How will utilities profit in the future? New York's REV initiative is trying to figure it out

The Empire State is remaking its utility industry, but one key piece – where the money comes from – remains elusive, and regulators are taking a fairly hands-off approach to finding the answer.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

485 MW Blythe Mesa solar project step closer to construction with BLM approval

Proposed by RRG Renewables, the project is the 57th renewable energy development the Bureau of Land Management has approved since 2009.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 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

President Obama unveils executive actions to drive distributed energy growth

New loan programs and changes to the PACE program aim to help the nation meet the administration's goals of cutting carbon 32% by 2030.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 25, 2015

President Obama calls for clean energy revolution: 'There is something big happening in America'

President Obama shows renewed passion in his legacy fights against climate change and for renewable energy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 25, 2015

Iowa regulators approve settlement for MidAmerican's 552 MW 'Wind X' project

Regulators have approved a settlement allowing the 552-MW wind facility to move ahead, if MidAmerican accepts the terms.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

NY Sen. Schumer pushes extension, changes for federal solar tax credit

The proposal would extend the tax credit beyond 2016 and would allow it to kick in once a project has begun, rather than been completed.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

Idaho regulators reduce PURPA contracts from 20 to 2 years

The decision, a victory for the state's major electric utilities, is designed to keep customers from paying high costs for renewable generation, critics say.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

How Warren Buffett's bet on an Energy Imbalance Market in the West is paying off

NV Energy is in, Arizona Public Service and Puget Sound Energy are coming next year, and others want to know more.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 24, 2015

NV Energy hits net metering cap ahead of schedule, adding fuel to solar debate

The utility initially predicted it would hit the cap in 2016, which would have given regulators enough time to develop a new tariff.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 24, 2015

SunEdison solar bid for Xcel beats all comers, including natural gas

Xcel's Colorado subsidiary says it will buy power from the 156 MW Comanche solar installation at a price lower than gas, and without fuel price risks.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 24, 2015

OG&E proposes demand charge for distributed generation owners

The fight over solar and the grid comes to Oklahoma, where just 200 people have rooftop solar in OG&E's territory.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 21, 2015

Vivint Solar, second biggest U.S. installer, flees Nevada after two weeks

The atmosphere surrounding the current net metering debate has led the solar installer to conclude it's not worth staying in the state.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2015

How wind's record low prices are driving a 'big build cycle'

“This year will be big. Next year will be similarly big. What happens after 2016 is anybody’s guess because of concerns about the federal production tax credit.”

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 20, 2015

Consumers Energy launches community solar program as Michigan debates rooftop solar

The move comes as Michigan fights over net metering.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 20, 2015

SolarCity CEO: California utilities 'want to kill solar'

Recent proposals from the three big California IOUs to eliminate retail rate net metering and implement solar charges have drawn the ire of California's solar industry.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 20, 2015

Arizona regulators push TEP's proposed net metering cut to 2016 rate case

Commission also orders utility to remove misleading customer notification about solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 20, 2015

Arizona regulators to hear APS proposal on increasing fixed charges for solar

A big battle is brewing in Arizona where a utility proposal would up the monthly cost of owning solar by $16.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 20, 2015

How regional compliance can help states meet EPA emissions targets faster and cheaper

SPP study concurs with MISO and PJM studies: States can meet emissions targets faster and cheaper by sharing generation and transmission resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 19, 2015

In SolarCity's 'new paradigm' for distribution planning, DERs come first

Top solar installer calls for new distribution system planning with priority on distributed resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2015

Opponents file lawsuit to void contract for first U.S. offshore wind project

The high price of the nation’s first ocean wind installation is being challenged as building proceeds.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2015

Solar installers ask Duke Energy to throw clout behind tax credit extension in N.C.

Duke Energy has long held it will neither support nor oppose the credits.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 18, 2015

Google launches Project Sunroof, a 'treasure map' for rooftop solar

A new tool helps homeowners calculate their rooftop solar potential. 

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 18, 2015

California regulators propose framework to put a value on DERs

Establishing value appears to be the first step to creating a distributed energy marketplace.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2015

Why solar financing is moving from leases to loans

"The market is still in its infancy, and it is yet to be decided which business models, financial products, or sales strategies will beat out the competition."

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 17, 2015

Conservative solar leader plans to fight Florida utilities' 'early cost recovery' privilege

Tea Party leader calls out utility allies for backing bill charges that give customers "the shaft."

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2015