McKinsey: Cheaper batteries present imminent threat of load defection for utilities

Battery storage is already cost-effective for commercial customers and further price declines could lead some to cut their utility ties entirely, a new McKinsey report warns. 

By Peter Maloney • June 30, 2017

Gas plants or renewables? New LBNL study helps utilities compare the risks

A financial tool based on probabilities could make generation investments easier for utilities and IPPs.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 29, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

Citing 'Hughes v. Talen,' court rejects challenge to Connecticut's renewable RFP

The Allco case's interpretation of Hughes — the first from a federal court — is likely to have implications on challenges to nuclear subsidies in Illinois and New York. 

By Peter Maloney • June 29, 2017

Tesla's SolarCity pulls out of South Carolina market

Company officials say it is related to Tesla's decision to end eliminate its door-to-door solar sales force.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2017

North Carolina Senate committee approves amendments to solar reform bill

Clean energy advocates say changes to House Bill 589 would limit the state's ability to procure renewable energy through competitive bidding.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2017

Energy Week: Perry touts all-of-the-above strategy in push for 'energy dominance'

The DOE head reiterated support for baseload generation ahead of the release of a highly-anticipated power sector review.

By Krysti Shallenberger • June 28, 2017

ISO-NE lays out retirement options for Dominion's Millstone nuke

The plant has capacity obligations to continue generating through May 2021, but the ISO said Dominion could transfer those to a third party.

By Peter Maloney • June 28, 2017

Southern Co. unit forms alliance with Advanced Microgrid Solutions

Southern will bring its experience at designing and building distributed generation solutions, mostly to commercial and industrial customers, to the partnership.

By Peter Maloney • June 28, 2017

The power sector must heed shareholder calls for 2-degree scenario analysis

Ceres' Dan Bakal says utility sector shareholders have made clear they want their companies to plan for a low-carbon future

By Dan Bakal • June 27, 2017

As gas plants struggle, California seeks new flexible capacity strategies

With up to 6 GW of gas plants at risk of closure in the coming years, energy stakeholders are scrambling for new compensation techniques and zero-carbon alternatives. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 27, 2017

US mayors pass resolution to target 100% renewable energy by 2035

Leaders of more than 250 U.S. cities said they are committed to holding up their end of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trump's decision to withdraw from the pact. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

GTM: Proposed solar tariffs could put 47 GW of planned installations at risk

The analysis firm predicts "unprecedented demand destruction" if Suniva's tariff proposal is approved, threatening up to two-thirds of planned solar deployments. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

Montana regulators vote to cut PURPA payment rates by 40%

Regulators also trimmed contract lengths from 20 years to five years, with an option to extend for another five. 

By Peter Maloney • June 26, 2017

New Hampshire regulators approve new net metering tariffs

The new rates are temporary until a study of the value of distributed energy resources is concluded and regulators open a proceeding to determine new tariff structures. 

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2017

District of Columbia launches low-income solar installation program

Solar Works DC will train more than 200 residents in the solar industry and will install solar systems on up to 300 low-income residences.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2017

Heat wave sets new power demand records across Arizona

Temperatures of nearly 120°F pushed demand to new heights at three Arizona utilities, while California power providers called for customer cutbacks. 

By Peter Maloney • June 26, 2017

DC Court of Appeals rejects challenges to PJM capacity rules

Nine groups had challenged the new PJM rules, which require resources to be available year-round.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2017

Maine lawmakers gear up for net metering vote

Lawmakers are considering two pieces of legislation to preserve retail rate net metering following a decision by regulators to reduce compensation for new rooftop solar customers. 

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2017

Hold 'em or fold 'em: New nuclear build permits hold 'option value' for 5 utilities

Market conditions aren't conducive for new nuclear today, but companies see value in completing construction permits for future reactors.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Maui company aims for Hawaii's self-supply market with all-day storage option

HiVE Energy says its residential and commercial batteries can provide a full day of storage, making them appealing for Hawaii's non-export solar tariff. 

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Report: Renewable energy is no threat to power reliability

The research, performed by Analysis Group, attempts to mirror a study of the United States power grid ordered by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2017

Utility planning: Integrating distributed energy resources for a more robust future

Developing more comprehensive planning activities that accurately assess the role of DERs allows utilities to get out in front of business challenges, empowering them to capitalize on opportunity.

June 20, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017

California will allow small utilities to aggregate bills for net metering

More notably, the California Public Utilities Commission determined unifying multiple meters would not raise costs for non-net metered customers.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2017

Updated: Rocky Mountain Power proposes cuts to PURPA rates for smaller Wyoming QFs

The PacifiCorp subsidiary told regulators its avoided costs had fallen due to lower wholesale energy prices and cheap natural gas.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2017