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

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

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

Price of Pennsylvania renewable energy credits doubles

Prices could continue to rise, spurring further investment in renewables. 

By Robert Walton • March 4, 2015

Colorado Dems kill GOP measure to roll back state renewables mandate

The bill would have reduced renewables requirements from 30% to 15% in 2020. 

By Robert Walton • March 4, 2015

Gov. Walker's Wisconsin budget discontinues support for biofuels research

A budget cut of matching funds puts millions in federal support in jeopardy.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 3, 2015

The new roadmap for the revival of offshore wind

As Block Island secures funding, a new white paper lays out policy strategies to revive the overall industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 3, 2015

Report: Solar at grid parity in 80% of world by 2017

A new report finds that within two years, solar power will reach grid parity in 80% of the world.

By Robert Walton • March 3, 2015

Cape Wind president endorses coalition pushing new offshore wind policy

National Grid and Eversource, now out of Cape Wind PPAs, are eyeing new natural gas.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 2, 2015

Study: Net metering is a net positive for Missouri

A Missouri Energy Initiative study estimates solar owners pay only 20% less in grid infrastructure charges.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 2, 2015