Why SRP's controversial demand charge unlocks a huge opportunity for solar-plus-storage

The utility wants customers to help with peak demand but they may buy batteries instead of more SRP electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Opinion: How solar advocates are overvaluing DG solar

Ashley Brown, executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, argues that rooftop solar is valuable, but should not be paid at full retail value. 

By Ashley Brown • March 12, 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

Vermont House passes 75% by 2032 renewable energy mandate

A special provision of the bill targets fossil fuel reductions.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

ISO New England warns of threat to grid reliability over gas supply shortage

“Thousands of megawatts of generation” are at risk if there is a major gas pipeline outage, according to ISO NE. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

Solar made up 32% of all new U.S. generating capacity in 2014

The $17.8 billion market broke records for new utility-scale and residential builds.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 10, 2015

SolarCity pushes into Texas market

The nation's leading residential solar installer wants to awaken "a sleeping giant" — the Texas solar market. 

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Senate votes to broaden definition of 'renewable' in RPS

The proposal would allow any investment that reduces carbon to comply with utility renewable requirements.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Black & Veatch: Why fixed charges are a solution to the solar conundrum

B&V's Dr. Overcast explains why utility fixed charges are an efficient price signal to consumers. 

By Dr. H. Edwin Overcast • March 10, 2015

Facing lower gas prices, Duke Energy wants to cut solar rates in North Carolina

The utility said cheaper natural gas was behind the request for lower rates.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Post: Utility industry is 'waging a campaign' against rooftop solar

Back in 2012, the industry identified rooftop solar as a long-term threat to its business model, according to documents.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Xcel asks regulators to change community solar rules in Minnesota

The utility got over 400 applications for solar garden arrays in less than 3 months.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015

Americans could pay more for clean energy. But will they really?

Customers are willing to pay up, but that willingness "rarely translates into practice," said the study's author.

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2015

What SunEdison's big buy into battery storage could offer utilities

Solar and wind power plants with storage means a new value proposition for utilities and independent power producers.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015

EIA: Utility-scale solar production doubled last year

And those numbers don't even include behind-the-meter solar projects. 

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2015

SunEdison acquires leading battery storage provider Solar Grid Storage

The Solar Grid Storage CEO says he wants PPA-like certainty for financial returns on solar systems.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2015

National solar installer group attacks AEP over 'shady tactics'

AEP says its rate structure is fair and that the group doesn't represent the opinions of its customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2015

Drawing controversy, solar net metering study finds $2M cost shift in Louisiana

Solar advocates call utility-funded study “biased.”

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2015

Environmental, consumer groups propose Illinois community solar pilot

Projects would be limited to 2 MW under a three-year pilot aimed at ComEd customers.

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2015

Michigan Democrats propose doubling state's renewable standard

Boosting the state's renewable standard could generate as much as $6 billion in economic activity, supporters say.

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2015

SolarCity moves into New Mexico, its 16th state

The biggest U.S. installer will market to PNM customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

CA bill would let non-utilities sell electricity to commercial, industrial customers

SB 286 worries utilities and ratepayer advocates, but tech companies back it.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

Inside California's plans to jump-start community solar development

The California community solar market could be huge if regulators don’t make it unaffordable and unpredictable.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

What's behind solar price variability, and why utilities get the best deals

Solar prices can vary widely, but research shows the most informed customers always seem to stay ahead of the curve.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2015

Two Arizona solar companies admit fraud

Attorney General Mark Brnovich has reached settlements with two solar companies over false cost and benefit claims.

By Robert Walton • March 5, 2015

SolarCity sues Salt River Project over increased charges for solar customers

The anti-trust suit alleges SRP is an anti-competitive player in its market.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 4, 2015