New Jersey legislature passes measure to raise solar target

Now the industry is watching to see if Gov. Chris Christie signs the bill before his term ends next week.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

Researchers developing double-pane solar windows

Employing two types of quantum dots, the windows will efficiently generate electricity.

By Laurie Cowin • Jan. 10, 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

Massachusetts approves new demand charge for Eversource's net metering customers

The Department of Public Utilities finalized new demand charges, fees and other changes last week that renewables advocates say will slow rooftop solar.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2018

Puerto Rico Gov. Rosselló proposes overhaul of energy regulator

The new plan came only days after the Puerto Rico Energy Commission proposed new rules for microgrid development on the island.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • Jan. 10, 2018

Florida Power & Light brings 4 new solar plants online, retires coal facility

The utility also has four more solar plants scheduled to enter service by March 1.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2018

Xcel solicitation returns 'incredible' renewable energy, storage bids

Bids for wind and solar energy combined with battery storage could be the lowest yet, analysts said on social media. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 8, 2018

Predictions 2018: Federal policies to dominate

What will 2018 bring to the power sector? Seven experts weigh in. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 8, 2018

Gas, not renewables, driving coal, nuclear woes; DOE labs show how much

The findings have important implications for DOE's proposal to provide cost recovery for coal and nuclear plants. FERC is expected to respond to that proposal on Wednesday.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 5, 2018

Florida lawmaker proposes to study solar+storage for grid recovery

The bill would develop a pilot program within Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to "encourage and demonstrate the effectiveness" of distributed energy generation and storage. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2018

Federal appeals court hears arguments in Illinois ZEC case

The hearing came after a federal court upheld the ZEC program in the face of a challenge mounted by merchant generators. 

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 5, 2018

Why mandates still matter in the age of cheap renewables

Wind and solar are now competitive with legacy power resources, but analysts expect state RPS laws will continue to drive growth for both renewable leaders and laggards. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 3, 2018

New York clean energy proposal seeks 1.5 GW of storage, coal phaseout

The plan also calls for solicitations in 2018 and 2019 for 800 MW of offshore wind and new energy efficiency targets by April.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2018

New ITC report finds China 'took advantage' of US commitment to renewables

The supplemental report examines "unforeseen developments" that led U.S.-based solar manufacturers to be injured by cheap imports from other countries.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2018

New tax code means big rate changes, uncertainty for power sector in 2018

The tax law includes breaks for utilities and spared renewable energy deals, but critical details for other sector players remain up in the air.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 2, 2018

Navigant: Energy storage for renewables integration to reach $23B by 2026

Utility-scale and behind-the-meter storage applications are expected to show the strongest growth, with peak shaving and incentive programs driving the latter.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2018

Could rate design help California's struggle with flat demand?

The commercial and industrial sector could be the front line for rate design experimentation. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 27, 2017

3 offshore wind developers submit proposals for Massachusetts target

Deepwater Wind, Bay State Wind and Vineyard Wind all submitted proposals to help meet the state's 1,600 MW of offshore wind target. The initial RFP is seeking 400 MW of offshore wind capacity.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2017

Has Xcel Minnesota designed the ideal residential time-of-use rate?

The pilot program, to determine if price signals can get customers to shift energy usage away from peak times, has garnered wide acclaim. The main concern? it doesn't start soon enough.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 22, 2017

Biggest policies that defined solar in 2017

The solar trade case and the GOP tax bill signal a shift from state to federal policy as the dominant driver for solar growth next year. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 21, 2017

California regulators approve $1B solar rebate plan for low-income residents

Landlords will apply for the SOMAH incentives, which are available on buildings that include at least five subsidized units for low-income residents.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2017

Congressional lawmakers urge 'strong and effective' remedies in solar trade case

President Donald Trump will make a final decision on potential trade duties for imported crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and cells by January. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2017

NARUC urges federal regulators to reform PURPA

The organization wants to move away from administratively-determined avoided costs and encourage competitive solicitations. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2017

NOPR, nukes and taxes: The top 10 Utility Dive stories of 2017

It's been a frantic year of energy news. Here's a recap of what Utility Dive readers found most important.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 20, 2017

Austin Energy solar PPA could be lowest-priced in US, analysts say

GTM Research estimates a 150 MW solar contract signed last week could run as cheap as $21/MWh.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2017

Chasing the Holy Grail of battery storage, scientists test solid state magnesium electrolyte

Scientists at Argonne and Berkeley labs say they have found a compound that could improve battery safety and energy density.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 19, 2017