Armed observers heighten tensions in Nevada solar net metering debate

Nevada is an open carry state, and some are concerned about solar advocates bringing their weapons to a Public Utilities Commission meeting scheduled for today.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 2016

Bad power deals cost Maine $38M, governor says

 "Socialists love to subsidize new wind and solar,"  said Maine Governor Paul LePage (R). 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 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

8 trends shaping the grid of the future

A Deloitte study finds "alternative energy’s shift to the mainstream is largely complete and likely irreversible."

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 11, 2016

Sunverge Energy to roll out solar management system

Sunverge Energy says its next generation solar integration system will be available this summer.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 11, 2016

Florida critics say utility-backed amendment curbs solar choice

The utilities said the amendment establishes a right for consumers to own or lease solar equipment while ensuring there is no cost-shift on non-distributed solar owners. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 11, 2016

How Arizona Public Service is preparing for the grid of the future

New offerings point to the need for a unified control systems to manage DERs on the grid.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 10, 2016

Ex-regulator: NextEra's energy vision for Hawaii isn't good enough

Former Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kristin Mayes said NextEra Energy failed to show "strong tangible conditions attached to the deal." 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 10, 2016

Companies launch first US community solar trade group

The Coalition for Community Solar Access will work to expand policies propelling community solar in emerging markets. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 10, 2016

How Tucson Electric Power's CEO wants to grow DERs in Arizona

As solar deployment spreads, TEP seeks rate design reforms and aims for a full suite of utility-owned DERs.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 9, 2016

Obama proposes doubling clean energy R&D spending by 2021

The spending increase would be a part of Mission Innovation, an international commitment to accelerate public and private global clean energy innovation, reached last year as part of the United Nations climate talks in Paris.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

PG&E to launch new community solar program

Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric also prepare to offer their own community solar programs in response to a 2013 California mandate that calls for 600 MW of community solar. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

EIA: Solar capacity hits 20,000 MW, with almost half in California

California continues to be the leader in the U.S. solar market, owning more than half of the nation's utility-scale solar capacity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

Sacramento muni cancels 400MW pumped storage project

Costs and environmental delays helped to scuttle SMUD's plans for a 400-MW pumped storage project in northern California.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 8, 2016

NextEra gives cost estimates for HEI's new energy plan

NextEra was the primary data provider for eight of the 14 project proposals Hawaiian Electric's revised "2016 Power Supply Improvement Plan," which was previously rejected by Hawaiian utility regulators in November 2015. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 8, 2016

Colorado utilities to test 5 rural, low-income solar models

The Colorado Energy Office and GRID Alternatives are developing five community solar projects to serve low-income customers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

Arizona regulators approve $2B SunZia power line over objections from greens

The line's 3,000 MW carrying capacity will deliver New Mexico wind and Arizona solar to demand centers in the Southwest.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 5, 2016

Entergy breaks ground on New Orleans' first utility-scale solar, complete with storage

The 1 MW solar project and 500 kWh battery will test the grid balancing capability of solar-plus-storage.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 5, 2016

SPP: Wind penetration tops previous record at 39.1%

The Southwest Power Pool topped 39% wind penetration on the last day of January, but with transmission upgrades, the grid operator says it can accomodate much more.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 5, 2016

California ISO approves proposals to bolster storage and demand response

The California ISO has approved several proposals aimed at further integrating distributed energy resources into the states's wholesale power market.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 4, 2016

EIA: Renewables to be 14% of U.S. electricity generation in 2016

Wind should supply 5.2% of U.S. power next year and solar is projected to top 1%. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 4, 2016

Kauai co-op integrates over 70% solar, 90% renewables four times in January

With fast-ramping diesel, hydro and biomass making up the balance, KIUC got up to 77% solar in its power mix in January.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 4, 2016

NV Energy proposes net metering 'grandfathering' provision in new filing

NV Energy filed a proposal outlining a "grandfathering" provision that would allow existing solar customers to keep retail rate net metering.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Feb. 4, 2016

NARUC opposes King-Reid solar net metering amendment to federal energy bill

The association representing state utility regulators issued a letter in opposition to an amendment proposed by Senator Angus King and Minority Leader Harry Reid. 

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 3, 2016

Arizona regulators to decide if SunZia power line must guarantee space for renewables

Opponents fear that without restrictions, a line planned to transmit renewable energy will end up carrying gas-generated power.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 3, 2016

Should utilities be afraid of Sonnen's new community storage offering?

Community energy storage in the U.S. could ramp up with German storage developer Sonnen's entry into the market.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 2, 2016