Why utilities could soon face massive load defection, and how they can prevent it

A new study from the Rocky Mountain Institute shows that in coming decades millions of customers will be able to get off the grid completely, and that spells trouble for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2015

Iowa regulator says she was ousted at MidAmerica Energy's demand

Iowa Utilities Board member Sheila Tipton said she is being replaced to appease MidAmerican Energy.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 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

Maui mayor floats splitting with Hawaiian Electric, creating public utility

Could NextEra Energy's bid to acquire Hawaiian Electric Industries have opened the door for Maui Electric to become a public utility?

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2015

Illinois Gov. signs law extending smart grid cost recovery

The law allows Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to continue recovering costs associated with grid improvements through 2019 without regulatory approval.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2015

APS proposes higher fixed charges for rooftop solar customers

Arizona Public Service wants fees raised to about $21 per month from about $5.

By Gavin Bade • April 6, 2015

NERC: EPA carbon rules could lead to power shortages

Some 60 GW of generation could be forced offline in the coming years, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2015

Oncor's big storage buy flops in Texas state legislature

Texas legislators did not file a bill this legislative session to enable Oncor to move ahead with its aggressive storage plans.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2015

Midwest regulators to FERC: Clean Power Plan is too much, too soon

Regional grid operators MISO and PJM say collaboration is the key to cost-effective compliance.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2015

As N.C. regulators finalize plan, Duke could begin cleaning coal ash this summer

Removals at Riverbend and Dan River aim to set a new national standard

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2015

Why it can take so long to get rooftop solar connected to the grid

A new study on interconnection reveals that utilities and installers can both do more to cut delays.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 2, 2015

Indiana House passes bill limiting muni annexations

The House passed an amended version which would not impact any annexations already underway.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

What's next in the energy storage boom, and what utilities need to know

Storage is growing fast, but where and how depends on the right mix of regulations and utility involvement.

By Gavin Bade • April 2, 2015

PJM may consider hourly pricing as generators lobby for market changes

PJM Interconnection is the only major market to not allow hourly pricing of physical generation.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

Maine lawmakers debating fix for mistaken efficiency funding cut

The word "and," inadvertently left out of a 2013 Maine energy bill, could cost ratepayers $38 million.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

CPUC set to vote on new SDG&E gas plant, critics see storage as alternative

California regulators could vote next week on the utility's proposal to build a new plant to replace generation lost in the San Onofre closing.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

Three trends that get the grid to 70% renewables by mid-century

System operators and renewables builders have new metrics, new rules, and a new vision of the electricity delivery system.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 1, 2015

Solar runs up against net metering cap in Massachusetts

When no more solar is eligible for net metering, what will developers do?

By Herman K. Trabish • April 1, 2015

Florida lawmakers incensed when FMPA officials fail to appear before audit committee

The Florida Municipal Power Agency is under investigation for fuel hedging and lavish spending.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

FERC rejects PJM's 'stop-gap' plan for demand response

The uncertainty continues over demand response's role in wholesale markets. 

By Davide Savenije • April 1, 2015

Exelon CEO pushes Pepco acquisition in testimony to D.C. PSC

The company has guaranteed it will not reduce staffing in the District of Columbia for at least two years and committed to boosting ratepayer incentives related to the deal.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

FAA authorizes SDG&E to use drones to inspect power lines

The utility had been operating a pilot program but is now authorized to use drones in regular field operations.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

AEP says regulators should hurry with plant subsidy decision

Delaying a decision on power purchase agreements threatens their value to customers, the utility says.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

Texas debates bill to eliminate utility fees for low demand customers

Electric companies say minimum use fees are vital to their rate structure and are clearly disclosed.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

Ohio regulators ask lawmakers not to hamper Clean Power Plan implementation

Mandates will be crucial to compliance with the EPA Clean Power Plan.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 31, 2015

Inside the new approach to finding the true value of solar

A new study argues that a well-designed value of solar program is the way out of the battles over net metering and fixed charges.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 31, 2015