Rushing to bring solar online, Hawaii approves 4 utility scale projects

The Public Service Commission rejected one solar farm and approved four others proposed by the Hawaiian Electric Co.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 5, 2015

NV Energy pushes net metering rate cuts, setting off familiar fight

The utility says reducing the credits will allow solar installations to continue and the industry to grow without subsidies. Unsurprisingly, solar advocates see things differently.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 5, 2015

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

Arizona utilities set to meet 2016 renewables mandates with solar

Tucson Electric, meanwhile, has asked state regulators to define community shared solar as distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 4, 2015

Xcel: Utility-scale solar will continue to be primary focus

Rooftop and community solar require significant subsidization, according to Xcel Energy CEO Ben Fowke.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2015

Arizona readies consumer protections for solar leasing as installers protest

The new rules reinforce disclosures, guarantees and contract limits in existing law.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 3, 2015

'Tipping point' for FL solar? Orlando utility buys at under fossil generation prices

The new 13 MW solar array could represent a new chapter for solar in the sunshine state, backers hope.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 3, 2015

What to expect from the EPA's final Clean Power Plan

The new regulations bring with them a host of new opportunities for the power sector, industry experts told Utility Dive last week.

By Gavin Bade • July 31, 2015

FirstEnergy, AEP push Ohio regulators for solar policy cutbacks

The utilities want renumeration below retail rates and cuts in the amount of solar electricity they must buy.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 31, 2015

Inside New York's aggressive new community shared renewables program

A carefully crafted program will allow buy-in for those without solar-suitable roofs, from the crowded boroughs of Manhattan to the shady lanes upstate.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 30, 2015

ConEd will enter NY rooftop solar market through unregulated subsidiary

ConEdison Solutions’ third party owned product will use SunPower modules and be available at no upfront cost to the consumer.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 30, 2015

Study: Friendly wind patterns could make Wyoming renewables a crucial California resource

A new study shows that because California and Wyoming have wind patters which are largely opposite, the two states can coordinate to reduce emissions and boost capacity factors.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2015

As Berkshire signs Obama climate pledge, subsidiary MidAmerican targets 57% wind in Iowa

Regulatory approvals would take the Buffett-owned utility to 4,000 MW of wind.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 29, 2015

Interest grows for pumped hydro storage options in Hawaii

At least one utility, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, has opted against battery storage and is exploring a 25 MW pumped hydro facility.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2015

Why the future of microgrids won't look like the past

Microgrid capacity is expected to double in the next five years, but the new wave of small grids won't look much like the old.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2015

SolarCity eyes 'neglected' small commercial market with new solar product

The product will only be available in California now, with plans to expand to the east coast and other states in early 2016.

By Davide Savenije • July 28, 2015

First U.S. offshore wind project gets steel in the water

The start of construction for Deepwater Wind’s 30 MW Block Island facility is a landmark for an industry that's long lagged behind its European counterparts.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 28, 2015

NRG Energy moves into community shared solar

With the debut of a new project in Massachusetts, NRG becomes community shared solar's first vertically integrated developer.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 28, 2015

SoCal Edison seeks renewables, 'just-in-time' battery solutions in RFPs

The is pressing for vendors to develop smaller plug-and-play battery systems which can be installed within a matter of months.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2015

Hillary Clinton reveals energy policy: 33% renewables by 2027

The Democratic frontrunner wants the U.S. to have 140 GW of cumulative solar power by the beginning of the next decade, but is it realistic?

By Gavin Bade • July 27, 2015

Iowa co-op proposes one of the highest fixed solar charges in nation

Owner-members with DG say the $85 per month violate Iowa law against “discriminatory rates or charges."

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

Mass. senate passes increased net metering cap on bipartisan voice vote

The provision would double the limit on net metered solar and kick start solar planning among state regulators.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

Hawaii regulators pushed to consider co-op as alternative to HECO merger

The filing marks the first time regulators have formally been asked to consider a co-op as an alternative to the sale of Hawaii's dominant electric provider.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

The bill calls for more energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's electric system, diversifying resource supply and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Utility-scale solar is significantly cheaper than rooftop. Does that make it better?

The cost numbers don't lie, but critics say they don't tell the whole story of rooftop solar's value.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Report: Wait times for rooftop solar interconnection jumped 68% 2013-2014

And as more regulations govern distributed resources, the time needed to interconnect systems will likely increase, absent rules to streamline the process.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015