Minnesota report points to flaws in Xcel's community solar installations

An independent engineer appointed by the PUC says the utility mishandled cost estimates, interconnection processes, and cooperation with developers in a community solar project.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 2016

'Straight uphill': Power sector reforms face tough path in gridlocked Illinois legislature

Three utility-backed bills to support, nuclear generation, renewables and efficiency did not pass in the last session of the General Assembly. Stakeholders are now trying to role them into a single law.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

Nebraska legislature advances bill to ease wind development

The bill would remove impediments to developing some of the biggest wind potential in the United States. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 2016

Aquion battery to meet overnight needs of Puerto Rican solar farm

An Aquion battery is being deployed at a 16 MW Puerto Rican solar farm to meet overnight needs.

By Peter Maloney • April 11, 2016

New Hampshire legislature doubles net metering cap to 100 MW

The new law also orders state regulators to ready a successor tariff when the new cap is reached. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 11, 2016

San Diego eyes community choice aggregation to meet 100% renewable goals

The city is likely facing a protracted fight with San Diego Gas & Electric, which is establishing a seperate market affiliate as mandated under California law to "discuss" the city's community choice plan.

By Robert Walton • April 10, 2016

Senate includes energy tax credits in FAA bill, but face growing opposition in House

A deal may have been struck in the Senate, but opposition to including energy tax credits in the FAA reauthorization bill is growing in the House.

By Robert Walton • April 10, 2016

Offshore wind needed for New York's 50% energy goal, energy czar says

A newly designated ocean tract off Long Island could deliver competitively-priced wind-sourced electricity, Richard Kauffman said this week.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016

SolarCity closes $150M securitization for commercial solar+storage

SolarCity continued a string of securitizations with a $150-million financing from Credit Suisse.

By Peter Maloney • April 8, 2016

Vermont regulators propose net metering changes

The proposal would encourage net-metered systems to be developed in preferred, pre-developed locations, including different price levels.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2016

With another generation record, Texas edges closer to 50% wind penetration

ERCOT got more than 48% of its generation from wind during early hours of March 23.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016

Community solar poised for growth as utilities gain confidence, familiarity

Two new reports detail a bright future for community solar as utilities and developers gain experience and realize the resource's potential.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016

Iowa House passes bill to toughen eminent domain rules for transmission developers

The bill would prevent utility regulators from granting eminent domain rights for a project unless 75% of landowners in its path approved.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016

HECO is testing Varentec devices to regulate voltage fluctuations from rooftop solar

Hawaii's main utility is conducting a pilot program aimed at testing Varentec devices to regulate voltage fluctuations from rooftop solar installations.

By Peter Maloney • April 7, 2016

Indiana cooperative to offer leases on pilot community solar array

Member-customers expected to save $1,600 over the 20 year term lease term

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016

Maryland Senate passes 25% RPS in clean energy jobs bill

Final votes in both legislative chambers are still needed to reconcile bill differences, but it appears the 25% renewable energy standard is on its way to Gov. Larry Hogan.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2016

Massachusetts lawmakers pass bill to raise solar cap, cut net metering rates

The Masschussetts legislative committee tasked with coming up with a solution to deal with net metering caps and solar remuneration arrived at a final bill, which passed through both houses and now awaits Gov. Charlie Baker's signature. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 6, 2016

'Wake up worrying': NextEra-Hawaiian Electric merger in doubt as regulators near decision time

NextEra's bid to buy Hawaiian Electric has failed to inspire state energy stakeholders, but the merger proceeding isn't a popularity contest.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

Report: Installed solar costs dropped 5% as consumers search for best value

EnergySage, an online marketplace for solar, released a report that also showed solar customers moving from leasing deals to solar loans. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

New Arizona law delays solar installation 60 days, drawing ire from advcates

SB 1417 also imposes new disclosure burdens on installers which they say aim to slow solar growth

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

As RPS importance declines, 3 factors help drive growth for utility-scale solar

For the first time, most utility-scale solar development this year won't be driven by renewable portfolio standards. Instead, voluntary utility procurement, PURPA contracts and corporate interest are boosting the market, along with some nascent activity in the merchant generation space.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2016

SunEdison's financial woes could scuttle storage deal with Imergy in India

SunEdison's financial troubles could threaten Imergy's battery roll-out in India.

By Peter Maloney • April 4, 2016

Report: SunEdison plans to file for bankruptcy

SunEdison is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it also faces an investigation from the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 4, 2016

How DOE is leveraging federal authority to ease transmission development

The Dept. of Energy is exercising powers that allow it to speed siting and construction of interstate transmission, but not everyone is pleased.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2016

Palo Alto city to pay double wholesale market price for solar energy contracts

The City Council of Palo Alto voted 6-1 to allow solar developers to sell solar energy at $0.16/kWh. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 2, 2016