Floating solar offers unique bargains — U.S. utilities are missing out

Siting photovoltaics on water is proving reliable worldwide, and the PVs could meet almost 10% of U.S. electricity needs at market-competitive costs, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2019

Idaho Power claims one of lowest-priced solar deals at 2.2 cents/kWh

Once constructed, the 120-MW facility will help the utility replace coal-fired power it currently gets from the North Valmy plant in Nevada.

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2019

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

As Maine re-ups net metering, fight over solar tariffs brews in Connecticut

Connecticut last year quietly passed a law to end net metering and lawmakers are now struggling to find answers for the future of solar.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated April 4, 2019

DTE accelerates carbon reduction efforts by 10 years

The utility announced plans to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2040 through phasing out its coal plants earlier and expanding investment in renewables and energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2019

Maryland passes energy storage pilot program to determine future regulatory framework

The bill applies only to Maryland's four investor-owned utilities: Potomac Edison; Baltimore Gas and Electric; Delmarva Power and Light; and Potomac Electric Power.

By HJ Mai • April 2, 2019

As 100% renewables goals proliferate, what role for utilities?

The momentum behind demand for renewables is growing; utilities lose if they ignore it and there is much to gain in planning ahead.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 2, 2019

Solar + storage projects to drive utility-scale deployment of batteries: Navigant

As storage-plus-renewable-energy project prices drop and adoption expands, a report finds storage-plus PPA prices are already able to compete with combined cycle gas plants.

By HJ Mai • April 1, 2019

Blockchain could help modernize Nevada's renewables tracking system

State regulators are seeking comment on alternative approaches for tracking credits, including whether a blockchain-powered solution could allow customers to participate in larger renewables markets, such as California's.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2019

PJM files update to energy market price formation rules with FERC

The proposed tariff changes from the grid operator seek to resolve the "unjust and unreasonable" design of its reserve market rules.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated April 1, 2019

Exclusive: PG&E's future rests on board picks, CPUC president says

California regulators could reorganize the company or revoke its license to operate if they do not like new selections for its board of directors, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker said in a wide-ranging interview. 

By Gavin Bade • March 29, 2019

Hawaii regulators approve HECO's $86M grid mod plan, 6 solar + storage projects under $0.10/kWh

Hawaiian Electric said the decisions, including the "largest and lowest-cost portfolio" of renewables assembled at one time in a state, will enable "foundational" changes on the electric grids of five islands.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2019

Target to focus on wind, solar, energy efficiency with new climate goals

The retailer pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2017 levels by 2023 and is requiring 80% of its suppliers to set science-based reduction targets by 2023.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 29, 2019

FPL unveils plans for largest solar-powered battery in the world

The 409 MW/900 MWh storage center would be four times larger than the current record-holder: Tesla's 100-MW/129MWh system in Australia.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 28, 2019

House Democrats introduce legislation to keep U.S. in Paris Climate Agreement

The plan calls on President Trump to keep the country on track with its original commitments and comes a day after the Senate held a symbolic Green New Deal vote.

By Jason Plautz • March 28, 2019

What happened to the Tesla solar roof?

The iconic company's biggest promise was trifecta-integration of solar generation, energy storage and electric cars. So far, that has not happened.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2019

Ex-Maryland Gov O'Malley: States must reassert authority on clean energy policy

In the absence of White House leadership on climate, it's up to governors and other state leaders to carry the fight for renewable energy and lower rates, Martin O'Malley writes.

By Martin O’Malley • March 28, 2019

ISO-NE files short-term fuel security plan to relieve gas constraints

The ISO's proposed Inventoried Energy Program would provide higher payments for resources that can store fuel onsite in the winters of 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

By Gavin Bade • March 27, 2019

ChargeWheel nets funding for mobile EV and scooter charging trailers

The company will deploy fleets of solar-powered trailers that are capable of simultaneously charging up to four EVs or 400 electric bikes and scooters.

By Jason Plautz • March 27, 2019

Electricity costs from battery storage down 76% since 2012: BNEF

Renewable energy projects featuring battery storage could challenge fossil fuels in the area of dispatchable power as the cost of electricity from lithium-ion batteries has fallen by more than two-thirds since 2012.

By HJ Mai • March 26, 2019

Puerto Rico passes 100% renewable energy bill as it aims for storm resilience

The bill, expected to be signed by Gov. Ricardo Rosselló​, would ban coal plants by 2028 while setting a 2050 target for going fully renewable.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2019

GE sheds 650 MW of renewable assets

Enel Green Power North America purchased the generation for approximately $256 million, less than two months after General Electric said it would restructure and expand its renewables business.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2019

Xcel CEO pushes nuclear to hit utility's 100% clean energy by 2050 goal

The economics of nuclear continue to pose a challenge for utilities, but Xcel CEO Ben Fowke highlighted the potential of smaller plants with passive safety controls that would be smaller capital bets for executives like him.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2019

The biggest numbers game in the power sector: Data analytics and the utility community of the future

Data analytics are helping utilities improve operations and customer engagement, but a decentralized transactive energy network is in the works and will require additional computing advances.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2019

Mandate or not? Colorado speaker, governor debate path to 90% carbon reductions

A Colorado bill aims to decrease carbon emissions 90% below 2005 levels by 2050, following conflict within the Democratic leadership in the state over whether to mandate or guide the path to such reductions.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 25, 2019

Majority of coal plants are uneconomic to nearby wind, solar, report finds

Nearly three quarters of U.S. coal generators cost more to operate last year than replacing them with renewables within 35 miles, according to a report from Vibrant Clean Energy and Energy Innovation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 25, 2019