Utility regulators face unfriendly — and unfair — fire

Former regulator Ray Gifford writes that smear campaigns against utility commissioners are instilling distrust in the regulatory process.

By Ray Gifford • Feb. 16, 2016

Pennsylvania regulators set retail rate net metering for distributed generation

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission ruled 3-2 last week to limit the output from distribution generation to 200% of residential electrical consumption needs while preserving retail rate remuneration. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 16, 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

How utility executives see the future of the electricity business

Here are some of the key findings from Utility Dive's third annual State of the Electric Utility report.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 16, 2016

Oregon lawmakers propose carbon tax, coal phase-out

The bills would phase out coal, increase renewables and enact a carbon tax. But Oregon is currently in a short legislative session, and some say more time is needed to consider such significant changes.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 15, 2016

Solar advocates push Maine lawmakers to preserve net metering

Maine lawmakers are currently involved in a proceeding to evaluate the state's net metering policy and possible alternatives. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2016

Hawaii bill demands NextEra prove consumer benefit for $4.3B Hawaiian Electric merger

The House Bill 2567 would require NextEra to show "substantial net benefit" to customers before state regulators approve its takeover of Hawaiian Electric Industries, but the utility says the bill fails to define net benefits. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2016

Massachusetts solar 'on hold' as incentives in two major programs dry up

Small residential systems can continue to be built, but the expiration of key solar incentives has left the industry in limbo in the state.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2016

Armed observers heighten tensions in Nevada solar net metering debate

Nevada is an open carry state, and some are concerned about solar advocates bringing their weapons to a Public Utilities Commission meeting scheduled for today.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 2016

Bad power deals cost Maine $38M, governor says

 "Socialists love to subsidize new wind and solar,"  said Maine Governor Paul LePage (R). 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 2016

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

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