Arizona regulator admonishes rooftop solar industry

Commissioner Bob Stump, who stepped down as chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission, warned the rooftop solar industry to turn down its rhetoric.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2015

California Gov. Brown sets 50% renewable energy goal by 2030

In his inaugural address, Gov. Jerry Brown called for California to get half its power from renewables in 15 years.  

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 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

Activists push for new RTO as Southeast utility reserve margins called into question

NC WARN wants federal regulators to investigate Duke, Southern, FPL, TVA, and other Southeastern utilities, saying their new generation capacity is actually unneeded overbuilding aimed at pumping profits and blocking renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 6, 2015

Future of coal at stake as New Mexico regulators consider PNM plan

The replacement of Sun Juan coal units is expected to set a new direction for generation in the state.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 5, 2015

Southwest Power Pool plans new gas plants, transmission to meet EPA rules

The RTO’s upgrades will add up to 21 GW of natural gas generation and 3.3 GW of wind to replace coal

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 5, 2015

For some states, 2015 begins with stronger renewables mandates

Increasing renewable portfolio standards have kicked in for utilities in four states.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 4, 2015

Study: Spending on outage managment systems to reach $1.3B in 2023

Utilities will increase spending on smart technologies to streamline outage detection and repair, Navigant Research found.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 2, 2015

North Carolina regulators reject proposals to change utility-scale solar regulations

NCUC upholds standard contract term, project size, and avoided cost calculation for utility scale solar projects.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 2, 2015

Global utility-scale PV sets new build record for 5th year running

Cumulative utility-scale PV capacity grew over 10,000 megawatts in 2014 to over 30.3 gigawatts

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 1, 2015

Poll finds support for EPA low ahead of standoff with Congress

Some 40% polled think EPA rules are detrimental to the economy 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 29, 2014

EPA's long-awaited coal ash rule pleases nobody

EPA says it went as far as the law and the facts will allow in ruling on the handling of coal ash.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 28, 2014

D.C. Circuit Court overturns EPA ozone standard extensions

The Clean Air Act demands that standards come sooner, the court said. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 27, 2014

Commissioner Michael Picker nominated to head CPUC

Amid the PG&E email scandal, Jerry Brown has chosen one of his own to head the CPUC.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 26, 2014

New PG&E emails show more unethical dealings with California regulators

Commission Chair Peevey warned the utility on negotiations over its deadly pipeline explosion.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 23, 2014

PJM wants to postpone plant retirements to ensure reliability

The regional grid operator says scheduled plant retirements next year could put reliability at risk in the winter.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 23, 2014

IEA: U.S. doesn't really have an energy policy

The International Energy Agency says clarity is needed, especially around nuclear and carbon capture technologies.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 23, 2014

Kentucky regulators approve state's first utility-scale solar project

The array will give Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) needed reserves.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 22, 2014

White House guidance on climate change could impact gas industry, prices

White House guidance on implementing the National Environmental Policy Act could mean stricter consideration of natural gas export facilities.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2014

Florida PSC: Utilities may charge customers for natural gas drilling

The almost unprecedented decision backs FPL’s commitment to price-volatile natural gas

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 19, 2014

DC residents organize against the $6.8B Exelon-Pepco merger

Locals say Exelon’s commitment to nukes will block their drive for renewables and efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 19, 2014

Study: Utilities increased energy efficiency investments 30% since 2010

Spending on energy efficiency expected to double to $14 billion by 2025.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 18, 2014

Study: Minnesota could get over half its power from renewables by 2030

The potential is even bigger if newer estimates of the state’s solar potential are included

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 18, 2014

EIA: 3 GW of wind capacity to come online in Q4 2014

Another 11 GW of wind projects have anticipated completion dates in 2015.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2014

Midwest energy group asks EPA for flexibility, clarification

The broad coalition has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to credit states for taking early action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2014

2015 looks grim for wind energy. How will the industry adapt?

Developers are scrambling to get projects in the ground before the new year.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 18, 2014