Xcel strikes deal for 240 MW of BTM solar to support steel mill expansion

The landmark behind-the-meter construction will allow EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel to lock in electricity prices through 2041.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 20, 2018

New Mexico hearing officer recommends striking 'standby fee' for some solar customers

Data that Southwestern Public Service Co. used to justify the fee is "riddled with errors and unreliable," wrote Carolyn Glick, a hearing officer at the state's Public Regulation Commission.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

Arizona regulators determine signatures valid on 50% renewables ballot initiative

The Arizona Secretary of State's office determined more than 70% of the signatures were valid on a petition supporting the ballot, but opposition can still challenge individual signatures.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2018

New York studies European offshore wind industry to inform development plans

A new study of successful offshore wind transmission models will focus on large-scale projects across the Atlantic in order to help guide the state's procurements.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2018

Ontario develops largest BTM storage system in North America

The system highlights opportunities for addressing Ontario's high demand charges.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 16, 2018

Modernizing renewables mandates is no longer about the megawatts

While renewables mandates have been successful and cost effective, studies show evolving power systems should focus on decreasing peak demand and cutting emissions.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 16, 2018

California Senate appropriations committee takes up ISO regionalization bill

State policymakers have been pushing hard for a regional market that would encompass all the western states for years, but opponents have been pushing just as hard to kill the bill.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 15, 2018

Canadian utility buys US hydropower producer for $300M

​Ontario Power Generation will purchase Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC, which owns small hydropower dams across the United States.  

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2018

PG&E's landmark energy storage projects snagged by pushback

The CPUC extended the approval process for the four projects after critics filed comments claiming the utility did not meet regulatory criteria.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 14, 2018

Exit fee: Deciding the fate of California's utilities and customer choice movement

The future of California's biggest utilities may depend on how much customers have to pay to leave them. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Updated Aug. 16, 2018

Hawaii approves 18-cent/kWh solar+storage deal to power Molokai

The 4.8 MW solar facility and 15 MWh battery will provide power in the early evening to avoid competing with the island's rooftop solar systems. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 13, 2018

Nevada pushes distributed resource planning regulations ahead of ballot initiative

The Public Utility Commission proposed a rule to implement new state provisions for filing integrated resources plans, as support builds for front-of and behind-the-meter clean energy technologies.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 13, 2018

Wisconsin brings energy pricing transparency into strategic assessment

After stakeholders challenged the Public Service Commission's lack of transparency regarding the state's electricity costs, the updated assessment includes more data and insight. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 10, 2018

Report: Tesla Solar Roof production delayed over product aesthetics, EV prioritization

Despite CEO Elon Musk's boasts about the installment of the undetectable renewable generating structure during Q2 calls, employees at New York's Gigafactory 2 reported production challenges and delays.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 10, 2018

Aussie apartments use blockchain energy trading to shield residents from price spikes

A housing developer in Australia has teamed up with tech company Power Ledger to offer blockchain for peer-to-peer solar power sales.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2018

Breaking into the US energy market, offshore wind developers strive to please all

Companies building regulatory and project management experience in creating offshore wind farms in the U.S. hint at a future snowball effect of projects once new channels are established and economies of scale can be reached.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 9, 2018

An offer utilities can't refuse: The low cost of utility-scale solar

A new report finds even policy uncertainties have not stopped the growing partnership between utilities and solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 9, 2018

Illinois seeks broader renewables access in updated procurement plan

The changes include ensuring all consumers, specifically those served by co-ops and munis, have access to the plan’s programs.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 8, 2018

Solar growth continues in US, though EIA trims its 2019 forecast 45%

A change in methodology has led the Energy Information Administration to cut its forecast of solar power capacity additions.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2018

As second wave of state storage targets builds, utilities propose new projects

Experts are watching Arizona, Nevada and Colorado for new policies that will help develop the industry.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 7, 2018

Utility planners leverage better accuracy of DOE's renewable cost forecast tool

Users like the National Renewable Energy Lab's rigorously calculated Annual Technology Baseline for its accuracy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 7, 2018

Minnesota co-op breaks ground on first major storage projects in state

The 10 MW of solar joined with 30 MWh of batteries will be the largest combined facility owned by a U.S. co-op and is expected to save Connexus Energy $4 million a year through peak shaving. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 7, 2018

Berkeley lab challenges grid community to improve interoperability

The Plug & Play DER Challenge is a call for concepts to the smart grid community, seeking "visionary" ideas focused on improving interoperability on an increasingly-connected electric grid.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 6, 2018

How low can solar prices go? GTM predicts under $15/MWh in 2022

Solar bids could fall to $14.70/MWh in less than five years, given a perfect mix of financing and technology, according to a new analysis that also says the rate of price decline is slowing.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 6, 2018

Hawaii's new fuel price performance incentive gives HECO 'skin in the game'

A new sharing mechanism moves some risk of fuel price volatility from customers to the utility, but not everyone is convinced it will make a difference. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2018