CPUC approves contentious new 500 MW gas plant for SDG&E

Critics say the utility can get the same generation from renewables and energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

How new transmission is unlocking wind power's potential in Michigan's Thumb

Michigan’s comprehensive transmission planning previews what is possible for the Clean Power Plan.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 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

NC Senate finance chair pushes RPS freeze out of committee over bipartisan objections

Amendments to HB 332 would prevent the current 6% RPS from rising to 12.5% in 2021.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 22, 2015

Water near Duke Energy coal ash ponds still unsafe for residents

Water in 90% of wells near Duke's coal ash pits was found to be unfit for drinking or cooking, a North Carolina state agency found.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 22, 2015

Did the EPA drop carbon capture tech from its new power plant rules?

A report suggests the agency may have dropped a controversial requirement that new coal plants be built with CCS technology.

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

2 new reports examine Clean Power Plan compliance methods, legitimacy

As states ready themselves for the final rule to be unveiled, stakeholders are considering compliance options and legal battles. 

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2015

Democratic US rep. files bill to extend solar ITC for 5 years

The measure elicited support from the Solar Energy Industries Association, which predicted it would boost the economy and help maintain electric reliability.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

Study: Efficiency can drive down costs of Clean Power Plan compliance

A new report examining Clean Power Plan costs finds that many estimates don't plan for efficiency improvements, which could be significant cost savers.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

SNL: Wind rush continues with 2,166 MW of new capacity announced in Q1 2015

10 new projects were announced in the first quarter, including two 408 MW offshore wind projects for Hawaii.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2015

AEP tweaks coal subsidy proposal, asks Ohio regulators to reconsider

The utility says 3,000 MW of coal-fired power necessary for reliability would be unprofitable without taxpayer support.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

Nevada senate unanimously passes bill to give PUC authority over solar rates, cap

Currently state legislators have the responsibility to do solar policy, but they want Public Utilities Commission to do it instead.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Oklahoma legislators, wind industry reach compromise on tax breaks

Wind developers give up the property tax exemption, but get to keep the zero emissions tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

What a 50% renewables mandate means for California

A new report says billions of dollars in clean energy development could be unlocked, but it will mean big changes for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

Ohio regulators consider limits on net metering

Changes to Ohio's net metering rules could end an ongoing dispute which has wound up in the Ohio Supreme Court.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Cheap emissions credits allow coal plants to pollute, worsening NJ air quality

Coal generators in states upwind of New Jersey have been shutting off carbon capture technology because it is cheaper to buy credits, taking a significant toll on the state's air quality.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Why utilities should push for performance-based regulation

Ron Lehr and Michael O'Boyle argue that the days of cost-based regulation are over, and utilities should instead be rewarded for how well they deliver their services.

By Ron Lehr and Michael O'Boyle • May 18, 2015

New Mexico regulators reject PNM's rate increase, solar fee proposal

The utility failed to calculate its need for revenues accurately, regulators said.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Utilities can rate base EV charging stations under new Washington law

Observers hope that eager utilities and Washington’s emissions-free hydro electricity will power EV growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Energy pushing for PURPA reform

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said Berkshire Hathaway Energy would stand to profit substantially from proposed changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Coal state senators introduce package of 5 'clean coal' bills

Senators from West Virginia and North Dakota have propsed several pieces of legislation aimed at keeping the resource in the United States' energy mix.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Report: RGGI changes will be needed under Clean Power Plan

A report from the Acadia Center outlines key changes member states of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will need to make in order to comply with the the Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Maryland regulators approve Pepco-Exelon merger

Maryland's approval of the deal includes dozens of conditions, and the companies said they will need to closely examine the order.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2015

Duke pleads guilty to nine coal ash charges stemming from Dan River spill

Multiple failures to avoid the disaster lead to $102 million in fines and reparations.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 15, 2015

Vermont bill for 55% renewables mandate by 2017 passes initial senate vote

Controversial changes to the legislation are still expected, including a possible deadline delay.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

Senate Republicans file bill to roll back EPA carbon regulations

Seven Republicans have introduced a measure they say will create jobs while rolling back the federal government's Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015