Senate committee probes FERC regulation of hydrogen, but industry says tax credits are the priority

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may already have the authority to regulate hydrogen pipelines, an energy attorney testified, but he said more clarity could solidify interest in hydrogen projects.

By Emma Penrod • July 20, 2022

Sen. Warren leads lawmakers calling for DOE, EPA to track 'disturbing' Bitcoin, Ethereum energy use

The U.S. share of Bitcoin mining increased from 4% in August 2019 to nearly 38% in January, according to a group of lawmakers who want more reporting on its energy use and associated emissions.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2022

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

FERC rejects National Grid's proposal for cost recovery, extra ROE for $1.2B New York power line

In another decision Friday, FERC Commissioner Mark Christie outlined his opposition to certain incentives the agency gives transmission developers, saying they shift risks onto ratepayers.

By Ethan Howland • July 18, 2022

As Mass. lawmakers consider energy bills, power suppliers press to continue residential retail choice

A petition this week from over 1,000 Massachusetts residents asks legislators to remove language supported by the Attorney General’s office intended for consumer protection.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 15, 2022

Manchin refuses to support new climate spending, likely tanking clean energy package

Clean energy advocates took the news hard. Manchin will go down as “the one man who single-handedly doomed humanity,” said John Podesta, founder of the Center for American Progress.

By Robert Walton • July 15, 2022

6 offshore wind lease areas in the New York Bight get first Interior Department regional analysis

In developing all environmental impact statements at the same time, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s process will allow more developers to advance their projects in a timely manner.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 14, 2022

Bay staters are choosing clean energy. Why are lawmakers favoring utility monopolies?

Now is the time to expand choice, not to shut down a market that is saving ratepayers money while enabling a transition to a clean energy future, the author writes.

By Christopher Ercoli • July 14, 2022

House Republicans press EPA chief about alleged grid reliability threats from power plant regulations

House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans on Tuesday asked EPA Administrator Michael Regan to describe the steps the agency could take to address any grid emergencies this summer.

By Ethan Howland • July 13, 2022

Plan to share local clean-energy-related transmission costs across New York sparks mixed reviews

The proposal will help the state meet its clean energy goals, according to the New York Public Service Commission, but LS Power said it will stifle competition.

By Ethan Howland • July 13, 2022

Exelon, PG&E, PSEG and others call on Congress to pass 'ambitious' clean energy spending package

Hundreds of companies, including utilities, solar companies and storage developers, want Congress to authorize major investments in clean energy and energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • July 13, 2022

California ISO moves to enhance reliability, economic prospects for utility-scale energy storage

One proposed revision would protect the federal tax credit for batteries co-located with solar plants to keep them from being charged by the grid. Another aims to help storage projects replace local gas plants.

By Elizabeth McCarthy • July 12, 2022

New Jersey has adequate natural gas pipeline capacity, utility regulator tells FERC amid Transco pipeline review

The debate over New Jersey’s gas needs comes amid a broad argument over the future of existing and planned U.S. natural gas infrastructure.

By Ethan Howland • July 12, 2022

High energy prices, Ukraine war and rising demand response potential spur energy efficiency efforts

New energy efficiency as demand response opportunities can meet customer and system needs as well as set the EU and the world free from both Russian energy and stopgap coal burning, International Energy Agency leaders said.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 11, 2022

CAISO urges FERC to dismiss Vistra concerns over 'emergency' interconnection plan

Vistra contends the proposal could hurt could applicants already in the California Independent System Operator’s interconnection queue.

By Ethan Howland • July 11, 2022

Midcontinent ISO defends plan to wait until 2030 for distributed energy aggregations

Dismissing arguments by state regulators, the grid operator on Friday said it needs time to handle other priorities.

By Ethan Howland • July 11, 2022

Poll: More than half of Republican voters in 3 states unwilling to spend on climate change solutions

A recent poll by the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions Action illustrates the limits of what people are willing to pay to combat climate change. Some 29% of Democratic voters polled were also unwilling to spend more.

By Robert Walton • July 8, 2022

The end is near for monopolies: We must liberate the US power consumer

We must give Americans a choice when it comes to how and where they source their energy and at what price, the author writes.

By William J. (John) Berger • July 8, 2022

GeoBitmine challenges Idaho Power's 'discriminatory' rate for cryptocurrency mining facilities

Potential crypto-mining load threatens Idaho Power’s ability to serve its customers, according to the utility.

By Ethan Howland • July 7, 2022

Voltus presses FERC to end state opt-outs from aggregated retail demand response in wholesale markets

Removing the opt-out could help the Midcontinent Independent System Operator meet its capacity shortfall, according to Voltus.

By Ethan Howland • July 6, 2022

New York must balance climate mandates with declining reserve margins to ensure reliability: ISO

New York is developing a plan to phase out fossil fuel generation, but its grid operator has warned that a declining resource base complicates those efforts, while consumers worry about rising costs.

By Robert Walton • July 6, 2022

Upheaval in utility regulation emerging nationally as Hawaii validates a performance-based approach

Hawaii’s hard work on a PBR framework that protects utilities, consumers and the environment is paying off, but other states’ shortcuts could undermine success, advocates worry.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 5, 2022

Many mayors condemn Supreme Court ruling limiting EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions

Cities have doubled down on reducing emissions in recent years. Local leaders say Thursday’s 6-3 decision weakens a key federal partner that they believed would help them achieve their goals.

By Danielle McLean • July 1, 2022

California passes legislation to avoid blackouts, create ‘insurance policy’ for the grid

“Yeah, it’s a lousy bill, but it’s the best hope we have for keeping the lights on,” one lawmaker said Wednesday. 

By Kavya Balaraman • July 1, 2022

EPA retains tools to cut power sector GHG emissions despite Supreme Court curbing its authority: attorneys

However, the court’s use of the “major questions doctrine” indicates challenges to future regulations are likely, according to lawyers.

By Ethan Howland • July 1, 2022

Massachusetts releases clean energy plan, roadmap to cut GHG emissions 50% by 2030

The plan focuses on improving efficiency and reducing emissions from buildings, the transportation sector, power generation and other sources, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By Robert Walton • July 1, 2022