Newly-released text messages draw scrutiny to APS relationship with AZ consumer advocate

Text messages show a consultant for the Residential Utility Consumer Office collaborating with a utility executive to shape the state's Value of Solar docket, but they say it's all part of the job. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 9, 2016

Xcel Energy reaches settlement on 600 MW Colorado wind farm

The agreement also allows Xcel to pursue an earlier construction schedule for the proposed Pawnee-Daniel Park Transmission Project pending regulatory approval. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 9, 2016

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

Solar advocates ramp up pressure on Florida ballot initiative

A broad group of clean energy advocates has launched a coordinated campaign to oppose a utility-backed solar ballot initiative this November.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 8, 2016

As solar price drops, utility interest spurs growth in non-traditional markets

Solar markets outside the U.S. Southwest are picking up steam thanks to steady price declines across all segments, new reports from LBNL found. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 8, 2016

Electricity choice on the chopping block in Michigan as state debates reliability, renewables

Clean energy and efficiency could be the key to unlocking a bitter dispute over reliability and choice in the Great Lakes State. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 8, 2016

Sunrun appoints ex-Maryland regulator Hoskins as Chief Policy Officer

Anne Hoskins, a former Maryland Public Service Commissioner, will become Sunrun's policy head following the departure of Bryan Miller. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 7, 2016

Solar developer protests community solar size in Colorado Xcel settlement

SunShare, a developer of community solar gardens, wants the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to reconsider a settlement it says gives Xcel Energy an unfair leg up in the solar market. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 7, 2016

Uncle Sam's battery bank: ARPA-E spurs commercialization of innovative storage technology

The DOE is touting the success of its ARPA-E program for funding advanced technologies: $1.3 billion funded; $1.2 billion raised from private sources.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 7, 2016

After tariff changes, storage to play larger role in CAISO demand management

FERC's approval for storage and demand response tariffs highlights California's efforts to integrate more DERs. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 6, 2016

Confidence in collaboration: Rhode Island targets a common perspective on DER values

Facing an impasse over DER rate design, Rhode Island regulators have initiated a new proceeding to find common ground on measures and expectations for distributed energy programs.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 6, 2016

Southern California Edison proposes $2.1B capex for DER integration

SCE did not provide forecast ranges for total capital expenditures through 2020, saying it has no prior experience with rate cases related to DER integration. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 6, 2016

Facing stricter climate goals, California passes 4 bills to boost energy storage

The bills require the state to consider pumped hydro storage, add 500 MW to the state's storage mandate and double California's self-generation program.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2016

California targets clean transport, urban greening for $900M in cap-and-trade funds

After some lawmakers pushed back on an extension of greenhouse gas goals last month, Gov. Jerry Brown struck a last-minute deal to dole out funds from the state's carbon auctions. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 2, 2016

Virginia hearing examiner confirms legality of 3rd party solar PPAs

Appalachian Power had argued that solar power purchase agreements from third parties for the residential sector were not allowed in the state. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2016

In 11th hour deal, California public utility reaches net metering compromise

The utility has suspended new net metering contracts, but reached a deal this week to extend the policy to 1,300 existing solar customers.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2016

Winds of change: How the industry can continue wind power's boom into the 2020s

Better grid integration and lower tech costs will be key to continuing wind's record growth, but big market and policy obstacles are looming. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2016

Nevada regulator blocks SolarCity from grandfathering proceedings

The interests of SolarCity's customers are best represented by the Attorney General's office, the Nevada PUC chair ruled. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 1, 2016

Duke, solar developers strike interconnection deal in North Carolina

The utility has reached an agreement with solar developers that will allow their projects to move forward, but gives Duke Energy authorization to disconnect systems if issues arise.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2016

NREL: Eastern Interconnect can handle 30% renewable energy

A new study says the Eastern U.S. grid could add another 400 GW of wind and solar power using existing technologies and grid management practices.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 1, 2016

Oregon regulators delay report outlining major changes to solar policies

A draft report issued by the Public Utilities Commission last month recommended ending net metering, among other issues. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2016

Mutual needs, mutual challenges: How corporate PPAs are remaking the renewables sector

Large companies want renewables and developers are eager to sell. The consequences for utilities could be immense.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 1, 2016

Florida votes to strike property taxes on solar panels

The measure had overwhelming support from lawmakers and voters, but another measure on the ballot in November will be much more contentious.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2016

Despite funding, 1st US freshwater offshore wind farm is far from construction

The  Lake Erie Energy Development Co Icebreaker project has received $40 million in support from the federal government -- unusual for a project so far from breaking ground, say critics.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2016

Solar groups pour money into Arizona utility regulatory election

Solar power funds are pouring into the five-way race for three seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, with SolarCity leading the pack.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016

German researchers to test new underwater energy storage devices

The Fraunhofer Institute in Germany is developing an underwater storage system that works like a pumped storage plant.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016