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

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

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

Biden moves to rejoin Paris climate accord on first day in office, signs order to quickly review Trump regulatory actions

Stakeholders say Biden's day one actions signify that energy and the environment will be a top priority for his team.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Hydrogen startups aim to enter market with partnerships, products to drive down costs

Founders behind emerging hydrogen startups showcased new technologies at a recent MIT startup event, while industry leaders stressed the importance of cooperation.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 19, 2021

Hawaii finalizes utility regulation considered potential template for US power system transformation

Stakeholders agree the state's final performance-based regulation order includes opportunities and safeguards that can lead to a new regulatory paradigm.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2021

Following Google's footsteps, Des Moines pledges 24/7 clean electricity by 2035

The city's resolution may make Des Moines one of the first U.S. communities to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 15, 2021

California releases final root cause analysis of August rolling blackouts

Renewables and storage advocates said the report shows California should invest more aggressively in long-term energy storage, to ensure power from intermittent resources, such as solar, can be available during peak hours.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 15, 2021

Arizona grants 'innovative' electric rate schedule for Nikola green hydrogen project

Citing the need for economic development and demand management, the Arizona Corporation Commission has approved a discounted rate schedule for power sold to Nikola's electrolysis project.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 14, 2021

Duke, Southern file SEEM proposal with FERC as North Carolina regulators mull authority

Duke Energy argued state regulators do not need to approve its proposal to form a centralized energy exchange market before filing with federal regulators.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Feb. 16, 2021

Global corporate solar funding rises 24% to $14.5B in 2020, after 25% drop in first half: Mercom

Despite a disappointing first half of the year, investments and acquisitions in the sector recovered significantly, with a record 39.5 GW of large-scale projects changing hands in 2020, compared to 26.1 GW in 2019.

By Leslie Nemo • Jan. 14, 2021

2021 Outlook: Will hydrogen experience a breakthrough?

Industry analysts say 2021 could be the year U.S. policy on hydrogen catches up with the EU and China, but other key milestones could take longer.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 14, 2021

Wind, solar to make up 70% of new US generating capacity in 2021 while batteries gain momentum: EIA

The U.S. is on track to set a new record for solar deployment this year, according to a federal report, while increased interest in solar-plus-storage projects will quadruple the nation's storage capacity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 13, 2021