IPPs oppose utility ownership of large-scale renewables in New York

Independent producers and energy groups in New York say a proposal to allow utility ownership of large-scale rewnewables would threaten customers' low rates.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2015

Distributed solar prices in U.S. continue to fall for fifth straight year

Prices are now falling below $0.50 per watt in some states despite stable module costs, suggesting success soft cost cuts.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 13, 2015

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

Note to utilities: Here's why 2015 is the 'tipping point' for community solar

The year of community solar is here: “As utilities wake up to the value proposition, it will increasingly shape the market.”

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

DOE: U.S. wind grew 8% in 2014 with prices dropping to all-time lows

New market report shows wind at almost 5% of U.S. electricity generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

Alliant Energy reverses stance, agrees to net meter third party solar

The change opens the door for an Iowa solar boom led by third party financing.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

How renewable energy can save utilities money

Former Colorado regulators Ron Binz and Ron Lehr reveal how one utility saved money by investing in wind and solar.

By Ron Binz and Ron Lehr • Aug. 10, 2015

Massachusetts Governor proposes to expand net metering caps

Gov. Charlie Baker has filed a bill to bolster solar development beyond the state's goal of 1,600 MW by 2020.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2015

Dominion CEO predicts gap in renewables development from 2017 to 2020

But once states begin setting their Clean Power Plan compliance strategies, credits could essentially double, according to the CEO.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2015

Is 28% renewables by 2030 possible without the wind PTC?

Wind’s capability to provide its share may hinge on whether Congress extends its tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 8, 2015

Is New Hampshire solar racing toward a brick wall?

The failure of state legislators to extend the net metering cap could hurt solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 7, 2015

CA utilities, solar installers on same page in renewables mandate lobbying

Usually opponents in policy debates, both groups want rooftop solar counted toward the state's renewables standards.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 7, 2015

HECO asks regulators to simplify electric vehicle charging rates

Looking to leverage both the popularity of electric vehicles and the growth of solar, Oahu's biggest utility filed discounted charging rates with state regulators.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2015

Report: Wind energy siting regulations need more consistency

The Center for Rural Affairs.examined wind regulations in four states and found widely varying rules and regulations - even within an individual state.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2015

The other death spiral utilities are beginning to deal with

Key corporate customers are clamoring for more renewables, and will get it from someone else if the utility won't provide. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

Michigan senate bill would erode the value of net metering for solar owners

Change from retail rate to wholesale rate remuneration could double the time it takes to pay off a solar system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

APS must ask for its solar fee increase in a rate case, Ariz. judge rules

The utility's next rate case, a request for a boost from $0.70 per kW to $3 per kW for solar owners, must wait until 2016.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

CA utilities call for solar remuneration cuts, fixed and demand charges

The solar industry wants retail rate net metering until 2019 to compensate for tax credits due to expire.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 5, 2015

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

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