Kansas ends 20% renewables mandate, replaces it with voluntary goal

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed the bill last week, following a compromise between several different stakeholder groups.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2015

Kansas Gov. signs law directing agencies to comply with Clean Power Plan

While the state is still opposed to the Clean Power Plan, Gov. Brownback seems to believe making a state compliance ban is better than having the EPA do it for them.

By Robert Walton • June 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

Xcel seeks fixed fee hike for Wisconsin customers

Fixed charges shift grid costs to more ratepayers but discourage energy efficiency and rooftop solar, critics say.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2015

What's solar worth? Inside Arizona utilities' push to reform net metering rates

APS and TEP want to boost the amount they can recover from solar owners when they reduce the electricity they buy from utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2015

SCE&G, Duke reach settlements to add 190 MW of solar in South Carolina

SCE&G will add 84 MW, and Duke will construct 106 MW, each split equally between utility-scale installments, and residential, C&I, and community solar projects.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 29, 2015

Minnesota regulators approve state's largest solar project for Xcel

The Aurora Solar Project will generate 100 MW from 21 locations around the state.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

New Mexico regulators delay San Juan coal plant decision

Regulators delayed a decision on Public Service of New Mexico's plan to purchase additional power from the coal-fired facility.  

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

Lawsuit alleges TX regulators illegally allowed coal plants to pollute above EPA limits

Environmental groups say email records show Texas regulators plotting with utilities to give them a break from EPA particulate regulations.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

Connecticut moves to ban variable rate utility contracts for residential customers

Lawmakers in both the state House and Senate have approved a measure banning new residential power contracts containing variable rates.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

Louisiana consumer advocate urges state to limit political contributions from utilities

The state has no law restricting campaign contributions from a regulated utility to candidates vying for a seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2015

Illinois lawmakers ignore Exelon's warnings, delay nuclear subsidy bill

Though Exelon has threatened to shutter three facilities absent legislative action, it appears Illinois lawmakers will not consider subsidies in this session.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Federal appeals court rejects Kansas, utility challenge to cross-state pollution rule

The D.C. Circuit unanimously rejected Kansas' challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Inside Hawaii activists' push to ditch HECO and transform the utility business model

Doubts about the NextEra merger are fueling calls for a co-op or muni for each island.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 28, 2015

Coal retirements could lead Kentucky to 'accidental' compliance with the Clean Power Plan

While the state debates with the idea of not submitting a plan to meet Clean Power Plan emissions targets, coal plant retirements could lead to compliance anyway.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2015

Updated: Georgia Power moving into rooftop solar market this summer

The Southern Co. subisidary is looking to move into the market once a new third party ownership law is instituted in July.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 28, 2015

EPA tightens pollution controls on plants during startup, shutdown

The EPA has directed 36 states to tighten rules governing pollution emitted from facilities during startup, shutdown and malfunction.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

Ariz. group: Phone records show close ties between head regulator, APS

A nonprofit group backed by renewable energy supporters says Arizona Corporation Commission's Bob Stump, who served as chairman last year, traded large numbers of text messages with utility officials and candidates during the election season.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

EPA signals final Clean Power Plan rule due in August

The Obama administration intends to issue several rules governing energy and the environment this summer, including a final version of the Clean Power Plan and new rules for the oil, gas and coal sectors.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

Nevada utility-solar compromise could raise state's net metering cap

The amended bill allows for 235 MW of more net metered solar and asks regulators for a long-term fix.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 27, 2015

Minnesota regulators approve reduced rates for off-peak EV charging

Regulators directed utilties to allow EVs to charge at night for up to a 40% discount from usual daytime rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

Wisconsin regulators formally approve We Energies-Integrys merger

The state had indicated last month that it would approve the merger with a list of conditions.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2015

EIA: 90 GW of coal retirements expected under EPA's Clean Power Plan

New analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration finds power prices would rise almost 5% by 2020.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2015

CPUC approves contentious new 500 MW gas plant for SDG&E

Critics say the utility can get the same generation from renewables and energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

How new transmission is unlocking wind power's potential in Michigan's Thumb

Michigan’s comprehensive transmission planning previews what is possible for the Clean Power Plan.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

NC Senate finance chair pushes RPS freeze out of committee over bipartisan objections

Amendments to HB 332 would prevent the current 6% RPS from rising to 12.5% in 2021.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 22, 2015