States ask appeals courts to reconsider suit to block Clean Power Plan

Courts have repeatedly said petitioners must wait for the final rules, but state's say judges have the authority to step in now and block the highly-anticipated emissions mandates.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2015

Hillary Clinton reveals energy policy: 33% renewables by 2027

The Democratic frontrunner wants the U.S. to have 140 GW of cumulative solar power by the beginning of the next decade, but is it realistic?

By Gavin Bade • July 27, 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

FERC directs PJM to include demand response in upcoming transition auction

Uncertainty stemming from the Supreme Court's review of FERC Order 745 is not a reason to exclude demand response, the commission found.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

AEP: PJM market changes create challenging environment for generators

During the company's second quarter earnings call company officials lamented “11th hour” decisions by regulators that pose a risk to the generator.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

Iowa co-op proposes one of the highest fixed solar charges in nation

Owner-members with DG say the $85 per month violate Iowa law against “discriminatory rates or charges."

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

Mass. senate passes increased net metering cap on bipartisan voice vote

The provision would double the limit on net metered solar and kick start solar planning among state regulators.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

CPUC finalizes demand response auction rules for later this year

Up to 20% of the resources must be set aside for residential aggregations.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2015

What's next for the NextEra-Hawaiian Electric deal?

Stakeholders say NextEra 'needs a hearing aid,' not another lobbyist.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 26, 2015

Analysts: Exelon, Dynegy to be biggest beneficiaries of new PJM market rules

New rules could mean big payouts for generators in PJM's market, but failure to supply promised capacity could also bring significant fines.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Texas foundation proposes interstate deal to fight Clean Power Plan

The Texas Public Policy Foundation has proposed an “interstate power compact” seeking to block new greenhouse gas emission standards.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Hawaii regulators pushed to consider co-op as alternative to HECO merger

The filing marks the first time regulators have formally been asked to consider a co-op as an alternative to the sale of Hawaii's dominant electric provider.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

House passes bill to weaken EPA coal ash rule

The bill gives states, rather than the EPA, authority to permit and enforce regulations on how coal ash is secured.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

The bill calls for more energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's electric system, diversifying resource supply and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Key senate committee approves wind tax credit extension

After approval from the Finance Committee, the tax package must win support from the full congress. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Clean energy groups, Xcel Energy battle over future of Minnesota coal facility

The utility wants to continue operating units 1 and 2 at its Sherburne County Generating Station, while clean energy advocates say it can be retired with minimal impact.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Ohio efficiency, renewables mandates may return after last year's freeze

But lawmakers are currently debating the appropriate levels, and some elected officials want to do away with the targets entirely.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Construction on 700 MW Ohio gas plant signals major fuel transition

Half a dozen new gas plants are coming online in the near future in the state. 

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Cost overruns in SPP transmission projects draw ire of RTO's leaders

Over 85% of projects in SPP’s current pipeline have cost estimates that are inaccurate by 30% or more.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 22, 2015

With state funding, 83 New York communities planning microgrids

With $100,000 to spend on a feasibility study, several municipalities are still seeking engineering help with proposals to boost reliability.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

House GOP unveils broad energy bill, nixes Berkshire's PURPA proposal

Along with other controversial language, lawmakers stripped a proposal to end most utilities' obligations to purchase from smaller generators.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Hawaii Gov. Ige opposes NextEra acquisition of Hawaiian Electric

Governor Ige has “serious reservations” about NextEra’s readiness to meet the state's aggressive energy goals.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 22, 2015

Small modular nuclear plants moving ahead, but slowly

The first small modular reactor may not be online for almost a decade, but after that the proliferation could be much more rapid.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Why utility ownership of rooftop solar should be explored

Lon Huber argues a dogmatic approach to utility ownership conversations papers over real benefits the model offers.

By Lon Huber • July 21, 2015

Maryland PSC approves one of the nation's highest efficiency standards

The state wants utilities to cut retail sales by 2% annually, but utilities are unsure how to achieve such an aggressive target.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

SC regulators approve final deal between Duke, solar installers

Duke will begin expanding its South Carolina solar portfolio with a 53 MW RFP.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015