Hawaiian Electric pursues approximately 900 MW renewables, mandates some storage pairings

It is the utility's largest clean energy procurement effort to date, and it will help position Hawaii to meet a 100% renewables goal by 2045.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2019

In trucking, is it sunrise for solar?

Solar panels on trucks can supplement battery and power lift gates, though the technology today isn't enough to power a truck down the road. 

By Barry Hochfelder • Aug. 26, 2019

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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

PG&E may answer the billion dollar grid modernization question

A step-by-step regulatory process in California confronts the technical challenges and "obscene expenses" of distributed resource investments.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2019

Achieving 100% renewables by 2050 cannot be summarily ruled out

A Utility Dive opinion piece recently said 100% renewable energy is not possible in the next 30 years. Senior policy advisor Robert Borlick goes point by point to provide a different take.

By Robert Borlick • Aug. 23, 2019

TVA board approves long-term plan adding 14 GW solar by 2038

The board also called for the addition of simple cycle gas units to follow the variable loads created by renewable energy additions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 23, 2019

An uncertain path to a cleaner future: Zero carbon electricity legislation in New York and California

How should California, New York and other states plan to meet their new 100% zero carbon electricity market goals with minimal impacts on reliability and affordability?

By Thomas R. Brill and Steven C. Russo • Aug. 23, 2019

Virginia regulators allow customers to exit Dominion service for 100% renewables offerings

The utility was ordered to restart processing exit applications in August from customers this summer, as its own 100% renewable energy plan is pending before regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Duke renewables program allows large customers to negotiate directly with suppliers

The utility's unsubsidized Green Source Advantage program gives new procurement options for large energy users, starting with 600 MW.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Walmart sues Tesla, says solar panels caused series of fires

Walmart cites "gross negligence" as the cause of at least seven fires it says were started by Tesla's solar panels. Amazon also alleges the developer was responsible for a fire at one of its warehouses.

By Robert Walton • Updated Aug. 26, 2019

Wisconsin regulators grant wind transmission project preliminary approval

The controversial project would allow the state to add 25 GW of renewable energy capacity to the Great Plains market and ensure reliability. Opponents argue for transmission updates to existing infrastructure.

By Max Witynski • Aug. 21, 2019

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040?

Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019

lllinois budget comes up 500K RECs short of 2025 goals

The Illinois Power Agency issued its draft resource plan last week, which outlines scenarios if funding becomes available through legislative action.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

North Carolina clean energy plan could reduce power sector emissions up to 70% by 2030

The state's plan also aims for a carbon-free power sector by 2050 and includes seven "priority recommendations."

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

Tesla relaunches solar division, will rent rooftop systems in 6 states

"With the new lower Tesla pricing, it's like having a money printer on your roof if you live [in] a state with high electricity costs," CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

How grid operators forecast weather and output from renewables

RTOs and ISOs told Utility Dive their top challenges and initiatives when it comes to forecasting output from intermittent resources.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 19, 2019

Wisconsin governor orders 100% carbon free by 2050, despite lack of legislative support

Gov. Tony Evers, D, signed an executive order on Friday after being unable to pass more aggressive energy policy through the state's budget.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

Why 100% renewables isn't feasible by 2050

The trillion dollar question is, what's the tipping point that reflects efficient utilization of renewables and fossil-based power in the U.S., while keeping the costs and pollution low and ensuring reliable power, says Harshit Chatur.

By Harshit Chatur • Aug. 15, 2019

EPA details renewables, efficiency health benefits as DOE slows energy savings progress

The agency says the report's purpose is to give state and local officials a clearer roadmap when developing policies around renewables and energy savings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019

Everyone loves a guaranteed discount: New financing approach drives community solar growth

Innovations are transforming community solar nationwide, but the technology is also booming in Florida where, despite utilities not using discounts to spur development​, FPL is planning the world's largest community solar project.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2019

Wind blows past Trump's digs as average PPA prices fall below $0.02/kWh

President Donald Trump blasted wind power during a visit to a petrochemical facility in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, but the resource saw robust U.S. growth in 2018, adding nearly 7.6 GW of capacity.

By John Funk • Aug. 14, 2019

Seattle City Council passes resolution advancing Green New Deal

Council members' decision, which lays out various climate-friendly development strategies, was met with a standing ovation from spectators.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 14, 2019

Xcel to expand Minnesota renewables program, add 230 MW new solar, wind

The Minnesota PUC approved the utility's plan to expand its fully subscribed Renewable Connect program from pilot-scale to a full-time offering, but limited contract lengths to 10 years.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2019

Renewables' variability sends wary utilities from traditional DR to DER and load flexibility

New technologies can expand utilities' options, allowing control of load with customer-sited resources to balance variable generation, but utilities say they need incentives.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 14, 2019

Consumers Energy agrees to clear PURPA queue, add 584 MW renewables by 2023

Michigan regulators approved the settlement, which will address over 3 GW of qualifying facilities waiting to interconnect.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Sept. 11, 2019