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

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

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

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

Michigan plans to shutter 25 coal units by 2020

The coal retirements will help comply with the Clean Power Plan even though they were planned before rule was finalized.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 13, 2015

Report: Utilities don't plan to join fight against EPA's Clean Power Plan

The Obama administraton's Clean Power Plan is pushing the country to embrace a cleaner energy future, but many utilities say market forces were already leading them in that direction.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 13, 2015

Staff recommends PUCO reject AEP's coal plant subsidy proposal

Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has recommended that regulators reject a plan to guarantee profits from five coal-fired power plants run by American Electric Power, but left the door open for a revamped proposal. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 13, 2015

Study: Integrating PacifiCorp and CAISO grids could create up to $9.1B in savings

Benefits of combining the electrical grids operated by CAISO and PacifiCorp can help Western states meet environmental goals and save $12.5 billion for customers on both grid systems over 20 years, according to a study. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 13, 2015

Green Charge Networks to bring aggregated energy storage into CAISO market

The move will help the state meet its new 50%-by-2030 renewables mandate. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 13, 2015

CA Gov. Brown vetoes 6 CPUC reform bills

Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) rejected six bills calling for more public access and transparency in the utility regulatory agency, despite the measures passing unanimously through the legislature.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 12, 2015

NextEra refuses to back down as intervenors reject new HEI merger commitments

NextEra announced a slate of new merger promises in August, but none of the intervenors have said they are a compelling reason to support its purchase of Hawaiian Electric. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 12, 2015

Arizona Public Service claims $67 monthly solar cost shift in new regulatory filing

Arizona Public Service Co. submitted a cost-of-service study ahead of its next rate case, detailing for the first time how much it thinks non-solar customers subsidize those with rooftop arrays. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 12, 2015

NY Gov. Cuomo proposes linking RGGI, California carbon markets

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants the link the northeast's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative with carbon markets in Canada and California.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 12, 2015

How 'grid neutrality' can build the backbone for the modern grid

Nagging debates over how, where and who should deploy distributed resources could be settled by principals that ensure an impartial grid, a new report argues.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 12, 2015

DOE: Climate change poses a threat to grid resiliency

In a report focused on the impacts of climate change, the U.S. Department of Energy predicts floods, droughts. heatwaves and hurricanes will reshape the country's electric system.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 12, 2015