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

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

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

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

Key senate committee approves wind tax credit extension

After approval from the Finance Committee, the tax package must win support from the full congress. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Ohio efficiency, renewables mandates may return after last year's freeze

But lawmakers are currently debating the appropriate levels, and some elected officials want to do away with the targets entirely.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Assessing the costs and benefits of distributed energy to the grid of the future

The Electric Power Research Institute is working to perfect a method to calculate distribute energy’s costs and benefits for all stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Renewables account for 70% of generation adds in first 6 months of 2015

18 new wind projects and more than 500 MW of large solar meant renewables outpaced gas additions.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

New Murkowski bill aims to boost microgrid development for remote communities

The legislation could also help communities in Hawaii and U.S. territories diversify their energy source.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Why utility ownership of rooftop solar should be explored

Lon Huber argues a dogmatic approach to utility ownership conversations papers over real benefits the model offers.

By Lon Huber • July 21, 2015

Inside Hawaii's landmark regulatory proceeding to value distributed resources

Phase 1 of the tumultuous proceeding has brought only 'general disagreement' among stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

SunEdison moves into rooftop solar with Vivint acquisition

The move aims to make the vertically integrated developer competitive with installers like SolarCity.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

SC regulators approve final deal between Duke, solar installers

Duke will begin expanding its South Carolina solar portfolio with a 53 MW RFP.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

Study: States can use 'green banks' to boost renewables, efficiency investments

Innovative and low-cost capital solutions will be required to meet new greenhouse gas emissions mandates, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

MDU proposal for 21% rate jump, new solar fees faces close scrutiny

Solar advocates say changes to the utility's net metering rules could stifle renewables growth.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2015

HECO launches community solar pilot project

Subscribers are expected to cut bills by 45% and HECO guarantees 80% of the savings.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2015

NV Energy wrestles with solar boom as state net metering cap looms

A new assessment shows the state's net metering cap could be reached sooner than anticipated. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2015

Second ballot initiative emerges to challenge Florida's solar choice measure

The group behind the new proposal says it supports solar, but would not allow for third party sales.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2015

New software offerings help utilities boost community solar programs

Competition is heating up in the software-as-a-service field for shared solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 16, 2015

District of Columbia will get 35% of its power from wind with record Iberdrola deal

The nation's capital will purchase the entire output of Iberdrola’s South Chestnut 46-MW wind farm in southwestern Pennsylvania.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2015

Alabama Power seeks up to 500 MW of solar power

Over a six-year stretch, the utility wants to pursue a series of projects up to 80 MW each, for a total of up to 500 MW of renewable genration.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2015

How rate design can save utilities from the solar death spiral

TOU and RT rates can decrease revenue losses from solar, but can also hamper solar adoption.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2015

Federal appeals court upholds Colorado renewable energy standard

Law requiring 30% renewables does not violate Constitution’s commerce clause, the court found.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2015