New Hampshire budget cuts threaten solar rebates

A plan by New Hampshire lawmakers to move $50 million out of the state's renewable energy fund has solar advocates worried about the impact on their industry.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

How to get to a solar-based future, according to MIT

A new study argues for long-term R&D and reforms to solar valuation schemes.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 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

Senate will consider 22 energy proposals in hearings this week

Lawmakers in both the U.S. House and Senate are considering measures which could go into a bipartisan energy bill, but some distance between the two sides remains.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Critcs skeptical as Indiana governor signs efficiency law

A new law allowing utilities to set their own energy efficiency targets has environmentalists wary that little good will result.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Minnesota solar company teeters as lawmakers debate pulling incentives

Module manufacturer Silicon Energy is struggling to keep its Iron Range facility in operation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

FERC adjusts meeting schedule to avoid protests

FERC's open meeting, planned for May 21, has been moved up by a week in order to avoid significant protests over the commission's approval of gas infrastructure projects.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2015

Report: Iowa wind can help nearby states meet EPA emissions standards

Iowa wind’s capacity factor makes wind cheap enough to serve Illinois, Indiana, and other points to the east.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

Midwest coalition asks EPA to help it develop voluntary carbon market

Some Midwest states challenging the government's Clean Power Plan are also hedging their bets and are asking for flexibility in meeting the targets should their legal efforts fail.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2015

Tong & Wellinghoff: Should utilities be allowed to rate base solar?

James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff wonder: Should we even be asking this question?

By James Tong & Jon Wellinghoff • May 11, 2015

CenterPoint files to build $300M transmission line to serve Houston

State utility regulators will decide within 180 days whether to approve the project, which ERCOT has already backed. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

How will the EPA's Clean Power Plan affect the economy?

A new independent study predicts job growth from the plan, but the impacts will be localized.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 8, 2015

CPUC commissioner floats compromise on electric rate structures

While utilities want fixed charges, Mike Florio's proposal includes a three-tiered structure and a minimum bill.

By Davide Savenije • May 8, 2015

Maine House approves initial fix to energy efficiency program

Governor Paul LePage (R) has indicated he will veto the bill unless certain amendments are added.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2015

Sen. Murkowski introduces 17 bills in push for comprehensive energy legislation

The bills are to be folded into a comprehensive energy bill that Murkowski hopes will be the first to pass since 2007.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2015

NC House passes bill to freeze renewable portfolio standard

A last-minute amendment had many renewables advocates worried a key tax provision was about to be rescinded, but it was withdrawn in exchange for other concessions.

By Davide Savenije • May 7, 2015

Mass. grapples with policy options as it hits solar net metering cap

A task force created by the legislature has released a slate of recommendations for how to proceed.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

MIT: Solar should ditch net metering, fight for federal tax incentives

Targeted investment from industry and government in next-generation thin film panels can also help stimulate industry growth, the university report said.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

Maine senator unveils unprecedented federal distributed energy bill

Senator Angus King (I-ME) wants to guide states toward new valuation models for distributed energy resources.

By Gavin Bade • May 6, 2015

ICYMI: What to expect when demand response goes before the Supreme Court

Legal battles and market uncertainty are the new status quo until SCOTUS rules. And even then, 'certainty' could take many forms.

By Davide Savenije • May 6, 2015

Hawaii legislature sets 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2045

The industry will be watching if Hawaii can transition to 100% renewables in a closed energy ecosystem. 

By Davide Savenije • May 6, 2015

Nebraska wind PTC bill dies at hands of filibuster

Nebraska lags behind its neighbors in wind, and it doesn't look like the state legislature will be able to change that.

By Gavin Bade • May 6, 2015

Report: For CPP compliance in Minnesota, renewables can beat gas on price

Without subsidies, the state’s wind is now economically competitive with natural gas.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2015

Under pressure from Koch-funded groups, Kansas axes renewables mandate

What was a mandate is now a voluntary state goal in a win for conservative groups backed by fossil fuel money.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2015

California utilities ready plans for community solar programs

California's mandate will see 600 MW of community solar installed at the state's IOUs.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2015

PNM strikes deal to keep coal plant operating through 2022

Environmentalists and consumer advocates would rather see the New Mexico utility consider more renewables, instead of coal.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2015