Federal agency seeks information for Hawaii offshore wind projects

The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a call for information and nominations for wind development off Hawaiian coasts. 

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2016

3 transmission projects that illustrate the importance in modernizing the grid

Big power line expansions in ERCOT, SPP and MISO are helping shape a cleaner energy system, but building them was a slog.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 24, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

North Carolina lawmakers push measure to restrict wind farms

New rules, aimed primarily at noise, would make it harder to site projects, say industry officials.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2016

Rhode Island lawmakers extend renewable standard to 38.5% by 2035

The measure is considered a part of the state Senate’s green jobs plan and now heads to the desk of Gov. Gina Raimondo (D).

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2016

Nest, SolarCity partner to leverage time-of-use rate plans in savings program

The smart thermostat company is working with Southern California Edison customers, and others, to expand the offering.

By Robert Walton • June 24, 2016

Exelon plans to build 200 MW wind farm in Ohio

Exelon's bid to build a wind farm comes after the utility backed measures to support phasing out wind credits a few years ago, which led AWEA to oust Exelon from the organization. 

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2016

As SDG&E edges closer to net metering cap, solar installations not expected to slow

San Diego Gas & Electric is on the cusp of hitting California's net metering cap, which means NEM 2.0 kicks in with higher fees and time-of-use rates. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • June 22, 2016

Solar plus storage: With SolarCity deal, Tesla aims to speed clean energy transition

Elon Musk wants to create an all-in-one sustainable energy company to shape a "non-weird future." Will shareholders let him?

By Gavin Bade • June 22, 2016

Maine PUC issues RFP for above-market biomass contracts

The Maine Legislature directed regulators to solicit 80 MW of biomass energy and earmarked more than $13 million in taxpayer funds for the deals.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2016

Southern Co. subsidiary issues more than $1B in green bonds

The issuance "underscores the company's commitment to innovation," said Southern Power CEO Buzz Miller. 

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2016

How storage can help solve the distributed energy 'death spiral'

A new Navigant paper lays out three examples of how storage can facilitate the transition to a more distributed grid.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 21, 2016

ConEd virtual power plant shows how New York's REV is reforming utility practices

Usually thought of as a zero-sum game, the REV docket is finding ways to allow utilities, third parties and customers all benefit from the deployment of distributed resources. 

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2016

Morgan Stanley: Australian utilities underestimate disruptive power of solar+storage

With electricity prices rising, storage costs falling and solar incentives phasing out, the stage could be set for significant load defection in Australia as consumers increasingly deploy their own batteries and PV.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2016

Hawaii PUC staff outlines bill credits for community renewable energy programs

The PUC staff was responding to proposals made by Hawaiian Electric and Kauai Island Electric Utility Cooperative in response to a state law. 

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2016

Report: Lack of land poses hurdles for North Carolina solar development

Substations will need to be upgraded to continue to growth of solar energy in the state, and high-value land near those substations is quickly being snatched up.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2016

Montana PSC suspends PURPA rates for small solar farms

Until a new rate is decided, developers will need to negotiate with power providers for rates on a case-by-case basis. 

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2016

Georgia Power sees sluggish rooftop solar growth

Georgia Power launched an unregulated solar installation division last year, but so far it has only installed five systems.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2016

Scientists, advocates spar over role of biomass energy in climate change policies

Appropriations bills in the U.S. House and Senate would call biomass energy carbon neutral, but some in the scientific community say that's not exactly right.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2016

Siemens, Gamesa to form world's largest wind developer

Siemens is reportedly paying more than $1 billion for a 59% stake in the combined business.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2016

EPA proposes CPP state renewable energy incentives despite SCOTUS freeze

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency outlined a voluntary program designed to incentivize states to establish energy efficiency and renewables projects. 

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2016

White House initiative targets storage growth for demand management, renewables integration

The Obama administration is hosting a summit on how best to scale up renewable and storage technologies, and how to most effectively integrate them into smarter electricity markets.

By Robert Walton • June 17, 2016

Maryland regulators approve community solar pilot program

The three-year pilot will focus on providing renewable energy benefits for low and moderate income customers.

By Robert Walton • June 17, 2016

Beyond rate reforms: Bundling strategies could resolve net metering battles

While no silver bullet is found in a single strategy, an NREL study suggests bundling several approaches could address both solar and utilities' concerns about rooftop solar. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 16, 2016

Wyoming's wind tax debate puts plans for biggest North American wind farm in doubt

Wyoming is considering raising taxes on wind production, and the Power Company of Wyoming says it could make their project uneconomical.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2016

After veto, Vermont governor signs modified renewables siting bill

The governor had vetoed a previous version due to concerns over "unintended effects" of new wind sound standards.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2016