Diminishing returns: Why an upcoming Utah rate case may signal the end of net metering

A move to end the compensation approach for rooftop solar owners has sent sales plummeting. Many other states are also looking at successor tariffs.

By Emma Penrod • April 20, 2020

The effects of coronavirus measures on electricity markets

Economic outcomes and investment decisions in the next 18 to 24 months could reshape electricity markets for decades, the authors write.

By Alex Gilbert and Morgan Bazilian • April 20, 2020

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

Clean energy unemployment reaches 17.8%

A new analysis of unemployment data shows more than 447,000 clean energy workers filed unemployment claims in April.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated May 14, 2020

COVID-19 hits clean energy jobs, but storage companies could be 'bucking the trend'

In a recent survey conducted by the Energy Storage Association, three-fourths of respondents said they did not expect to reduce employment.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 16, 2020

Resiliency: An earning opportunity for the greater good of customers and utilities

Regulators want utilities to be forward-thinking and creative in today’s increasingly dynamic market, all while offering shareholders a return on investment. Resiliency may offer the opportunity they need.

By Jeremey Klingel • April 16, 2020

Increasing renewables and DER demand new reliability approach, but California is falling short, groups say

Resource adequacy's planning reserve margin worked when supply and load were stable, but new system realities demand a more dynamic approach to protect reliability, emerging power providers and DER advocacy groups say.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2020

Kansas ruling against Evergy's rooftop solar demand charges could have wider impacts, advocates say

The decision could counter the assertions of other utilities that owners of large arrays become "free riders" whose monthly bills do not pay for the cost of the distribution lines, according to renewables advocates.

By John Funk • April 13, 2020

Heightened focus on decarbonization likely post COVID-19 crisis

"As we move forward to remobilize our economy, we expect to see calls for direct investment in energy infrastructure," including energy storage, distributed energy resources, EV infrastructure and renewables, the authors write.

By Geoff Burmeister, David Cherney, Matt Mooren and Zach Pollock • April 8, 2020

Ann Arbor, MI City Council rejects $1B climate plan

Some council members found the plan to include concerning costs, while others argued the plan was put together in haste.

By Chris Teale • Updated April 22, 2020

New York becomes first state to establish renewables siting office in an effort to speed up deployment

Other states struggling to add clean energy resources will be watching how the new siting process unfolds.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2020

A playbook to jumpstart clean energy across all 50 states

As we face a likely recession and an economic reset in many places across the country, the clean energy industry has the potential to be a bright spot in what will continue to be challenging times, the author writes.

By Mike Kruger • April 6, 2020

Pelosi steps back on infrastructure push as renewables industry vies for aid

Clean energy advocates say there are still avenues for power sector relief from the federal government, including critical project deadline extensions.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 6, 2020

BlackRock, Morgan Stanley to utilities: Tackle climate-related risks or lose market value

Analyst research shows utilities that address climate-related physical and transition risks earn higher valuations from investors.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2020

The CARES Act won't support cleantech, but cities still can

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator CEO Matt Petersen is urging cities to align priorities around COVID-19 mitigation and climate action while the federal government focuses on other funding.

By Kristin Musulin • April 3, 2020

DTE to add about 350 MW renewables by 2022, looks to improve competitive bidding process

The company filed an updated renewable energy plan Tuesday and plans to ask regulators later this year to approve contracts for a wind project and two solar projects it has selected through a recent RFP process.

By John Funk • April 2, 2020

Public utility regulation should be politicized to tap cheaper, cleaner energy options

Political influences, exerted by various interests over decades, have shaped and influenced regulation from its first days — and have overwhelmingly favored fossil fuels, the author writes.

By Ron Lehr • April 2, 2020

California utilities fear market manipulation from proposed changes to RPS confidentiality rules

A staff proposal from the California Public Utilities Commission would disclose the cost of renewables contracts sooner than usual after negotiations are concluded.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 1, 2020

New Jersey looks to exit PJM capacity market, worried MOPR will impede 100% carbon-free goals

New Jersey officials fear the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's expanded application of its Minimum Offer Price Rule will impede the state's ability to utilize more clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2020

How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts

At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 26, 2020

Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules

With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.​

By Herman K. Trabish • March 26, 2020

Massachusetts is 3 months from implementing nation's 1st clean peak standard

While the new standard is expected to reduce ratepayer costs from avoided or deferred infrastructure upgrades, utilities remain concerned about the cost of the program.

By Robert Walton • Updated Aug. 6, 2020

Nearly $2T stimulus package omits direct renewable sector aid after Trump, McConnell opposition

President Donald Trump signed the latest stimulus package into law Friday. Power sector leaders see broad benefits stemming from the bill, including small business and unemployment loans.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated March 30, 2020

DTE updates resource plan blasted by critics for favoring coal and gas over renewables

The new plan complies with a demand by Michigan regulators that the company take another look at customer energy efficiency programs as well as the cost of building more solar and wind to move away from coal and gas.

By John Funk • March 24, 2020

One easy fix to COVID-19 disruption of advanced energy development

Direct payment of federal incentives for advanced energy development is required to keep the industry on track, Nat Kreamer, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, says.

By Nat Kreamer • March 24, 2020

COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate

There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.

By Chris Teale • March 24, 2020