What to expect from California utilities' new aggregated demand response offerings

Under a new auction, California utilities will meet grid demand with traditional demand response, stationary batteries and electric vehicles. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 26, 2016

NV Energy proposes 'grandfathering' existing rooftop solar customers

Solar advocates have expressed opposition to recent net metering rule changes that place existing solar customers onto new rates in Nevada.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 26, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

10 state rooftop solar debates to watch in 2016 and beyond

As solar deployment spreads, so do policy debates about its value to customers and utilities. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 25, 2016

Updated: Supreme Court upholds FERC Order 745, affirming federal role in demand response

The nation's highest judicial body affirmed the agency's authority to regulate demand response programs in wholesale markets in its decision.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 25, 2016

National Grid pursues approval for long-term natural gas capacity contracts

The utility has asked Massachusetts regulators for authorization to sign long-term fuels supply contracts, which it says could save customers billions of dollars.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2016

Mississippi electric co-ops ask regulators for rehearing on net metering

The co-ops say their nonprofit, member-owned status means they should have the right to set their own solar net metering rates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 25, 2016

GTM: Global solar added 59 GW in 2015 with China leading at 19 GW

The U.S. added 7 GW in 2015, but analysts expect more in the coming years thanks to an extension of vital tax credits.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 25, 2016

FERC's Tony Clark won't seek reappointment, warns of CPP challenges

EnergyWire reports that Tony Clark, the lone Republican FERC commissioner, will not seek reappointment when his term expires at the end of June.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2016

As hearings conclude, FirstEnergy subsidy proposal remains in doubt

FirstEnergy reached a 16-party settlement last year in the plant subsidy case, but a pair of offers from rival generators say the plan would upend regional electric markets and have offered alternative power supply proposals. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2016

World Energy Council report calls for shift in storage valuation

World Energy Council says storage valuations should be based on value, not costs as the levilized costs for storage are expected to drop. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 22, 2016

California utilities propose alternative to regulators' net metering policy

Three major California utilities proposed a new alternative to the California Public Utilities Commission in their comments on the Commission's proposed net metering decision.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 22, 2016

DC Circuit Court denies stay on EPA Clean Power Plan

While refusing to delay implementation, the three-judge panel fast-tracked the case, setting June 2, 2016 as the date for oral arguments. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 21, 2016

Nevada PUC to reconsider 'grandfathering' provision in new net metering policy

Regulators will reconsider a provision that applies new remuneration rates and charges to existing solar installations, as well as new ones. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 21, 2016

Can utilities learn to love distributed solar like central station arrays?

Utility-scale solar has become mainstream among U.S. power providers, but persisting questions around cost and valuation are masking further opportunties in the distributed generation space, analysts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

ISO/RTO model best alternative to Hawaiian Electric service, Maui report concludes

A report commissioned by leaders in Maui County, Hawaii, suggests forming an independent system operator to take over grid operations from the investor-owned utility. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

Solar customers file lawsuit against NV Energy over new net metering rates

The customers say the utility unlawfully reduced their net metering rates to stave off competition from rooftop solar companies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

Senate energy legislation slated for floor fight next week

What's in the bill now will likely not the the center of debate, as amendments are expected to counter energy policy actions taken by the Obama administration in recent months. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 21, 2016

Southern California Edison signs 500 MW of utility-scale solar PPAs with First Solar

The California utility renews its push for renewables in response to state’s new mandate requireing 50% renewables by 2030. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

REV in 2016: The year that could transform utility business models in New York

While utilities probably won’t shift to new revenue and business models under REV this year, just how they plan to meet the goals of the groundbreaking reform initiative could become much clearer in the coming months.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 20, 2016

Southwest Power Pool study shows it can reliably manage 60% wind penetration

The grid operator needs new wires and tools to add 4,700 MW of wind by 2017, a new report shows.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 20, 2016

Greens ask federal EPA to take over enforcement for air, water rules in Texas

The Lone Star State is not doing enough to protect citizens from air and water pollution, a pair of environmental advocates allege. They want the federal government to take over permitting in Texas.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

Duke, Piedmont request accelerated review of proposed $4.9B merger

The companies told regulators that the deal could lower fuel costs for Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

Arizona regulators approve APS residential energy storage pilot

The Arizona Corporation Commission last week approved a proposal from Arizona Public Service for a pilot program to evaluate energy storage for residential customers.  

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 19, 2016

DNV GL aims for energy storage 'global guide' with GRIDSTOR standards

Aligning standards across the storage industry will help 'create a level playing field' for providers, analysts say.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 19, 2016

ERCOT: Wind energy provided record 45% of electricity on Dec. 20

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas maintained reliability with over 10 GW of wind energy on that day.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016