Community solar investors could qualify for federal tax credits, IRS ruling indicates

The Internal Revenue Service has given the first indication that a 30% tax credit usually reserved for individual projects can also apply to ownership in shared solar farms.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 2015

Report: Nuclear retirements could scuttle Clean Power Plan climate goals

In a worst-case scenario, Third Way's analysis shows that without nuclear capacity the United States' emissions would revert to peak levels in 2005, largely undoing 10 years of carbon reduction progress.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 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

Mass. utilities target TOU rates, DER integration in grid modernization filings

Similar to California and New York, utilities in Massachusetts are being asked to envision what the electric grid of the future will look like.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2015

After changes, Palen CSP project will be trough, not tower, and will include storage

Abengoa SA has proposed to change the technology used at its Palen solar project in response to challenges to its solar tower plan.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2015

NextEra promises grid upgrades, commitment to 100% renewables in HEI merger filing

The utility made 50 new promises to Hawaiians, saying its deal to buy Hawaiian Electric will save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 2, 2015

CA regulators fine PG&E $50K for lax security in Metcalf substation burglary

Substations are critical assets for the grid, but regulators said PG&E wasn't protecting one properly when it was burglarized last year. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 2, 2015

Under FirstEnergy proposal, Ohio regulators would have less control over costs

The first day of hearings on FirstEnergy's proposed support for its power plants revealed some surprises.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2015

Why California still has a long way to go on energy efficiency

The NRDC released a report highlighting massive energy savings in California – but with the caveat that much more needs to be done. At the same time, a green jobs program focused on efficiency in schools has come under fire for not working fast enough.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2015

Whatever happened to Oncor's big energy storage plans?

The utility says gigawatt-scale storage can be cost effective in Texas, but the state's electricity market rules are holding the technology back.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 1, 2015

As Exelon doubles down on Pepco merger, experts say company must move quickly

After District of Columbia regulators denied Exelon's bid to merge with Pepco Holdings, the companies now have a dwindling number of options to move forward.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2015

Plans to join PacifiCorp with CAISO grid move closer to reality

A joint system would expand renewables use and reduce coal use across six Western states.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

AZ regulators call for formal policy to prevent utility donations in commission elections

The letter from two ACC commissioners aims to prevent a repeat of 2014, when allegations of dark money donations from APS clouded the regulatory election.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

Colorado will join legal challenge to EPA's Clean Power Plan

Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman announced over the weekend that her state will join a multi-state challenge to the Clean Power Plan.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2015

How a green business group is transforming the way utilities sell renewables

The Corporate Renewables Partnership helps connect the nation's biggest companies with utilities and IPPs that can satisfy their huge demand for renewable resources. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

EPSA, other demand response opponents file Supreme Court brief

The Electric Power Supply Association told the U.S. Supreme Court that Order 745 was a "naked attempt" by federal regulators to overstep their jurisdiction.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2015

As regulators act, Nevada net metering debate takes center stage at Las Vegas conference

Nevada regulators called for a deep dive into NEM policy last week as national leaders converged on Vegas for a clean energy summit. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

CPUC turns down SDG&E proposal for new peak pricing periods

Time varying rates are coming and defining when demand is peaking will be crucial in identifying consumer costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Iowa co-op withdraws proposed $57.50 fixed fee for solar owners

Pressured by customer advocates, the co-op takes back a controversial cost of service study.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Microgrids on the table as DC stakeholders look to boost reliability in nation's capital

The District of Columbia is about three weeks away from kicking off a workshop examining how microgrids can help power stability in the nation's capital.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2015

Colorado regulators double list of interveners in Boulder muni proceeding

Despite some concern that the move will just mean delays, observers said transparency and oversight is key to Boulder's bid to take over portions of Xcel Energy's electric system.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2015

Ameren, Missouri DNR in tussle over SO2 emissions at Labadie coal plant

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says Ameren's massive coal plant near Labadie is exceeding federal limits on sulfur dioxide emissions.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2015

Florida regulators decline to make utility fuel hedging a central theme in rate cases

According to the Florida Office of Public Counsel, the state's investor-owned utilities have lost more than $6 billion for customers since 2002 in hedges designed to keep electricity prices stable and low.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2015

CPUC launches PG&E investigation, but has yet to comply with search warrant for its own documents

California regulators voted to investigate the culture at PG&E, but haven't handed over documents in a second case in over two months.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 28, 2015

Report: New York REV initiative leaving out low income customers

The state is overhauling its utility industry, but is New York doing enough to ensure low-income consumers see the benefits as well?

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015

Energy Storage Assn: Renewable tax breaks not optimal, but necessary

Until the U.S. market properly values clean energy and renewable generation then some subsidies will be required, according to the head of the Energy Storage Association.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015