into hands of consumers and businesses reinvesting avoided energy costs.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 22, 2015

3 Arizona regulators face new allegations of bias against rooftop solar industry

The news comes as the Arizona Corporation Commission is poised to evaluate a proposed grid access fee for Arizona Public Service Co. net metering customers. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 21, 2015

Regulatory staff rejects FirstEnergy Ohio subsidy proposal

While not a final decision, the staff ruling raises more questions about the plant subsidy proposals in Ohio.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 21, 2015

Feds approve North Carolina ocean tract for offshore wind developments

The announcement puts 300,000 acres of ocean on track for lease bidding by the end of 2015.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 21, 2015

As deadline looms, Exelon supporters, opponents lobby DC mayor over Pepco merger

Regulators in the District of Columbia rejected Exelon's bid to acquire Pepco Holdings in August and now both sides of the case are pushing the mayor to weigh in. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2015

CA government, SMUD contract for 100% renewable power for state buildings

California's state government contract with local muni in Sacramento makes the Brown administration one of the biggest U.S. renewables buyers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 21, 2015

A good rate design is hard to find: Experts push utility-solar compromise

As utilties step up their efforts to compensate for perceived cost shifts caused by rooftop solar, getting rates right will be essential for both power company revenues and DER growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 21, 2015

Atlantic Coast pipeline group requests FERC approval

Federal regulators are asked to approve a 564-mile pipeline that would move gas supplies from West Virginia into North Carolina.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2015

New study casts doubt on Massachusetts hydro plan, but governor stands firm

Allowing Massachusetts utilities to source up to one-third of their energy supply from Canadian hydropower could raise rates almost $800 million annually, according to a new report from The Analysis Group.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2015

Michigan Republican proposes expanding state's energy choice program

State Rep. Gary Glenn (R) has proposed opening Michigan's energy choice program to schools, hospitals, government entities and those buying renewable power.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2015

Potential merger partners UIL, Iberdrola agree to clean up English Station coal plant

The state's attorney general had made the cleanup a condition of his support for the companies proposed merger. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 18, 2015

New Hampshire PUC clears way for electric utilities to own gas pipeline capacity

Struggling with the retirement of older generation and a dearth of gas capacity, a report from staff of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission finds electric utilities could legally purchase space on pipelines.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 18, 2015

SunPower: Keys to solar success are utility partners, being a 'good citizen of the grid'

The company's strong utility relationships have helped it grow in multiple solar sectors, an exec says.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 17, 2015

The top 10 trends transforming the electric power sector

From the decline of coal power to the rise of energy storage, big changes are quickly taking hold in the industry.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 17, 2015

CA lawmakers send CPUC reform bills to Gov. Brown

The slate of bills aims to limit back-channel communications between regulators and the companies they oversee.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 17, 2015