How wind can become America's biggest single energy source by mid-century

A U.S. Department of Energy study shows wind will soon be competitive with the cheapest generating resources, with or without subsidies.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2015

Texas lawmakers introduce bill to unlock demand response market

Demand response currently shaves only about 4% of energy use during peak demand periods in Texas.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 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

Eversource Energy to sell all of its power plants in New Hampshire

The deal is expected to save consumers $300 million.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Iowa Governor appoints new chair amid shakeup at state utility board

Some wonder if the shakeup is related to a recent MidAmerican Energy wind project decision.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

DOE may stockpile large transformers to thwart grid threats

The Department of Energy has begun studying the need to stockpile spare transformers to guard against the threat of extended, widespread blackouts.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Colorado bill calls for 'alternative utility revenue models'

HB 1250 would reform utilities to better serve distributed generation, customer choice.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Why SRP's controversial demand charge unlocks a huge opportunity for solar-plus-storage

The utility wants customers to help with peak demand but they may buy batteries instead of more SRP electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

In New York, utility of the future will be 'air traffic controller'

The REV's perscription for problems at the grid edge: Have utilities develop and operate DER markets.

By Davide Savenije • March 12, 2015

Opinion: How solar advocates are overvaluing DG solar

Ashley Brown, executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, argues that rooftop solar is valuable, but should not be paid at full retail value. 

By Ashley Brown • March 12, 2015

Report: CPUC's Peevey improperly negotiated SDG&E power deal

A 2003 power plant sale hinged on SDG&E's willingness to buy power from a Calpine plant, according to testimony from a former Sempra Energy attorney. 

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

Worried by slow coal deliveries, municipal utilities seek rail reform

Municipal utilities want Congress to take a closer look at coal deliveries that come by railway.

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

North Carolina fines Duke Energy $25M over coal ash spill

It is the largest-ever environmental fine levied by the state.

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

Virginia officials accuse Dominion of seeking to avoid financial scrutiny

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring believes Dominion is pulling back from promises to be open and transparent, despite the state just agreeing to freeze the utility's rates for five years.

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

Vermont House passes 75% by 2032 renewable energy mandate

A special provision of the bill targets fossil fuel reductions.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

Coming soon to Texas: Demand response growth?

A bill has been introduced that calls for the state's demand response market to be more fully developed.

By Robert Walton • March 11, 2015

Minnesota lawmakers seek control over EPA carbon compliance

The move follows West Virginia lawmakers' successful attempt to get final say over the state's Clean Power Plan compliance strategy. 

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Senate votes to broaden definition of 'renewable' in RPS

The proposal would allow any investment that reduces carbon to comply with utility renewable requirements.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Black & Veatch: Why fixed charges are a solution to the solar conundrum

B&V's Dr. Overcast explains why utility fixed charges are an efficient price signal to consumers. 

By Dr. H. Edwin Overcast • March 10, 2015

California PUC judge rejects gas plant contract, tells SDG&E to seek clean energy instead

The decision may be an early sign of how the post-Peevey CPUC will act.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Kansas utility Westar Energy seeks higher fixed charges

Westar's proposed rate hike shifts a greater percentage of the utility's costs to fixed charges.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Post: Utility industry is 'waging a campaign' against rooftop solar

Back in 2012, the industry identified rooftop solar as a long-term threat to its business model, according to documents.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Minnesota regulators rule Xcel cannot profit on nuclear plant upgrade cost overruns

Utility will lose $24 million a year but will recover equipment replacement costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015

PG&E faces questions over Diablo Canyon nuclear plant earthquake safety

$842 million upgrade may have failed to meet Fukushima-level standards.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015

Xcel asks regulators to change community solar rules in Minnesota

The utility got over 400 applications for solar garden arrays in less than 3 months.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015

Americans could pay more for clean energy. But will they really?

Customers are willing to pay up, but that willingness "rarely translates into practice," said the study's author.

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2015