Arizona Public Service pushes residential demand charges in new rate case

The $3.6 billion rate case includes a proposal for three different residential demand charge options, which the utility says will incentivize customers to manage peak usage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2016

Energy storage's role in decarbonization will depend on duration, cost cuts

For a clean grid, "storage is not a requisite if a diverse mix of flexible, low-carbon power sources is employed," according to a new study by Argonne Laboratory and MIT.

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 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

Donald Trump's energy proposals echo old GOP priorities

The presumptive Republican nominee outlined his energy policy platform at an oil industry conference in North Dakota Thursday.

By Gavin Bade • May 27, 2016

SPP CEO: Regionalization, transmission help push renewables penetration near 50%

Southwest Power Pool CEO Nick Brown says he sees solar, storage and more footprint expansion coming in the next five years.

By Gavin Bade • May 26, 2016

Strange bedfellows: How solar and utilities struck a net metering compromise in New York

Communication and a forward-thinking regulatory framework are key to finding middle ground. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 26, 2016

Brookings: Net metering is a net benefit for utilities and all ratepayers

A new report from Brookings reviewed reports from a wide spectrum of utility regulatory bodies, national laboratories, academic and think tank reports, concluding that net metering is a good thing.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 26, 2016

Hawaiian Electric could hit some rooftop solar caps next month, filing warns

A group of solar interests says the caps on the customer grid supply tariff on Maui could be hit in the second week of June.

By Gavin Bade • May 26, 2016

Across the 'valley of death': How the wind industry will cope without tax credits

Tax incentives are spurring so much renewables growth that states could meet their Clean Power Plan targets ahead of the compliance period. That could mean a slowdown for the wind industry, which was counting on the regulatory package to sustain growth. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 25, 2016

Utility fund backs big data company AutoGrid in VC round

AutoGrid raises $20 million to deploy software designed to enable a variety of distributed resources.

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2016

SolarCity: Nevada rooftop solar delivers 1.6¢/kWh in net benefits to grid

A new report from the leading rooftop solar installer argues previous analyses of solar's value to the state have been incomplete.

By Gavin Bade • May 24, 2016

A grid of DERs: DOE program aims for 100% solar penetration on the distribution system

The new SunShot program will dole out $25M to solutions aimed at integrating truly unprecedented amounts of distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 24, 2016

Thin Film PV Pulls Ahead in Technology Race

Thanks to a focus on R&D for thin film photovoltaic solar, First Solar has increased efficiency and decreased costs for utility-scale systems. 

May 24, 2016

The U.S. needs more transmission. One Midwest project could provide a collaborative model.

A new report outlines how 11 utilities leaped big hurdles to build the 800-mile CapX2020 project.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

Arizona begins hearings on co-op plan for higher fixed charges, lower net metering rates

The Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative rate case request includes a special charge to rooftop solar customers and a cut in net metering rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

New York PSC enacts new revenue models for utilities in REV proceeding

Utilities in the Empire State have new options to earn revenue, though the traditional cost-of-service model was preserved by regulators as well.

By Gavin Bade • May 20, 2016

North Carolina bill would sharply restrict utility-scale renewables siting

The bill would require developers to conceal solar farms and keep the noise from wind facilities to near the volume of a human whisper. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016

DOE releases comprehensive overview of efforts to cut solar costs

The SunShot program is 5 years into its 10 year run and 70% of the way to cutting solar cost to $0.06/kWh.  

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016

Caps raised, New Hampshire turns attention to imminent struggle over solar value

A new law that raised net metering caps also directed state regulators to devise a new solar incentive program within 10 months. Already some innovative proposals are surfacing. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Nevada governor's task force committee recommends grandfathering rooftop solar customers

A group on the energy task force convened by Gov. Brian Sandoval has passed a resolution recommending grandfathering, and it could end up being included in a future energy bill. 

By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016

Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators' action on net metering

National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Sunrun teams with Tesla to install solar+storage for Hawaii's self-supply incentive

Billed at $0.19/kWh, the price of the solar and storage installation comes in well under Hawaii's average retail electric prices for residential customers. 

By Peter Maloney • May 18, 2016

Wind developers eye Hawaii, California coasts for floating turbines

The two states have abundant wind resources, but deep water close to the coasts means that wind turbines fixed to the ocean floor are unfeasible. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016