Researchers identify new storage tech for concentrated solar power plants

Researchers in Oregon and Florida have identified a storage medium that could widen the reach of concentrated solar power projects.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2015

TXU Energy launches new solar financing venture for customers

The electricity retailer has teamed up with SunPower to offer customers "affordable financing options" for rooftop solar.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2015

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

Texas wind power is so cheap, electricity providers are giving it away

More than 50 power providers in Texas have offered consumers a good deal in the past three years thanks to cheap wind power having no place to go: Free electricity.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2015

Judge allows SolarCity lawsuit against Arizona utility SRP to move forward

An Arizona federal judge threw out SolarCity's claims for monetary damages and non-monetary relief but ruled that the lawsuit can proceed.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 10, 2015

DOE approves $1.2B transmission line for Canadian wind and hydro

The transmission line expected to import 1,000 MW of Canadian wind and hydro power to New England nears regulatory completion. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 10, 2015

Arizona utility TEP wants to add solar fee, reduce net metering credit

Tucson Electric Power is asking for several changes to its rates as it commits to 30% renewables by 2030. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 6, 2015

California solar advocates bring wheelbarrows of petitions to net metering fight

Solar advocates push to extend California's retail net energy metering credit as utility regulators consider three proposals from major utilities to add fixed charges and lower credits for solar users.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 6, 2015

Arizona Supreme Court to decide if waste qualifies as a renewable resource

The Sierra Club has asked the court to prevent waste-to-biofuels facilities from qualifying for the state's renewable energy mandate.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 6, 2015

BP technology report sees solar's biggest gains in storage

BP's Technology Outlook sees faster prices declines for storage technologies than any other sector in the energy industry.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2015

Midwest power co-ops face steep challenges for Clean Power Plan compliance

Co-op officials aren't excited by the prospect of compliance with the regulatory package, which will push them to draw down coal generation and invest in cleaner energy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 6, 2015

After public rebuke, Duke axes Carolina power line, downsizes gas plant proposal

The utility will construct two smaller gas-fired plants instead of one, and scrapped plans for a new line and substation, opting to lean on efficiency and demand management instead. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2015

Greens slam SoCal Edison plan for 3 new gas plants in $12B grid modernization

While SCE is one of the nation's leading utilities in energy storage, it wants to construct three new gas plants it says are needed to integrate more renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2015

Wind's huge October: Generation records set in 4 of 7 organized markets

Better turbines and new installed capacity from the recent ‘wind rush’ make the resource a significant part of the energy supply on grids across the nation. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 5, 2015

Duke urges regulators to deny TPO solar bid from green group, church

The utility says the protest act by activist group NC WARN is breaking the law and deserves $1,000 fine every day.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 4, 2015

Florida's solar ballot proposals reortedly causing confusion among voters

Similar names and a wonky topic could contribute to confusion among voters over dueling solar ballot initiatives, according to an Orlando Sentinel columnist. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2015

The day after: How solar can thrive in the post-net metering era

With storage, TOU rates and control tech, solar can boom in the absence of net metering and benefit utilities as well.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2015

Ice, ice energy: The hot market for cooled liquid energy storage

Ice Energy and CALMAC are proving their value while newer technologies wrestle with cost.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2015

New Mexico regulators deny El Paso Electric monthly charge on distributed generation

The ruling to protect DG owners from discriminatory ratemaking practices follows similar decisions in other states.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2015

Hawaii's largest solar array, complete with storage, now online

REC Solar has brought a 12 MW solar system online for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, which is paired with a lithium-ion battery system to smooth renewable integration.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2015

Xcel proposes 2 solar-storage projects in Denver

The two solar+storage projects aims to test out battery operations paired with solar systems for future "smart" and "sustainable" cities, officials said. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2015

Arizona gears up for full cost-benefit solar value proceeding

Can a combination of cost-of-service and value-of-solar studies end the state's distributed generation wars?

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 2, 2015

New Enphase solar-storage product combines monitoring, control in a single device

Enphase Energy is introducing an all-in-one solar storage and control system in December.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2015

Wisconsin Public Service seeks third fixed charge increase in three years

As WPS looks to add another $6 to monthly residential fixed charges, a state court tosses out an earlier fixed charge increase from We Energies saying it discriminates against solar owners.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 2, 2015

ITC sunset in sight, SolarCity shifts from growth to cost cutting strategy

With strong third quarter growth this year, the company is turning its attention to post-tax credit profitability. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 2, 2015

Austin Energy, First Solar ink deal for 119 MW of solar

The project is due  to come online before the end of 2016 to qualify for the 30% tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2015