FL Supreme Court approves wording for third party-owned solar ballot petition

The Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of a ballot measure that would open the door to third party-owned solar in the state.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 22, 2015

What comes after net metering: Hawaii's latest postcard from the future

Hawaii regulators offered two new remuneration schemes for rooftop solar in a landmark decision last week, along with new guidance on time of use rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 22, 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

Las Vegas casinos, NV Energy locked in 'toxic' defection struggle

Several large power customers want to leave NV Energy in search of cheaper power, but the utility says that will leave remaining customers footing the bill for lost revenues.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 22, 2015

First set of EPA coal ash regulations now in effect

Now utilities are responsible for "fugitive" ash and must begin inspections of coal ash ponds as federal regulators work on a second set of rules. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2015

NY regulators lift solar net metering caps until REV docket sets DER values

Retail rate remuneration to remain in place until regulators and utilities settle on a more comprehensive value for distributed resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 21, 2015

Supreme Court takes up new federal-state power authority case

The case, which centers on FERC's ability to regulate interstate power markets, echoes oral arguments on FERC 745, which the High Court heard last week.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2015

ISIS joins the list of US power grid threats, lawmakers call for stronger cyber defenses

Reports indicate the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria have unsuccessfully attempted to hack the United States power grid, sparking calls from lawmakers and enforcement officials for stronger cyber defenses for utilities.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2015

States leaning toward mass-based CPP compliance, regional cooperation

A mass-based approach could ease the implementation of carbon markets, but EEI warns that trading schemes should be as broad as possible to keep compliance costs low.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2015

Wind builders bet on extension of federal tax credits in project planning

With over 70% of congressional districts holding a stake in wind, developers are optimistic.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 20, 2015

Amid ITC concerns, Austin Energy approved for 450 MW of solar by 2019

Utility leaders and city lawmakers had to weigh the economics of building solar before the 30% ITC expires, or waiting and hoping that future price reductions outweigh a possible cut in federal incentives.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 20, 2015

Fitch: Coal-bound states, co-ops & public utilities most challenged by CPP compliance

The ratings agency warned that compliance costs could rise significantly if federal assumptions on energy efficiency and renewable power are overstated.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2015

Primer: The now and future impacts of energy storage

As renewables penetration grows, utilities will see the need for storage to move generation to when consumers use the most electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 20, 2015

PG&E signs Obama's climate pledge, commits $3B annually in grid modernization

Pacific Gas & Electric yesterday joined other corporate leaders at a roundtable with President Obama, where the utility signed on to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge to commit to reach 60% carbon free energy. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2015

NextEra-HECO filing reveals merger origin, compensation details

Hawaiian Electric Industries CEO Connie Lau defended her $11.6 million compensation package to utility regulators, which is contingent on the sale to NextEra Energy being completed.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2015

Report: 11% of nukes could retire early, putting Clean Power Plan goals at risk

Data from SNL shows up to 11% of U.S. nuclear generation could be at risk of early retirement, but new carbon regulations could revive the industry.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 19, 2015

After PSC ruling, large Wisc. customers may buy power at wholesale prices

Large utility customers who are expanding their operations can now apply to purchase power at wholesale rates in Wisconsin.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 19, 2015

ERCOT: Texas CPP compliance easier under finalized rule

The Clean Power Plan's impact on retail electricity prices in Texas will be less than originally thought, but could still raise bills more than 15% by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 18, 2015

Tennessee leads multi-state project to create national efficiency registry

Tennessee is leading a multi-state effort to create a national registry of energy efficiency, which could standardize some metrics and help projects comply with Clean Power Plan mandates.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2015

Despite Supreme Court's MATS ruling, coal plants still on track to retire

With a few exceptions, coal facilities that had been planning to shut down due to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are still heading in that direction.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2015

Will Exelon's merger settlement push the Pepco deal past its final hurdle?

Energy stakeholders in DC disagree on whether Exelon has sufficiently addressed regulators’ merger concerns, but in the end its political clout may see its proposal over the finish line anyway.

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 15, 2015

AEP, international coalition urge energy research ahead of Paris climate summit

Ahead of International climate talks in Paris, American Electric Power has joined with 10 other utilities from around the globe to advocate for consistent long-term carbon policies.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2015

Duke launches solar rebate program in South Carolina

Duke plans expand its renewable energy footprint in the Palmetto State from less than 2 MW to at least 110 MW, with possibly more to come by 2021.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2015

Report: Most states in PJM discuss collaborating on CPP compliance

Despite some states' refusal to begin planning for Clean Power Plan mandates, increasing numbers are working together in regional groups to meet the new greenhouse gas emissions standards.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2015

Hawaii PUC ends net metering program

Hawaii's utility regulators ruled to end the state's net metering program, which drove rooftop solar installations in the state. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 14, 2015

Updated: Supreme Court hears arguments over FERC demand response rule

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguements to consider whether demand response is a wholesale or retail market, and if federal regulators overstepped jurisdiction in mandating compensation for lowered energy use.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 14, 2015