New Hampshire Senate votes to expand net metering eligibility

State regulators last year approved new net metering tariffs; now, lawmakers are considering allowing larger generators to participate.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2018

California's dream of a regional power market faces the risks of a Trump FERC

California's proposed regional electricity market could could generate up to $1.5 billion in annual benefits and reduce GHG emissions up to 10%, but it could be subverted.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 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

Arizona rooftop solar leases exempt from property tax, court rules

However, the decision could enable lower courts to rule that rooftop solar owners would have to pay those taxes on a county-wide scale instead.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 19, 2018

Maryland lawmakers reject RPS expansion, clean energy proposals

One proposal would have expanded the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard to 50% by 2030, a target on par with California. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 19, 2018

In the New South, customer demand is showing utilities the dollars and sense in solar

With load flat to declining, utilities in the Southeast are investing in almost no new generation but can't resist customer demand for renewables and the new solar economics.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 15, 2018

Arizona regulators move to place gas plant moratorium on utilities

The Arizona Corporation Commission approved a 9-month moratorium on new gas plants 150 MW or larger, directing utilities to examine renewable energy and storage instead.

By Robert Walton • March 15, 2018

FERC tries to thread the needle in debate over markets versus mandates

Is FERC destroying markets in order to save them, Montana Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Travis Kavulla asks.

By Travis Kavulla • March 13, 2018

Not so fast: Battery prices will continue to decrease, but at a slower pace, GTM says

Cost declines for storage systems will slow as raw material prices rise, but deployments will continue apace, according to GTM.

By Peter Maloney • March 13, 2018

FPL adds 40 MWh battery to solar array, claiming largest combined system

Florida Power & Light says it will dispatch the battery at the 75 MW Babcock Ranch solar farm when the plant's output dips or in times of peak demand.  

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2018

Are renewable portfolio standards on the way out? Three ballot initiatives say otherwise

Michigan, Arizona and Nevada could see major political fights over proposals to boost renewable energy standards. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 12, 2018

New York announces $1.4B renewables funding as largest single state commitment

The money will go to 22 utility-scale solar farms, three wind farms and a hydroelectric facility, which will add almost 1,400 MW in renewable capacity to the state.

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2018

Energy sector condemns Trump steel, aluminum tariffs

The duties on imported metal commodities will raise prices for power sector infrastructure projects, trade groups said, and could derail Trump's "energy dominance" agenda.

By Peter Maloney • March 9, 2018

Are utilities missing out on the opportunity to use old coal sites for solar?

Two coal-to-solar projects show there can be benefits from taking on the costs of coal site remediation and repurposing – but it is a site-by-site question.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 8, 2018

GE aims to enhance solar, wind power performance with new storage platform

The company wants to make inroads into the utility-scale storage market with Reservoir, a modular, four-hour duration battery system.

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2018

All in or half there: Maryland Legislature debates two different RPS bills

Lawmakers are debating two bills that would raise the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50% or 100%. Analysts say the 50% increase will likely muster more support than the other measure. 

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2018

The flip side of FERC's landmark storage order: A call for states to take action

State action will be essential to reach the full potential of FERC Order 841, The Brattle Group says in a new report.

By Peter Maloney • March 6, 2018

SolarCity, Salt River Project could settle lawsuit, opening door to residential storage

The settlement involves the public utility purchasing a 25 MW Tesla battery and developing an incentive program to encourage residential batteries. But demand charges would remain in place. 

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2018

IRS: Residential storage eligible for ITC when charged by onsite solar

The ruling applies only to an individual storage facility, but shows how the agency may interpret home battery eligibility for the 30% solar investment tax credit.

By Gavin Bade • March 5, 2018

Time-travel, utility-style: Outlines of the utility of the future appear

Rocky Mountain Institute experts identify price, data and interconnection as the keys to success for the utility of the future, whether it's an expanded monopoly or a distribution system platform.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2018

Idaho Power wants new net metering compensation scheme

The utility has not proposed new rates yet, but asked regulators to consider a new compensation structure, including a rate class for rooftop solar owners. 

By Robert Walton • March 2, 2018

Virginia lawmakers send utility rate overhaul bill to governor's desk

The controversial bill could be signed as soon as next week. Gov. Ralph Northam already lent support for the measure. 

By Robert Walton • March 2, 2018

Do new rooftop solar price projections mean 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em' for utilities?

A thought exercise from Department of Energy researchers suggests the price of rooftop solar could fall low enough to impact “the evolution of the U.S. electricity system.”

By Herman K. Trabish • March 1, 2018

NJ regulators to accelerate offshore wind development, launch solicitation process for 1.1 GW

The state has a goal of developing 3,500 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, while neighboring New York is targeting 2,400 MW of capacity by the same deadline. 

By Robert Walton • March 1, 2018

Five energy industry trends of tomorrow impacting companies today

Energy is a long game, and all stakeholders have made a long-term affirmation that we are headed toward a more renewable future, REC Solar Senior Vice President Alan Russo writes.

By Alan Russo • Feb. 28, 2018

Report: Cities of all sizes can achieve sustainable energy solutions

The NRG report found that leading cities shared four main tactics in their efforts to boost sustainable energy: dedicating staff resources, employing unique assets, finding funding and accessing expertise.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2018