Energy storage bills fail in Hawaii, but could re-appear in next legislative session

Support for storage is widespread in Hawaii, but the state's financial situation makes new incentive funding a challenge.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Yieldco problems: systemic or a speed bump?

With SunEdison's bankruptcy, yieldco shares have taken a hit, raising questions about the viability of the investment vehicle.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 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

UES Electric drops mandatory demand charge proposal, except for new solar customers

Residential demand charges would still be mandatory for new rooftop solar customers, who would also see higher fixed monthly fees and lower net metering rates under the proposed rate plan.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

SunEdison delays Q1 financials, fires CFO following bankruptcy

Chief Financial Officer Brian Wuebbels had also served as Chief Administration Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Hawaii solar jobs fall 35% after regulators end retail net metering

Solar installation permit numbers have also fallen, suggesting the new options to replace retail rate remuneration aren't as effective. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

PSE&G to invest $275M in new solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites

If approved, the New Jersey utility will build ten solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

Utilities, greens still miles apart on solar valuation, new report shows

The Center for Biological Diversity identified 10 states it says are blocking rooftop solar, but the bigger takeaway is how its perspective on solar valuation differs from those of utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

With Maine solar bill dead, industry waits on regulators for net metering reforms

A recent bill would have instituted a novel incentive structure for solar in Maine, but lawmakers were unable to overrule a veto from Gov. Paul LePage last month.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Ohio lawmakers seek further freeze on renewable, efficiency standards

Some lawmakers are pushing to permanently freeze the state's renewables and efficiency mandates as the end of the current, temporary two-year freeze looms large.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

Wyoming lawmakers to consider raising the only US state tax on wind generation

Lawmakers say they want to make tax rates for renewables and fossil fuel generation comparable, but wind developers claim they already pay higher rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

It's the economy: Maryland RPS debate illustrates national divide on clean energy policy

States with RPS laws are doubling down, while those without take little interest. Maryland could help explain why.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Construction manufacturer Caterpillar enters microgrid and storage market

Caterpillar has launched microgrid suite that combines solar, storage and Caterpillar generators.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

ComEd jumps on the demand charge train with new Illinois proposal

Residential demand charges have been most popular in the Southwest, but the Chicago-based utility features them prominently in a new legislative push.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

NRG to sell EV charging stake and revamp residential solar venture to cut costs

The steps come as NRG Energy struggles to reduce costs and raise profits.

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2016

Study: Coast Guard push to limit offshore wind development

In a new study, a working group from the Coast Guard worry offshore wind development could increase the chances of accidents and hurt shipping traffic. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2016

Tesla reports 25 MWh of storage capacity delivered in Q1 2016

A shareholder letter highlights demand for the Powerwall residential storage device and acknowledges delays in some deliveries.

By Peter Maloney • May 6, 2016

Updated: Exelon says 2 nuke plants on the line in sweeping new Illinois energy bill

The Next Generation Energy Plan, announced yesterday, would touch virtually every aspect of the state's power industry. Without it, Exelon plans to retire two challenged nuclear plants.

By Peter Maloney • May 6, 2016

NV Energy expands Green Energy Rider program to large customers

The program will now allow customers with demand of 1 MW or higher to source half or all of their electricity from solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2016

Weeks after law's passage, New Hampshire utilities near net metering cap for large solar

The ink has barely dried on a new law in New Hampshire raising net metering caps and already, one utility says it's nearly maxed out on large projects.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2016