Maryland House approves 25% renewables mandate, sending bill to Senate

A provision for clean energy job training and programs to support development of minority- and women-owned businesses was separated from the bill and set aside for a separate workforce development measure. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 2016

Arizona Dems call on GOP utility regulator to resign over SolarCity conflict

Two Democrats vying for seats on the Corporation Commission say lawmakers are trying to rewrite the rules for a GOP appointee. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 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

5 maps that show where the action is on solar policy

With 46 of 50 states considering policy action last year, solar is literally the talk of the nation.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 22, 2016

Leading edge: Hawaii utilities push storage, solar integration for 100% renewables mandate

Two innovative projects on the islands could provide lessons for power providers throughout the country.

By Peter Maloney • March 21, 2016

Proposed New York offshore wind site capacity could match a nuclear plant

127 square mile area could generate 900 MW of electricity for Manhattan

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2016

Alevo inks deal for 8-MW storage project in Delaware

Alevo signs deal for 8-MW storage project in Delaware that will sell into PJM.

By Peter Maloney • March 18, 2016

Colorado rejects Xcel's community solar plan

Last month Xcel struck an agreement for up to 60 MW of solar energy, but regulators say the deal is not in consumers' best interests.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2016

Ivanpah CSP facility nabs more time to ramp up output, avoid default

The California Public Utilities Commission granted forbearance agreements to the owners of the world's largest concentrating solar facility to avoid defaulting on power pruchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric after under-delivering electricity. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2016

Maine lawmaker calls for PUC to revamp net metering, not legislature

But supporters worry that Maine's Public Utilities Commission will not keep the current net metering intact, casting a shadow over the nascent solar sector. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2016

Dominion, Microsoft partner on 20 MW solar farm in Virginia

The public-private partnership will enable Microsoft to move toward its sustainability goals.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2016

Report: US generators face $2B in lost revenues from rooftop solar

As more homes install rooftop solar, a report from ICF International finds that grid operators plan to cut the amount of conventional generation they purchase starting in 2019. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2016

Australian company unveils major 250 MW geothermal project in California's Salton Sea

Australian company, Controlled Thermal Resources, hopes to obtain regulatory approval through economies of scale and providing a baseload resource to offset intermittant wind and solar resources. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2016

Ohio's new clean energy ballot initiative sparks concern among utilities

A new ballot initiative would enable Ohio to issue over $14 billion in bonds to foster the development of clean energy resources.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 16, 2016

Big solar plant project seeks rezoning near Kingsman, Ariz.

Grey Hawk Solar needs more than 1,500 acres rezoned in order to move ahead with its 70 MW solar project, which has a 20-year power purchase agreement with UniSource Energy Services. 

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2016

Study: US offshore wind farms costs could drop 55% in 13 years

If wind developers commit to building 2,000 MW of new capacity, economies of scale will drive prices down 55% over 13 years, according to a new study. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2016

ERCOT: Wind, solar nearly two-thirds new capacity in 2016

The ERCOT system capacity is expected to grow almost 12,500 MW while coal declines and nuclear stagnates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2016

Report: Renewables power 21% Minnesota electricity in 2015

A new report from the Minnesota Department of Commerce finds the state is on pace to exceed its 25% renewable standard by 2025. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman says the state should consider raising that goal.

By Robert Walton • March 15, 2016

ComEd forges ahead with ambitious microgrid plans amid legislative debate

A $4 million DOE grant could help ComEd build up to six microgrids in Chicago, depending on the outcome of pending legislation.

By Peter Maloney • March 15, 2016

Are residential demand charges the best rate reform for DERs?

The debate over rooftop solar is shifting in a new direction, with utilities and regulators examining new rate reform methods.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 15, 2016

Small solar plants first to bring solar power to Mississippi Gulf Coast

South Mississippi Electric Power Association brought two small 100 kW solar power plants online near the Gulf Coast in part due to market research showing a customer demand for renewable energy. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 15, 2016

ERCOT: Wind energy climbs, but February demand drops

Record-breaking wind installation helped the resource to overtake nuclear as ERCOT's third largest power source. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 15, 2016

DOE invests $6.7M in 33 small businesses to speed clean energy development

More than 30 small businesses were tapped to work directly with the U.S. Department of Energy's national labs in DOE's new Small Business Vouchers pilot. 

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2016

Utah lawmakers switch votes, pass Rocky Mountain Power clean energy bill

Uath lawmakers in the state's House rejected the Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan Act last Thursday, but 13 later reversed their votes and passed the legislation later that night upon reconsideration. 

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2016

General Electric seeks to capture CO2 for energy storage

GE Research is working on a way to use supercritical CO2 to enhance the storage capabilities of thermal solar power.

By Peter Maloney • March 12, 2016

Montana court upholds PSC order to keep original PURPA rates

A Montana judge upheld the state's utility regulators' decision to reject NorthWestern Energy's bid to reduce the established avoid cost rate paid to independent power producers under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2016