Solar advocates set to challenge Wisc. regulators on net metering math

The switch granted to We Energies for monthly true-ups diminish solar's value proposition in the state, advocates say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 20, 2015

The Exelon-Pepco merger: Inside the debate over what may soon be America's biggest utility

Critics say the merger would hamper distributed generation and give Exelon outsized influence in power markets and policy decisions. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 20, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

Obama admin. appeals to Supreme Court on FERC Order 745

FERC has the authority to regulate demand response in retail energy markets, the Justice Department says.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 16, 2015

Renewables enjoy new bipartisan consensus, but efficiency standards remain under attack

Even conservatives are coming around on green energy, observers say, but efficiency benchmarks remain controversial in state capitals around the country.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2015

CPUC plan for community solar stirs controversy with renewables advocates

Solar advocates take exception with fees for community solar the CPUC would let utilities impose on users.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 15, 2015

Boulder municipal utility plans hit another setback

The city will have to present condemnation plans to state regulators before it can pursue Xcel Energy's local distribution system.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2015

Groups ask Hawaii PSC to focus on HECO reforms before acquisition

Clean energy advocates are worried regulators will let NextEra take over before completing reforms to modernize HECO's grid and boost distributed generation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2015

How new turbine technology will open up the Southeast to wind development

"The message is that wind energy could be a more significant generation opportunity in this region than you thought." 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 15, 2015

Pew: Ohio freeze on renewables, efficiency mandates is driving away business

Lawmakers' decision to freeze renewable standards in Ohio has injected uncertainty into the state's clean energy industry.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2015

Tennessee clears transmission line to deliver Oklahoma wind to Southeast

The Plains & Eastern HVDC transmission line adds local clearance to DOE’s draft EIS approval.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 14, 2015

FERC approves Great Northern transmission line to link Manitoba hydro and Minnesota wind

The line will be built by Canadian and U.S. utilities and will connect to MISO.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 14, 2015

FERC: ISO-NE may integrate demand response into wholesale markets

In spite of regulatory uncertainty over demand response and FERC Order 745, regulators allows ISO New England to fully integrate demand response resources into its wholesale energy markets.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2015

PJM: Renewables, efficiency can keep coal plants operating under EPA rules

Regional emissions cutting plans will be more effective and cheaper, PJM also found in its study of EPA carbon regulations.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 14, 2015

New NRC chair to focus on safety, commission structure

Stephen Burns became NRC chairman on Jan. 1.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2015

Xcel solar project meets resistance in Minnesota

Locals fear the NextEra Energy’s 62 MW installation will hurt land values.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 13, 2015

CPUC email scandal widens to involve SCE, SONGS closure

Inappropriate behavior at the CPUC appears to go beyond its relationships with PG&E.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 13, 2015

Utility compromise paves way for Georgia solar incentive bill

Residents currently have to pay for rooftop solar panels upfront, but that could change if a bill allowing third party ownership passes.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 13, 2015

IPL asks Indiana regulators to raise fixed charges

IPL becomes the latest example in a nationwide trend to reshape rate structures.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2015

BLM releases draft plan for Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission project

Federal and state agencies must still complete reviews, grant rights of way and permits, but the BLM plan is a milestone for the project.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 12, 2015

Florida lawmakers move to prevent collusion between utilities, regulators

Duke, FPL and TEP are expected to push back against rules to limit bill increases, impose stricter ethics rules.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 12, 2015

National energy efficiency bill will be first amendment on Keystone legislation

Sens. Portman and Shaheen will reintroduce their bill alone after an expected veto from the White House.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2015

Indiana utilities would set their own efficiency goals under governor's plan

The state last year scrapped a law targeting a 2% electricity reduction by the end of 2019.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2015

Sen. Inhofe lays out battle plan against EPA carbon rules

Sen. Jim Inhofe will use his fourth term in office to push back on the Obama Administration's carbon policies.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2015

Tennessee sues TVA over Gallatin plant coal ash ponds

Advocacy groups say the lawsuit targets the most serious coal ash problems at the coal plant's ponds.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2015

Illinois lawmakers wait on new governor to finalize ComEd smart grid bill

Illinois lawmakers have delayed sending outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn a bill allowing ComEd two more years to develop their smart grid program.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2015