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

Does the PJM capacity auction mark the end of the new-build generation cycle?

Analysts say low capacity prices could indicate the end of a plant-building boom, but there are still pockets of opportunity for generators. 

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2017

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

New PJM white papers aim to integrate state power policies into wholesale markets

The grid operator is floating carbon pricing and two-part capacity auctions to help mitigate for the market impacts of renewable energy mandates and nuclear subsidies. 

By Gavin Bade , Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

New England, California could see tight spots with reliability this summer, says FERC

The agency's annual summer reliability report highlighted possible reliability concerns in regions such as California, New England and Texas. 

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2017

Nevada governor vetoes popular RPS, community solar bills

The renewable portfolio standard would have mandated 40% renewables by 2030 and included a carveout for energy storage. 

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

Nevada governor signs net metering bill

The bill restores net metering rates close to retail for rooftop solar customers, and three major solar developers will resume sales after pulling out last year. 

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

Apple issues $1 billion in green bonds in wake of US exiting Paris climate accord

The company said the second bond issuance affirms its commitment to sustainable projects and the Paris climate accord. 

By Peter Maloney • June 16, 2017

BNEF: More than 70% of global power investment will target renewables

Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s analysis of the power sector predicts $10.2 trillion to be invested globally in new generation capacity.

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

Utility CEOs to DOE: Hands off state energy policies, grid planning

Members of EEI's board say they want the DOE's baseload review to embrace the power mix transformation, not inhibit it.

By Gavin Bade • June 15, 2017

EIA: Wind, solar composed 10% of March generation

Wind and solar made up 7% of the country's generation last year. It could reach almost 10% annually by 2018.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2017

A new study defends ARPA-E in wake of Trump's proposed budget cuts

A congressionally mandated study found the Department of Energy's APRA-E secured $1.25 billion in private funding and 74 patents so far. 

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2017

Will California's 100% renewables goal survive the political process?

With current clean energy goals in sight, liberal lawmakers are pushing the state to ratchet up its ambitions. But utility companies could prove a powerful roadblock.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 14, 2017

BP: Global coal consumption drops to lowest level since 2004

Wind and solar power, on the other hand, accounted for nearly one-third of the increase in primary energy use last year.

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2017

SaltX, Aalborg team up to develop CSP project with storage

A prototype using SaltX’s EnerStore technology is scheduled to be built later this year with the aim of securing a commercial pilot plant in 2018.

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2017

EEI 2017: The utility sector's business case for deep decarbonization

Utility executives have discovered that cleaning up their power mixes and electrifying other sectors is their best chance at strong growth. But it's easier said than done. 

By Gavin Bade • June 13, 2017

PacifiCorp drafts RFP for 1.2 GW of Wyoming wind energy

Projects with a minimum resource size of 20 MW must be in operation no later than Dec. 31, 2020.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2017

Report: Utility-scale solar prices drop below $1/watt for first time

Solar companies also installed 2 GW of new solar capacity for the sixth consecutive quarter, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

By Robert Walton • June 12, 2017

Vivint Solar will return to Nevada if Gov. Sandoval signs net metering bill

The solar company is the latest to announce its return to the state. Tesla and Sunrun also announced similar plans to resume sales last week. 

By Robert Walton • June 12, 2017

What makes a successful utility-led community solar program?

An examination of shared solar programs across the country reveals diverse pathways to success — so long as the customer demand is there. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 8, 2017

Santa Barbara commits to 100% renewable energy by 2030

The California city's pledge markets the 30th municipal commitment to 100% clean energy in the U.S.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2017

North Carolina solar reform bill easily clears House, moves to Senate

The "Competitive Energy Solutions" measure would allow utilities to competitively bid against independent clean energy developers and revise the state's net metering policy. 

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2017

LG subsidiary will install 40 MW of batteries on Guam

The two storage facilities are expected to help reduce intermittent power outages and integrate more solar energy for the U.S. territory. 

By Peter Maloney • June 8, 2017

California, China strike collaboration on clean energy technology

As President Trump pulls the United States out of the Paris climate accord, China has signaled it is willing to take a leading global role.

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2017

Los Angeles hits pause on $2.2B gas plant investment plan

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will consider whether to rebuild old natural gas plants or use renewable energy to meet demand. 

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2017

Colorado decoupling proposal unites Xcel, distributed energy advocates

Separating utility revenues from power sales would benefit efficiency and DERs, but some critics worry customer bills will rise and argue for a more extensive regulatory overhaul. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2017