Obama calls for 20% renewables by 2030 as Brazil, China join in new climate goals

The United States, Brazil and China all announced climate change initiatives yesterday, calling for conservation, emissions reductions and more non-hydro renewable resources.

By Robert Walton • July 1, 2015

Maine lawmakers override Gov. LePage's veto of value of solar bill

Huge bipartisan majorities send “Ratepayer Focused Strategy” for solar to state regulators, while LePage looks increasingly weak.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 1, 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

EIA: Hawaii, Vermont lead nation in aggressive renewable standards

Hawaii is targeting 100% renewable energy by 2045, while Vermont hopes tom reach 75% by 2032.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2015

Large utilities yawn as Iowa Gov. Branstad signs solar incentive bill

The governor signed a bill last week to expand solar incentives, applies only to systems with a capacity no greater than 1.5 MW, leaving some to question if investor-owned utilities will utilize the incentive.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2015

With Minn. approval, Wisconsin Energy and Integrys complete merger

Minnesota regulators approved the deal last week, clearing the way for two companies to combine their assets under the name WEC Energy Group.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2015

Despite declaring energy sales illegal, Duke will connect solar array owned by third party

Energy advocates and the regulated utility are on a collision course over rules restricting the sale of energy by third parties.

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2015

Supreme Court rejects EPA MATS rule

The agency interpreted the Clean Air Act unreasonably by not considering costs in crafting the emissions regulations, the court decided on Monday.

By Gavin Bade • June 29, 2015

Report: Indiana killed an effective efficiency program

Energizing Indiana was saving millions of megawatt-hours and creating thousands of jobs before state regulators nixed the efficiency program, according to a new report.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2015

Emissions markets hampered by legal uncertainty

After a week that saw a single U.S. emissions market trade, it appears ncertainty regarding the Cross State Air Pollution Rule program is keeping activity muted.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2015

Minn. PUC approves Xcel-solar industry deal on community shared solar

State regulators limit co-located projects to 5 MW while Xcel promises to speed approvals.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 29, 2015

PJM: Carbon rules could cut coal burn more than 40%

New analysis from the grid operator finds the Clean Power Plan could reduce coal generation by up to 42%, but could also be significantly less.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2015

Grid Edge Live 2015: The trends behind the explosion in distributed resources

Billions will go to DERs in the next three years, driven by changing policies and new utility opportunities.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 29, 2015

EPA, Alabama Power reach deal to close, convert coal plants, invest in EV chargers

The agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Justice and the utility builds on a previous settlement reached nearly a decade ago.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2015

New York utilities excited by REV, will file demonstration projects this week

The industry got a sneak peak last week at what may be on the table, including energy efficiency marketplaces, microgrids and community coordination concepts.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2015

New York Gov. Cuomo releases REV roadmap, seeks deep GHG cuts

A new state energy plan would mandate 50% renewables and cut building energy use 23% by 2030.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 29, 2015

Measure to block EPA Clean Power Plan passes House

The bill would allow states to opt out of Clean Power Plan compliance until court challenges have been completed.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2015

Feds hand down fines, order emissions cuts at Four Corners coal facility

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency directed the plant's owners to spend $160 million upgrading sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution controls.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2015

Illinois approves Wisconsin Energy-Integrys merger, contingent on rate freeze

Regulators in Illinois approved the deal, though they attached some 40 conditions.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2015

Report: Few gas line expansions needed to meet Clean Power Plan mandates

Plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants will not drive significant gas pipeline expansions, according to a new report from Advanced Energy Economy.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2015

Gov. Pence: Indiana will not comply with EPA Clean Power Plan as proposed

Absent significant changes to  the rule, the Indiana Gov. Mike Pence sent President Obama a letter indicating his state will not be filing a compliance plan.

By Robert Walton • June 25, 2015

Xcel, Minnesota solar co's reach compromise on community solar size, placement

Regulators could decide today how to limit the state's community solar program, possibly capping co-located projects at 5 MW.

By Robert Walton • June 25, 2015

EPA report: Fighting climate change has wide ranging benefits

The federal agency released a peer-reviewed report bolstering the case for fighting global climate change.

By Robert Walton • June 25, 2015

How California plans to integrate distributed resources into its ISO market

California’s ISO will be the first to open its market to rooftop PV, batteries and EVs, but there's much to do before the first bids can come in.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 24, 2015

CPUC-ordered report recommends banning ex parte talks in CA utility rate cases

After revelations of back room deals and negotiations between former CPUC commissioners and utilities, a regulator-commissioned study suggests big changes.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2015

NY regulators approve Central Hudson DR program, stall community solar proposal

Critics worried that the community solar program violated REV rules against utilities owning distributed generation, except for in special circumstances.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2015