Mass. senate passes increased net metering cap on bipartisan voice vote

The provision would double the limit on net metered solar and kick start solar planning among state regulators.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

CPUC finalizes demand response auction rules for later this year

Up to 20% of the resources must be set aside for residential aggregations.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 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

What's next for the NextEra-Hawaiian Electric deal?

Stakeholders say NextEra 'needs a hearing aid,' not another lobbyist.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 26, 2015

Analysts: Exelon, Dynegy to be biggest beneficiaries of new PJM market rules

New rules could mean big payouts for generators in PJM's market, but failure to supply promised capacity could also bring significant fines.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Texas foundation proposes interstate deal to fight Clean Power Plan

The Texas Public Policy Foundation has proposed an “interstate power compact” seeking to block new greenhouse gas emission standards.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Hawaii regulators pushed to consider co-op as alternative to HECO merger

The filing marks the first time regulators have formally been asked to consider a co-op as an alternative to the sale of Hawaii's dominant electric provider.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

House passes bill to weaken EPA coal ash rule

The bill gives states, rather than the EPA, authority to permit and enforce regulations on how coal ash is secured.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

The bill calls for more energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's electric system, diversifying resource supply and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Key senate committee approves wind tax credit extension

After approval from the Finance Committee, the tax package must win support from the full congress. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Clean energy groups, Xcel Energy battle over future of Minnesota coal facility

The utility wants to continue operating units 1 and 2 at its Sherburne County Generating Station, while clean energy advocates say it can be retired with minimal impact.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Ohio efficiency, renewables mandates may return after last year's freeze

But lawmakers are currently debating the appropriate levels, and some elected officials want to do away with the targets entirely.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Construction on 700 MW Ohio gas plant signals major fuel transition

Half a dozen new gas plants are coming online in the near future in the state. 

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Cost overruns in SPP transmission projects draw ire of RTO's leaders

Over 85% of projects in SPP’s current pipeline have cost estimates that are inaccurate by 30% or more.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 22, 2015

With state funding, 83 New York communities planning microgrids

With $100,000 to spend on a feasibility study, several municipalities are still seeking engineering help with proposals to boost reliability.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

House GOP unveils broad energy bill, nixes Berkshire's PURPA proposal

Along with other controversial language, lawmakers stripped a proposal to end most utilities' obligations to purchase from smaller generators.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Hawaii Gov. Ige opposes NextEra acquisition of Hawaiian Electric

Governor Ige has “serious reservations” about NextEra’s readiness to meet the state's aggressive energy goals.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 22, 2015

Small modular nuclear plants moving ahead, but slowly

The first small modular reactor may not be online for almost a decade, but after that the proliferation could be much more rapid.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Why utility ownership of rooftop solar should be explored

Lon Huber argues a dogmatic approach to utility ownership conversations papers over real benefits the model offers.

By Lon Huber • July 21, 2015

Maryland PSC approves one of the nation's highest efficiency standards

The state wants utilities to cut retail sales by 2% annually, but utilities are unsure how to achieve such an aggressive target.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

SC regulators approve final deal between Duke, solar installers

Duke will begin expanding its South Carolina solar portfolio with a 53 MW RFP.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

FERC looks to address new cyber threats in updated reliability standards

The nation's electric supply is more vulnerable to hacking than many realize, and federal regulators are rushing to close gaps in security.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

Inside Hawaii's landmark regulatory proceeding to value distributed resources

Phase 1 of the tumultuous proceeding has brought only 'general disagreement' among stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

Study: States can use 'green banks' to boost renewables, efficiency investments

Innovative and low-cost capital solutions will be required to meet new greenhouse gas emissions mandates, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

The Transportation Grid: How utilities can drive the future of transport

In this guest post, Patty Monahan and Dan Adler lay out a blueprint for utility leadership in electric transportation.

By Patty Monahan and Dan Adler • July 20, 2015

CAISO approves plan to aggregate and market distributed energy resources

The plan, the first in the United States, looks to open market to rooftop solar, energy storage, and electric vehicles.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2015