2022 Utility Dive Outlook

Utility Dive examines priorities, expectations and trends for three key subjects — FERC, rate design and renewable energy — along with a broader roundup of some of the U.S. power sector trends to watch in the year ahead.

Jan. 24, 2022

Nearly a year after Winter Storm Uri's devastation, where are we on grid resilience?

More comprehensive assessments of the benefits of additional transmission between various U.S. regions could result in greater grid resilience and reliability, the authors write.

By Clint Vince and Barbara Tyran • Jan. 24, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Cybersecurity of the Grid

In addition to presenting opportunities for growth, AI is exacerbating cyber threats with more sophisticated malware that is easier than ever to build and deploy. The rise of distributed energy resources also creates more opportunities for attack. 

By Utility Dive staff

FERC orders PJM to scrap 'adder' mechanism seen bolstering capacity prices

At its monthly meeting, FERC also debated natural gas issues and proposed a cyber standard for the bulk power system.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 21, 2022

2022 Outlook: FERC expected to prioritize transmission, power markets and gas infrastructure

With a new Democratic majority, observers expect Chairman Glick will move quickly on an agenda that could facilitate the energy transition.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 19, 2022

2022 Outlook: A new recognition is coming of rate design’s critical role in the energy transition

More precise time-varying rates, technology-neutral rates for distributed energy resources, and new ways to use smart technologies could make for a cleaner, lower cost, more reliable power system, analysts said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2022

2022 Outlook: Top US power sector trends to watch

The Biden administration entered 2022 with some key strengths and significant challenges to implementing its clean energy agenda, but states, companies and others are continuing to advance the energy transition.

By Kavya Balaraman, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton and Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 18, 2022

SOO Green transmission project faces PJM obstacles: Are grid operators hindering the energy transition?

PJM and other grid operators face challenges in facilitating innovation, experts say. A former FERC commissioner offers an alternative approach.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 13, 2022

New York City says goodbye to gas, establishing a blueprint for other communities

The work to prevent 1 GW of new gas being added in New York City can help others establish a strategy to permanently retire inefficient fossil fuel resources and replace them with sustainable clean energy solutions, says the author.

By Seth Mullendore • Jan. 13, 2022

Interior Department announces New York Bight lease auction for up to 7 GW of offshore wind

The Biden administration sent another signal to the clean energy sector while continuing to press for passage of the Build Back Better bill.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 13, 2022

Senate energy committee considers calls to speed 'glacial pace' of hydropower permitting

A coalition of hydro, environmental and tribal groups plans to float a proposal next month to fix a hydro permitting process under which it can take longer to re-license a small hydroelectric dam than a nuclear power plant.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2022

Midwest power plants face shutdown after EPA proposes denying requests to keep using unlined coal ash ponds

The move could affect plants owned by ArcLight Capital Partners, Alliant Energy and Ohio Valley Electric Corp. while setting precedent for other coal-fired facilities.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2022

Unused and useless: States must act to end flawed natural gas power plant buildouts

Nothing exemplifies the irrational utility business model more than the billions of dollars companies have spent expanding natural gas capacity over the last decade, the author writes.

By Grant Smith • Jan. 11, 2022

North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 10, 2022

Connecticut targets building emissions, energy equity as it moves to update energy strategy

After a report showed Connecticut off the pace needed to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, Gov. Ned Lamont, D, signed an executive order calling for revisions to the state's building codes.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 10, 2022

Duke, SCE, other grid modernization proposals faced big cost questions, more regulator scrutiny in 2021

Regulators facing new climate and reliability urgencies and nearly 500 grid modernization proposals are more often favoring phased advances toward a smarter system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2022

FERC orders PJM to change reserve market rules, delay capacity auctions

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision could ripple through its markets, an analyst said.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 23, 2021

DOE announces technical assistance for 21 states on grid modernization, energy transition challenges

The modeling and research program follows other assistance for customers and small businesses that the U.S. Department of Energy announced this month.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2021

MISO proposal to let utilities profit from upgrades for HVDC lines sparks debate at FERC

Clean energy advocates and SOO Green developer warn the plan could stymie transmission development and renewable energy buildout.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 22, 2021

'Anecdotal evidence' points to price gouging during winter storm Uri, NERC official says

Power shutoffs to gas compression facilities were not the primary cause of the February grid outages in Texas and the U.S. Southwest, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp. And price gouging may have played a part.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2021

FERC orders utilities to fine-tune line ratings to boost transmission efficiency

Chairman Glick outlined a path for the agency's transmission rulemaking, and gas pipeline companies came under scrutiny.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 17, 2021

Cities lack sufficient data to monitor their progress toward climate goals: report

Just 19 of 100 large U.S. cities studied by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy are on track to meet their climate goals, and only 25 have set goals to cut emissions from transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 17, 2021

FERC eyes rule changes to prevent utilities from charging ratepayers for political expenses

The agency’s review of how trade group dues are treated could affect state rate cases, according to the Center for Biological Diversity, which initially petitioned the commission to investigate the issue.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 17, 2021

Energy transition likely requires market changes, transmission growth, PJM finds

A report released Wednesday identifies gaps in PJM's markets and signals changes in transmission planning and system operations, per the grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 16, 2021

Will Tri-State's exit fee dispute at FERC shake up the cooperative utility model?

Even with United Power announcing plans to leave, Tri-State continues its pivot toward renewables and contract flexibility.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 15, 2021

Nevada moves to bring rooftop solar benefits to underserved customers in a step toward equity, advocates say

The potential use of community-based solar projects on commercial warehouses or parking structures will allow Nevada to generate power within urban areas, advocates say.

By Emma Penrod • Dec. 13, 2021