New Mexico's PNM charts course to decarbonization by 2040 in first IRP since setting emissions goal

While PNM touts its success in withdrawing from coal production earlier than originally thought possible, environmentalists say the plan is not what it seems.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 11, 2021

CPS Energy asks San Antonio community to weigh in on fate of coal plant built in 2010

As part of the company's new "flexible path" approach to decarbonization, CPS Energy is seeking public input on the utility's newest coal plant.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 10, 2021

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

Arizona showdown: Lawmakers face regulators in fight over zero-emissions mandate

Conservatives say the Arizona Corporation Commission's proposed zero-carbon mandate oversteps its constitutional authority while defenders say the legal debate is an excuse to impede the state's climate fight.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 10, 2021

Capacity as a commodity: A new (but familiar) way of rethinking capacity markets for a clean energy future

RTOs should consider this new approach as an alternative to centralized capacity market designs, as it would help to meet clean energy goals and maintain overall system reliability, among other benefits, the authors write.

By Steve Shparber and Michael Borgatti • Feb. 9, 2021

Cleaning up the power grid requires a federal-state partnership

The federal government can take several actions that would enable and empower states to reach their 100% clean energy goals, the authors write.

By Bentham Paulos and Warren Leon • Feb. 8, 2021

EVs, turbines, solar panels pose circular economy dilemma: NIST workshop

Representatives from throughout the supply chain reflected on how batteries and electronics can find their place as greener solutions in the circular economy at a recent National Institute of Standards and Technology workshop.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 4, 2021

EIA projects swift electricity demand recovery after COVID-19, strong renewables growth

Solar, in particular, stands to gain ground as demand for electricity returns after COVID-19, according to the Annual Energy Outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 4, 2021

Social factors could be final barrier to deep US decarbonization, National Academies report finds

Decarbonization is technically and financially feasible, but government must do more to ensure the coming economic transition is just and fair to all, an Academies committee said.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 3, 2021

US has multiple, affordable paths to net zero emissions by 2050, California study concludes

Any number of strategies could decarbonize the U.S. economy by 2050 for less than $1 per person per day, according to new research — so long as the electric sector cuts emissions over the next decade.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 2, 2021

Boston kicks off community choice electricity program, aiming to surpass state's renewables requirement

The Massachusetts capital now becomes a key East Coast adopter of a locally driven utility model championed in major California and Ohio cities — its latest effort toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 1, 2021

Groups fear California blackout prevention plan could increase gas use, threaten climate goals

Regulators proposed three kinds of resources utilities could consider for additional capacity: energy storage, generation at risk of retirement, and efficiency upgrades as well as revised PPAs at current plants.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 1, 2021

Tesla prioritizes installation cost cuts, storage integration in solar 'market leader' quest

The company's solar business saw "tremendous growth" at the end of the year, and will prioritize greater system integration with Tesla Powerwall batteries, CEO Elon Musk said.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 29, 2021

Xcel cuts carbon emissions 50% by 2021, eyes Colorado transmission, coal plants to reach 2030 goal

The utility hinted that its Colorado IRP would include heavy investments in transmission and renewables, as well as action on its remaining coal plants in the state, and likely looking similar to its plans in Minnesota.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 29, 2021

Biden order aims to double offshore wind, boost transmission, end fossil fuel subsidies

In total, the president signed three executive orders, all aimed at placing the climate crisis at the center of his administration and moving the U.S. toward 100% clean electricity by 2035.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 28, 2021

Want a more distributed and lower cost power system? Try this new planning tool

Vibrant Clean Energy offers system modeling to match today's granularity and breaks the barrier between bulk system and distribution system planning.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 28, 2021

Maine gov. proposes offshore wind moratorium amid tensions with fishing industry

Stakeholders are questioning the impact of a potential 10-year development pause on a floating turbine demonstration project planned in state waters.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 27, 2021

NextEra to add up to 30 GW new renewables in next 4 years, target more C&I customers

CEO Jim Robo said he expects the company's renewable development program to be further enhanced by its ability to attract commercial and industrial customers, while noting the ongoing challenges to more renewables.

By Larry Pearl • Jan. 27, 2021

America's investor-owned utilities: We can achieve a 100% clean energy future

With the right policies and the right technologies, a 100% clean energy future can be more than a goal. It can be a reality, Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn writes.

By Tom Kuhn • Jan. 26, 2021

Leeward to acquire 10 GW First Solar project pipeline, accelerating growth ambitions

The $261 million acquisition will enable more rapid expansion in the increasingly competitive business of solar development, according to Leeward.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 26, 2021

Minnesota governor accelerates state's carbon-free power target 10 years, to 2040

The state's largest investor-owned utilities — Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power — are pursuing 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, and expressed some concern about the governor's accelerated timeline.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 25, 2021

'Not slowing down': Solar will be cheapest power resource in US by 2030: WoodMac

Solar could get so cheap that someday power generators may let solar energy "go to waste" by installing more solar capacity than needed and simply turning off the excess generation when it's not, according to analysts.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 22, 2021

PJM, utilities 'messing with' state sovereignty is 'biggest threat' to climate goals: Maryland commissioner

State lawmakers say that while leaving the capacity market appears less likely with the new administration, his comments reflect a broader power struggle between the state and its grid operator.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 22, 2021

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 22, 2021

Interior Department agencies move to streamline offshore wind permitting

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement work to clarify responsibilities for offshore worker health and safety.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 21, 2021

Renewable PPAs could see 'sellers market' in 2021 after year of price increases, LevelTen finds

COVID-19 has helped raise the price of renewable energy purchase agreements, but a new report from LevelTen concludes the biggest factor is simply supply and demand. 

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 21, 2021