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

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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