In 2026, virtual power plants must scale or risk being left behind

The AI data center frenzy is shifting utilities’ focus to large-scale generation. But advocates say flexible, distributed energy resources still provide the biggest bang for the buck, according to our 2026 DER outlook.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 27, 2026

MISO regulators seek stakeholder review for DOE ‘emergency’ orders cost allocation

The U.S. Department of Energy has failed to show there are reliability benefits from keeping power plants from retiring in the Midcontinent region, state utility regulators told FERC.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 26, 2026

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

Winter peak demand could hit new highs, prompting DOE emergency orders

Grid operators that sought permission to run generators at maximum capacity said they have adequate power supplies, but they made their requests in light of potentially record-high winter peak demand this week.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 26, 2026

Get AI ready: A practical path for electric and water utilities

Why AI readiness is critical for utilities—and how to build data trust to get there

By Phil Schwarz, Industry Strategist for Energy and Resources, OpenText • Jan. 26, 2026

Lawsuits target EPA rollback of coal plant water pollution standards

The plants need flexibility to meet rising electricity demand, the EPA says. Environmental groups argue that undermines Clean Water Act protections for rivers and drinking water sources.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Jan. 23, 2026

The week in 5 numbers: DOE axes or alters $83B in loans, NJ governor comes out swinging

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey used their respective bully pulpits to push their energy priorities. Plus, transmission and, of course, PJM news. 

By Meris Lutz • Jan. 23, 2026

FERC upholds MISO, SPP fast-track generator reviews

The agency also approved a 1.2-GW pumped storage project planned by Rye Development in Washington.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 23, 2026

FERC commissioners see progress in PJM data center, power supply plans

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Laura Swett said she is “encouraged that PJM and its stakeholders are working cooperatively now, much more so than they have in the recent past.”

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 23, 2026

Massachusetts can make ‘bottom-up’ distribution reforms for a better grid

Adopting a distribution system operator, or DSO, structure would make the grid cleaner, more flexible and more affordable, writes Corrin Moss. 

By Corrin Moss • Jan. 22, 2026

Gas sector takes furnace efficiency fight to Supreme Court

Advocates say proven energy-saving technologies can meet the stricter efficiency rules. The gas industry says the rules ban non-condensing furnaces and other products.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2026

PJM cost concerns bleed into transmission planning

A proposed $1.7-billion, 765-kV power line across central Pennsylvania by NextEra Energy and Exelon could become the “poster child” for overbuilding new transmission infrastructure, according to that state’s ratepayer advocate. 

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 22, 2026

Project finance is the missing link for the nuclear buildout we need

This model fuels nearly every major energy infrastructure investment and should be applied to nuclear, too, writes Ruhani Arya of Bank of America.

By Ruhani Arya • Jan. 21, 2026

New Jersey governor orders state to accelerate solar, storage and virtual power plants

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who was sworn in Tuesday, also ordered regulators to study how to “modernize” the traditional electric utility business model, including by making utility profits “less dependent on capital spending.”

By Robert Walton • Jan. 21, 2026

A PJM backstop auction could fill the large load supply gap: Talen CEO

Reliability backstop auctions should not be a permanent, ongoing market feature, but they are the answer to today’s problem, writes Talen CEO Mac McFarland.

By Mac McFarland • Jan. 20, 2026

Trump administration pushes PJM to hold ‘emergency’ auction to supply data centers

Capstone analysts said the proposal lacks binding authority, “reinforcing that this is policy signaling, not an imminent market reform.”

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 16, 2026

Tariffs push construction input prices higher

The latest PPI report presents “plenty of cause for concern,” according to Associated Builders and Contractors. Switchgear, switchboard and industrial controls equipment was up 11.1% from last year; copper wire and cable were up 11.7% and unprocessed energy materials were down 4.9%.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 15, 2026

Public Citizen challenges cost recovery for $546M PSE&G transmission project

A $6.6 million settlement between Public Service Electric and Gas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission indicates costs from the project were imprudent, Public Citizen said.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 15, 2026

NJ governor seeks changes to ‘weaken’ large load tariff bill, lawmaker says

“We are not willing to bend to any changes to this bill,” Assemblyman David Bailey Jr. told Utility Dive. “If he does nothing, in essence, he pocket vetoes it ... That’s on him.”

By Meris Lutz • Jan. 15, 2026

Appeals court vacates FERC decision on PJM capacity results for Delmarva zone

The court ordered the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revisit a complaint over $183 million in “anomalous” capacity costs for parts of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 14, 2026

Illinois AG files objections to ComEd data center agreements at FERC

The agreements are based on payment models in which the offtaker promises to pay a minimum and post security if its usage does not match its commitment. The state argues this does not guarantee enough revenue to cover the transmission costs.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 14, 2026

Trump administration clarifies scope of tariff refunds ahead of Supreme Court ruling

Government lawyers said in a separate case that if the Supreme Court determines IEEPA tariffs to be illegal and orders refunds, the administration would make reimbursements for all levies instituted under the statute.

By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 13, 2026

America’s energy innovation crossroads: Why federal investment matters now

Meeting the United States’ energy challenges will require a federal investment of $25 billion for Department of Energy R&D by 2030, writes Clean Tomorrow Senior Director of Policy Evan Chapman.

By Evan Chapman • Jan. 13, 2026

Judge grants (another) injunction to offshore developer amid Trump’s war on wind

Some analysts predicted a similar outcome on Jan. 16 in a separate case that would allow Dominion to continue construction on its 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.

By Meris Lutz • Jan. 13, 2026

EPA final rule on NOx limits emphasizes cost savings to turbine owners

The agency did not assess the economic impacts of better health from reducing nitrogen oxide in setting the new standard, which is nearly 90% less stringent than the Biden-era proposal.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 13, 2026

Trump administration unlawfully cut clean energy grants, court rules

The decision is a victory for St. Paul, Minnesota, and a coalition of energy and environmental groups that sued the U.S. Department of Energy after it canceled $7.5 billion in financial awards.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2026