Power sector politics: 5 state energy races to watch this November

Solar incentives and consumer choice dominate down-ballot energy races this cycle. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 3, 2016

Nevada task force recommends restoring net metering as PUC welcomes 2 new regulators

Part of a raft of reforms pushed by Gov. Sandoval's New Energy Task Force, the recommendation came just days before two new gubernatorial appointees started work at the state regulatory commission.

By Peter Maloney, Gavin Bade • Oct. 3, 2016

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

Report: Hydropower reservoirs contributing to carbon emissions

A new study finds greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydro reservoirs are greater than previously thought.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 3, 2016

PNM vows Supreme Court appeal after regulators slash proposed rate hike in half

Public Service of New Mexico wanted a $121 million rate increase, but regulators granted it $61 million.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 30, 2016

SolarCity, Citi map out $347M financing plan for solar projects

The funds include more than $60 million for small and medium-sized businesses in California.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2016

FERC approves CAISO ramping product, rejecting calls to make it biddable

The product is designed to help CAISO with more renewable resources and the uncertainty they cause in electricity markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 30, 2016

NRG breaks ground on 5 Minnesota community solar projects

The power company has also reached agreements with several national businesses for the projects' output.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2016

Midwest independent power producer buys 475 MW of wind projects

Despite a heavy focus on gas, Tenaska is rounding out its renewable energy portfolio as costs decline. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2016

DOE: Plummeting clean energy costs accelerating renewable 'revolution'

 According to a new report, wind and solar PV accounted for over two thirds of all new generating capacity installed last year.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2016

The solar toolbox: How utilities can find the best planning approach for distributed solar

Studying locational benefits of distributed solar is one way to plan, a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study says. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 29, 2016

To speak softly: Why Sunrun's new policy head could signal a shift in solar advocacy

Former Maryland Commissioner Anne Hoskins outlines her approach to utility-solar regulation.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 29, 2016

California PUC rejects rehearing on revised net metering policy

California regulators cited insufficient evidence of cross-shifting costs as a big factor in their decision to deny a rehearing. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 29, 2016

Following New York's lead, Maryland targets electric distribution transformation

Utility regulators plan to zero in on renewables and electric vehicle integration, rate design and affordability.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2016

Arizona air regulators slap Solana solar facility with $1.5M fine

Arizona Solar One LLC has agreed to pay a fine to resolve emissions violations at the Solana Generating Station in Gila Bend.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2016

In wake of Tesla bid, SolarCity plots $1B investment in Mexico operations

The largest installer in the U.S. outlined a 5-year investment plan in Mexico, but it hinges on familiar net metering debates. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2016

Massachusetts floats new solar tariff structure in incentive program redesign

The new program would replace current incentives with tariffs designed to reduce risk and provide more predictable revenue streams for developers.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 28, 2016

In pursuit of 100% renewables, HECO installs 1st utility-scale battery on Oahu

The 1 MW project is being executed by the utility and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2016

Wyoming rejects boosting wind production tax

Not one supporter of a proposed wind production tax increase testified at a recent meeting of the legislature's Joint Revenue Committee.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2016

Trump, Clinton spar over clean energy policies in 1st Presidential debate

Donald Trump never said "Solyndra," but he seemed to be referencing the failed solar developer when he called the United States' energy policies a "disaster."

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2016

NYC targets 100 MWh energy storage by 2020

The new energy storage target will help New York City reach its goal to cut emissions 80% by 2050.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2016

Study: Transportation CO2 emissions outpace power sector

As the power sector shifts from coal to gas to cut emissions, transportation takes the No.1 spot as biggest CO2 emitter. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2016

Demand charges vs. TOU rates: The great Arizona rate design experiment

APS wants to be the first utility with mandatory demand charges for residential customers, but critics say time-of-use pricing provides similar benefits and is easier for consumers to adopt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 26, 2016

Xcel Energy seeks to add 1,500 MW of wind power

With falling costs and temporary tax assistance, wind is "in the money."

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 23, 2016

Tesla, SolarCity set to unveil 'solar roof' offering next month

"It's not a thing on a roof, it is the roof," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said over the summer. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2016

Hawaiian regulators approve time-of-use rate pilot to aid solar integration

In an effort to shift electricity usage to daytime, Hawaii's PUC has approved a time-of-use rate program for HECO.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 22, 2016