Vermont regulators propose new net metering rules

The proposal would keep net energy metering and reward beneficial siting while giving renewable energy certificates to utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 29, 2016

DOE to help develop 700-mile Clean Line transmission project

The Department of Energy last week announced it would "participate in the development" of the Plains & Eastern Clean Line Project, a 4,000 MW transmission line bringing cheap wind power to the Southeast.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 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

Hawaii solar sector braces for job losses after net metering decision

Hawaii PUC's decision to end net metering last year is already having an impact on the state's solar installers, and observers say more job losses are on the way.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2016

Analysts: SunEdison may face $1.4B default if it doesn't file report

The major clean energy developer has already postponed the filing of its report twice.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 28, 2016

How utility collaboration can cut community solar costs up to 40%

A new brief from the Rocky Mountain Institute reveals lessons from its field work in supporting shared solar development.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 28, 2016

Federal agency considers 1st floating offshore wind project

Trident Winds, LLC submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop an 800 MW offshore floating wind project off Morro Bay, California. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2016

How Maine's power players are reacting to its pathbreaking new solar proposal

A landmark bill offers a plan that could be the next step beyond net energy metering if it gets past partisan Maine politics and doubts about untested ideas.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2016

In Supreme Court's second power case of 2016, renewable energy advocates are on edge

On paper, the case is about a natural gas plant. But how the U.S. Supreme Court rules a contract between Maryland and a power developer could have broader consequences on interstate markets and renewable energy development.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2016

Iowa utilities mull new solar fees

Solar advocates say they are concerned MidAmerican and Alliant may try and push through new fees outside of a full rate review.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2016

Sunrun, TASC fight to keep net metering in Maine

Plan to replace net metering threatens some installers but the difference to customers is small

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2016

EIA: Wind, solar and natural gas make most new electrical generation in 2015

The U.S. Energy Administration expects this trend of wind, solar and natural gas making up the dominant amount of the new electrical generation to conintue into 2016. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2016

Getting to 100% renewables: How Hawaii plans to get fossil fuels off the grid

In Hawaii, getting consensus around a 100% renewable energy mandate was the easy part. The hard part comes next.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2016

Critics demand more renewables in Minnesota Power's power plan

The utility should be able to reduce fossil fuel use below two-thirds of its generation, say clean energy advocates.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2016

Constellation partners with Sunrun on residential solar option

Constellation's program with Sunrun will be offered to residential customers in Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2016

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

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