Southern Co., rural co-ops buck utility trend in challenging Clean Power Plan

While most utilities around the country are deciding to comply rather than fight the Obama administration's plan to reduce greenhouse gasses, coal-dependent Southern Co. and a coalition of electric co-ops have filed suit against the regulatory package. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2015

FERC: Renewables account for over 60% of new generation in 2015

The latest energy infrastructure report from FERC finds wind up to 5.9% of U.S. generation capacity, while solar passes the 1% mark, even with the rooftop sector not included.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 28, 2015

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

SCE fined $16.7M for illegal regulatory communications on San Onofre closure

Utility execs had prohibited communications with regulators on the $4.7B settlement, an administrative law judge decided.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 28, 2015

NEI chief: More nuclear retirements to come in unregulated markets

The head of the Nuclear Energy Institute predicted that nuclear plants would be forced to shutter due to market rules that he says do not properly value baseload capacity.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2015

Plans to expand Texas nuke plant by 2 units pass NRC safety tests

Nuclear regulators have completed a Final Safety Evaluation Report examining a Texas nuclear expansion, concluding the developer is technically and financially capable of moving ahead with the South Texas Project in Bay City.  

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2015

Bipartisan coalition launches Congressional Battery Storage Caucus

The new group in the U.S. Congress aims to educate lawmakers about storage and push legislation to boost the industry.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2015

From theory to practice: The challenges in moving to 'Utility 2.0'

Executives from four major utilities spoke at ESNA 2015 about the trials and tribulations of putting more new technology on their grids. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2015

Colorado governor does not support his state's Clean Power Plan challenge

Colorado appears well-positioned to meet Clean Power Plan mandates, but now faces conflict between two top elected offices over supporting the regulation. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2015

Comments on NY REV's Track 2 are in — and the utility sector has mixed feelings

As New York revamps the state's utility industry, there lies a simple question at the heart of the process: How will utilities make money in the future?

By Robert Walton and Gavin Bade • Oct. 27, 2015

Are utility investments in natural gas a good bet?

Storage, solar and nuclear have all been talked about as potentially leapfrogging natural gas, long known as the “bridge fuel.” So why are utilities doubling down?

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2015

Vermont solar boom pushes utilities closer to net metering cap

Vermont regulators move toward new law to revise the state's net metering policy and support solar. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2015

Hawaii PUC chair defends landmark decision to end retail rate net metering

With business disruption expected, solar installers have filed a lawsuit against the regulators and requested an injunction.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2015

SCE reaches $400M settlement with nuclear insurer on San Onofre closure

The settlement stems from a radioactive leak on Mitsubishi equipment that led to the closure of the nuclear plant.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 26, 2015

EPA signals Clean Power Plan extensions won't be hard to attain

States requesting an additional two years to comply with the Clean Power Plan should not expect much pushback on their requests, EPA officials say. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2015

California's new demand response future begins

The state's new Demand Response Auction Mechanism could bring a vast array of resources into the power management fold.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2015

Massachusetts, California, Vermont retain lead in ACEEE energy efficiency rankings

Efficiency measures are increasing nationwide, an annual report found, but Nevada, Wisconsin and Louisiana are among those falling behind the curve. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2015

Pennsylvania PUC approves PECO's $274M reliability, microgrid program

The Philadelphia-based utility's proposal includes up to $100 million for a microgrid pilot to enhance grid resiliency. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 26, 2015

Missouri regulators reject Ameren efficiency plan

Regulators determined that Ameren's efficiency proposal failed to meet requirements that would ensure all ratepayers would benefit from the program. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2015

Settlement proposed to keep RE Ginna nuke operating in New York

The deal could cost ratepayers more than $15 million a month to keep the plant operating another year and a half.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2015

AEP anticipates decision on Ohio plant subsidies by end of year

The decision will weigh heavily on whether the utility decides to sell its merchant generation fleet.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2015

Minnesota, North Dakota clash in court over coal power import ban

A panel of three judges will decide the dispute, centered around the interstate trade of coal power, but observers say there is little indication which way they will rule.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2015

After fending off cyber attack, FirstEnergy says government coordination lacking

The government's response – or lack thereof – following an attempted denial of service attack on FirstEnergy this week highlights a lack of coordination between industry and federal officials. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2015

Wind industry installed over 1,600 MW of capacity in Q3 2015

As the industry notches its second-best third quarter ever, last year’s federal tax credit extension continues to buoy installers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 23, 2015

Virginia regulators order Dominion to open solar build to competitive bids

Dominion wants to build the first utility-scale solar in Virginia itself, but critics and regulators are concerned about the price.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 23, 2015

Final Clean Power Plan rule published; 24 states sue EPA

The final Clean Power Plan rule was published today in the Federal Register, and already a coalition of fossil fuel interests and states has teamed up to file a challenge.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2015