SNL: Wind rush continues with 2,166 MW of new capacity announced in Q1 2015

10 new projects were announced in the first quarter, including two 408 MW offshore wind projects for Hawaii.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2015

What a 50% renewables mandate means for California

A new report says billions of dollars in clean energy development could be unlocked, but it will mean big changes for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 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

Nevada senate unanimously passes bill to give PUC authority over solar rates, cap

Currently state legislators have the responsibility to do solar policy, but they want Public Utilities Commission to do it instead.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Oklahoma legislators, wind industry reach compromise on tax breaks

Wind developers give up the property tax exemption, but get to keep the zero emissions tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

Wright-Hennepin: A case study in utility transformation

Solar is helping the small co-op survive amist competition from large IOUs and flat load growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

New Mexico regulators reject PNM's rate increase, solar fee proposal

The utility failed to calculate its need for revenues accurately, regulators said.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Duke Energy reaches agreement to expand community solar in South Carolina

The deal could grow Duke Energy's South Carolina solar portfolio from 2 MW to 110 MW.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

Utah high schoolers petition PSC to block Rocky Mountain Power solar fees

The utility is asking commissioners for the second time for a solar fee to cover the cost shift.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

Maryland Gov. Hogan signs community shared solar bills into law

The new laws authorize a 3-year pilot program and studies of costs, benefits, and best practices for community solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

Entergy plans first solar-plus-storage project in New Orleans

The 1-MW pilot project could be in service next year, the company said.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

Senate Democrats propose national renewable energy standard

The legislation would target 30% renewables in the national fuel mix by 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

Georgia Gov. Deal signs solar third party ownership bill into law

The TPO compromise with Georgia Power is expected to give solar a big boost in the Peach state.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Why DOE says hydropower is poised for a comeback

A new Department of Energy report on the U.S. hydropower market shows the sector moving toward growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

New Hampshire budget cuts threaten solar rebates

A plan by New Hampshire lawmakers to move $50 million out of the state's renewable energy fund has solar advocates worried about the impact on their industry.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

NV lawmaker wants PUC, not legislature, to have net metering reform authority

A Nevada lawmaker wants the Public Utilities Commission to have authority over net metering rules, including the state's 3% cap, set to be hit this summer.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

How to get to a solar-based future, according to MIT

A new study argues for long-term R&D and reforms to solar valuation schemes.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

Minnesota solar company teeters as lawmakers debate pulling incentives

Module manufacturer Silicon Energy is struggling to keep its Iron Range facility in operation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

Report: Iowa wind can help nearby states meet EPA emissions standards

Iowa wind’s capacity factor makes wind cheap enough to serve Illinois, Indiana, and other points to the east.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

Tong & Wellinghoff: Should utilities be allowed to rate base solar?

James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff wonder: Should we even be asking this question?

By James Tong & Jon Wellinghoff • May 11, 2015

Maui will study impacts of potential split from HECO

An RFP from the city asks for strategies on how to establish a co-op and get to 100% renewables

By Herman K. Trabish • May 8, 2015

Solar protesters disrupt Duke shareholder meeting

Four activists chanting "stop blocking rooftop solar" were escorted from the room while more protests were held outside.

By Gavin Bade • May 8, 2015

Minnesota Power affiliate Allete Clean Energy adds 7th wind farm in 15 months

Allete will purchase a 100 MW Pennsylvania wind farm in its latest move. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 8, 2015

How utilities and policymakers can maintain and boost renewable energy's value

New research puts numbers on the strategies and technologies that best support renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

NC House passes bill to freeze renewable portfolio standard

A last-minute amendment had many renewables advocates worried a key tax provision was about to be rescinded, but it was withdrawn in exchange for other concessions.

By Davide Savenije • May 7, 2015

Mass. grapples with policy options as it hits solar net metering cap

A task force created by the legislature has released a slate of recommendations for how to proceed.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015