South Carolina utilities and solar advocates finalize net metering at full retail value

The Act 236 agreement also settles rules for legal solar leasing.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2015

PG&E proposes rebates for customers who buy electric cars

Rewards are to be funded through Low Carbon Fuel Standard credit sales to oil companies.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

SCE wants to upgrade substation to offset SONGS closure

New transmission capabilities will let the utility offset the generation loss without building new plants.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 2015

EPSA urges Supreme Court not to reconsider FERC Order 745 invalidation

The group of competitive power suppliers said the D.C. Circuit Court ruled correctly when it struck down FERC's jurisdiction over demand response.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

ComEd backs sweeping Illinois clean energy bill

The utility is supporting a measure that would call for development of six microgrids and broad support for clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

California ballot initiative would create statewide public utility district

The new entity would have eminent domain over the state’s IOUs.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

Senate hearing confronts the costs and benefits of distributed generation

Witnesses highlight the challenges and rewards of renewables and grid integration.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

Opinion: A view from Wisconsin on fixed charges and utility-solar troubles

The following is an opinion piece written by Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein. Huebner is the executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a renewable advocacy organization in the state. Klein is a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center, an environmental advocacy organization in the...

By Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein • March 19, 2015

Who should operate the distribution grid?

Grid edge reformers in some states are pushing to alter the utility's role beyond the substation.

By Gavin Bade • March 19, 2015

Maine regulators cut efficiency spending from $60M to $22M

Critics say regulators have cut efficiency spending below the state legislature's intent.

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

FERC to investigate CAISO energy imbalance market over price spikes

The market launched less than six months ago but federal officials are wary of volatility.

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

ICF: Clean Power Plan could require $2.5B in transmission investment

The timeline is a bigger challenge than the money, the consulting firm said.  

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

Minnesota lawmakers consider bills on RPS, efficiency, CPP compliance

The state's political climate makes it tough to handicap bills aimed at boosting renewables, efficiency and giving lawmakers more control over Clean Power Plan compliance.

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

Is solar worth $0.33 per kWh? Inside Maine's valuation debate

A study finds solar has great value, concerning the state's utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

North Carolina bill would legalize third party financing, solar leasing

The state's utilities are expected to oppose the legislation introduced by four GOP reps.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

Major Florida utility reforms fail in committee, smaller ones pass

House committee approves reforms to commission ethics and transparency practices

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

Are rooftop solar installers fleecing customers? The industry responds

Utilities and some lawmakers are worried about improper cost and energy saving claims.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

Large energy customers in New York want Ginna nuke plant deal revoked

The group said customers will be saddled with millions of dollars in unnecessary costs.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Environmental groups urge N.C. regulators to reject utility smart grid plans

Utility smart grid plans lack sufficient detail on how customer data will be handled, say two consumer groups.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Would Iowa legislation make rooftop solar safer, or just block its growth?

An Iowa lawmaker has proposed requiring safety measures solar proponents say are expensive and unnecessary.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Exelon, Pepco strike merger settlement with crucial Maryland counties

The deal includes $50 million to stimulate investment in solar, energy storage and other distributed generation.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

West Virginia bill to study, cap net metering signed into law

The GOP governor had vetoed a nearly identical bill two weeks before.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2015

CPUC head proposes tougher penalties for PG&E's San Bruno pipeline explosion

Michael Picker wants $200 million more from the utility and a new focus on pipeline safety.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2015

EIA: Residential electric price growth highest in 6 years, expected to slow

2014 saw the steepest electric price increases since 2008, according to the Energy Information Administration.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

Dominion warns of blackouts if controversial line not approved

The utility warned residents could face serious reliability issues by 2017 without a transmission line across the James River.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015