Staring down tariffs and rollbacks, US renewables rang in a record year

Building on the ever-more-favorable clean energy economics and the resulting increases in corporate clean energy uptake, three main factors suggest 2019 has the potential to be a game changer, writes CERES' Winston Vaughan.

By Winston Vaughan • Jan. 2, 2019

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

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

NV energy plan to add 100 MW storage, 1 GW renewables gets PUC approval

The proposal includes a half dozen new solar facilities that, combined with 100 MW of new battery storage, would add more than 1 GW of renewables to the state's portfolio.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2018

How policies can make or brake solar development in the Southeast

Third party financing can enable solar growth, but faces hurdles in several states. Some utilities are not compensating for solar's value on the grid and leveling charges specific to solar owners. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018

New Mexico regulators approve PNM plan to phase out coal by 2031

PNM plans to replace the lost capacity largely with solar and natural gas, though storage could play a role as prices continue to drop.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 20, 2018

New Jersey moves to end solar RECs, take next steps toward 100% renewables

The Board of Public Utilities will soon issue a straw proposal to launch the next phase of the state's solar market.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2018

Energy groups pan NERC generation retirement report for 'extreme' assumptions

NERC officials said some regions may need "new market constructs" and "out-of-market constructs" to slow the pace of plant shutdowns, but renewable energy and gas groups say the study is misguided.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 19, 2018

DC passes 'most ambitious' mandate for 100% renewables by 2032

The bill would put Washington on track to hit 100% renewables nearly a decade before any state. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 19, 2018

NY's energy storage target: It's the journey, not the destination, stakeholders say

Many pieces still need to come together to create a truly viable energy storage market in New York State, but analysts see the PSC's energy storage target as a good first step.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

New York Gov. Cuomo pledges 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040

The announcement comes days after the state Public Service Commission approved the third phase of its clean energy standard as well as a 3 GW energy storage goal.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2018

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020

Tax cuts are eating into utility cash flows, but are not deterring investments in capital spending.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

We Energies' proposed solar pilots highlight limited state finance rules, group says

The utility's two proposals site rooftop solar projects at their commercial and industrial customers' facilities, but an array of groups in Wisconsin say customers won't be allowed to fully reap the benefits of the resource.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 17, 2018

Record-breaking $405M US offshore wind leasing auction shows 'bullish' interest

Three areas off the coast of Massachusetts each fetched bids of at least $135 million in the same area that failed to attract enough interest three years ago.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 17, 2018

Texas muni signs cheap solar contract 'below $25/MWh'

The exact PPA price was not released, but GTM Research noted it rivals other inexpensive solar deals signed recently in Texas.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 17, 2018

New York sets 3 GW storage target, doubles efficiency goals for utilities

The Public Service Commission has set the most ambitious state energy storage target in the country, while also requiring investor-owned utilities to more than double their energy efficiency reductions by 2025.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 2018

Tariffs prompt nearly 50% drop in US utility solar installations: Wood Mackenzie

Utility solar projects are getting delayed into the fourth quarter as project developers reacted to the January tariffs while trying to maximize advantage from the declining investment tax credit.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 13, 2018

As PacifiCorp and other analyses point to more coal shutdowns, replacement questions rise

A recent PacifiCorp analysis points to a growing trend among utilities, and analysts are watching to see how modeling and reliability issues can best be addressed as retirements continue.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2018

'Voluntary demand' for renewables pushes utilities to new technology, business models: Deloitte

As renewable energy growth accelerates, utilities are taking a more active role in embracing the enabling technology.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2018

As grid operators file FERC Order 841 plans, storage floodgates open slowly

It will be at least a year before new rules for energy storage take hold for most ISOs and RTOs.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 11, 2018

UN report: Cities are 'key implementers' of climate policies

A new guide from authors of the latest UN IPCC report says that without action from cities, "there will be no limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 11, 2018

Washington clean energy proposal would phase out coal by 2025

Gov. Jay Inslee's proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2035 and transition the state to 100% clean energy by 2045.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 11, 2018

Georgia Power seeks 540 MW of renewables in final REDI solicitation

Through its Renewable Energy Development Initiative, the Southern Company subsidiary is targeting 1,200 MW of renewable energy resources.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 11, 2018

JP Morgan enters $200M joint venture to fund solar+storage developer

8minutenergy Renewables received capital commitments from the investment bank and an affiliate of Upper Bay Infrastructure Partners to support its project pipeline of over 10 GW of utility solar and energy storage.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 11, 2018

As coal economics worsen, rural renewables development propels Midwest growth: NRDC

While the region still relies heavily on coal and natural gas, a continued rural focus may be the key to unlocking the region's clean energy potential, the Natural Resources Defense Council report said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 10, 2018