Utilities move to delay rate case proceedings during pandemic

In New York, regulators are approving deferrals from three to five months, extending how long utilities must wait to recover costs on their investments.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 8, 2020

Ann Arbor, MI City Council rejects $1B climate plan

Some council members found the plan to include concerning costs, while others argued the plan was put together in haste.

By Chris Teale • Updated April 22, 2020

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

Hawaii groups see role for DERs in economic recovery from COVID-19

Regulators could require expedited interconnection processes as part of a broader strategy to bolster the economy and ensure reliability during COVID-19, the groups said.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 8, 2020

NextEra mulls bid for Evergy amid market volatility, may face competing offers from AEP, Ameren: Report

NextEra continues to show interest in purchasing an electric utility after JEA's board of directors in 2019 rejected its bid and several others to buy the municipal utility.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 8, 2020

Pelosi steps back on infrastructure push as renewables industry vies for aid

Clean energy advocates say there are still avenues for power sector relief from the federal government, including critical project deadline extensions.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 6, 2020

BlackRock, Morgan Stanley to utilities: Tackle climate-related risks or lose market value

Analyst research shows utilities that address climate-related physical and transition risks earn higher valuations from investors.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2020

The CARES Act won't support cleantech, but cities still can

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator CEO Matt Petersen is urging cities to align priorities around COVID-19 mitigation and climate action while the federal government focuses on other funding.

By Kristin Musulin • April 3, 2020

EPA rebukes COVID-19 compliance flexibility backlash; FERC gives regulated entities leeway

Federal lawmakers and environmental groups pushed back on EPA moves they said gave power facilities license to pollute.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 3, 2020

PG&E request for early recovery of $899M from customers troubles ratepayer advocates

Pacific Gas & Electric is proposing a 5% increase to customer bills for 17 months to fund wildfire-related work, and refund ratepayers if the costs are later found to be unreasonable.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 2, 2020

Public utility regulation should be politicized to tap cheaper, cleaner energy options

Political influences, exerted by various interests over decades, have shaped and influenced regulation from its first days — and have overwhelmingly favored fossil fuels, the author writes.

By Ron Lehr • April 2, 2020

New Jersey's energy efficiency approach could reduce incentive to invest, stakeholders warn

A proposal to reduce utility returns on equity for efficiency investments drew concern from electric companies in the state at an April 1 stakeholder meeting.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2020

California utilities fear market manipulation from proposed changes to RPS confidentiality rules

A staff proposal from the California Public Utilities Commission would disclose the cost of renewables contracts sooner than usual after negotiations are concluded.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 1, 2020

California proposes PG&E, SCE as central procurement agencies, but CCAs have doubts

The system would help create an effective portfolio of local resources, reduce the need for backstop procurement and allocate costs equitably, the CPUC said.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 1, 2020

Trump administration slashes required annual fuel economy increase to 1.5%, potentially harming EV market, advocates say

The new rules are intended to make vehicles safer and more affordable, according to Trump Administration officials.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 31, 2020

When will the US get 1 GW of offshore wind on the grid?

Two analyses foresee the U.S. reaching the offshore wind milestone by 2024, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and continued federal inaction on permitting could create delays.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 31, 2020

Nuclear regulators ease some power reactor regs in response to COVID-19

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued guidance for plant operators on how to safely operate with workforces reduced by the coronavirus.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 31, 2020

New Jersey looks to exit PJM capacity market, worried MOPR will impede 100% carbon-free goals

New Jersey officials fear the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's expanded application of its Minimum Offer Price Rule will impede the state's ability to utilize more clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2020

Wisconsin regulators launch investigation into COVID-19 related costs for utilities

One of the big questions being investigated is whether utilities will be able to recover expenses incurred as a result of the state suspending disconnections and late fees.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 31, 2020

EPA gives power plants, regulated entities pollution compliance flexibility, citing COVID-19 concerns

Environmentalists worry the new policy will give power facilities "an open license to pollute."

By Catherine Morehouse • March 30, 2020

Virginia rejects Dominion's $752M smart meter plan, other grid mod proposals

Regulators penalized the company for failing to justify costs to deploy advanced metering infrastructure, after Dominion failed to submit a broad time-of-use rate plan.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 27, 2020

California sets electric sector GHG emissions target 56% below 1990 levels, but leaves room for more

The state's public utility commission set a 46 MMT target for load serving entities by 2030, but is also requiring them to submit resource portfolios by Sept. 1 for a 38 MMT target.

By Kavya Balaraman • March 27, 2020

How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts

At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 26, 2020

Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules

With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.​

By Herman K. Trabish • March 26, 2020

PG&E fire victims concerned that COVID-19 market turmoil could affect payouts

Fire victims, along with PG&E's other creditors, will need to vote on the company's proposed reorganization plan by May 15.

By Kavya Balaraman • March 26, 2020

The politicization of public utility regulation

Public utility regulation has extended far beyond its longstanding mandate, the author writes.

By Kenneth W. Costello • March 26, 2020