Multiple concerns drive MISO, utilities to seek rehearing on FERC storage order

Some utilities say FERC overstepped its jurisdiction by mandating that distribution-connected storage be able to provide both retail and wholesale services.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • March 20, 2018

British billionaire plans 140 MWh battery storage for Australia, beating Tesla

At 120 MW/140 MWh, the project is slated to be the largest battery in the world...for now. 

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants and their ability to balance energy supply and demand are increasingly sought by utilities as electricity demand increases, but their lack of standardization remains a barrier.

By Utility Dive staff

Utilities pressure Congress to lift EV tax credit manufacturing cap

A group of 44 utilities, including Duke Energy and Southern Co., sent a letter to the House of Representatives saying that lifting the cap will help the sector.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 16, 2018

New access to managing high-demand refrigeration loads in cold storage facilities

Thousands of megawatts now are able to be removed for around $1,000/kW with Thermal Energy Storage (TES).

March 15, 2018

Volkswagen will expand EV production, signs battery contracts worth $25B

The company now produces electric vehicles at three locations but will add nine more within two years, with plans to reach 16 by 2022.

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2018

Younicos launches service to rent energy storage systems

The company’s “Energy-Storage-as-a-Service” is designed to meet immediate storage requirements while avoiding a long-term capital commitment.

By Peter Maloney • March 13, 2018

Not so fast: Battery prices will continue to decrease, but at a slower pace, GTM says

Cost declines for storage systems will slow as raw material prices rise, but deployments will continue apace, according to GTM.

By Peter Maloney • March 13, 2018

FPL adds 40 MWh battery to solar array, claiming largest combined system

Florida Power & Light says it will dispatch the battery at the 75 MW Babcock Ranch solar farm when the plant's output dips or in times of peak demand.  

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2018

Colorado lawmakers send storage bill to Hickenlooper's desk

The legislation would declare that power customers have a right to install and use energy storage systems, directing regulators to adopt rules governing the resource.

By Robert Walton • March 8, 2018

GE aims to enhance solar, wind power performance with new storage platform

The company wants to make inroads into the utility-scale storage market with Reservoir, a modular, four-hour duration battery system.

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2018

Community energy storage: What is it? where is it? how does it work?

IREC attorneys Joseph Petta and Erica McConnell explore the challenges and opportunities of this latest community energy model.

By Joseph Petta and Erica McConnell • March 7, 2018

All in or half there: Maryland Legislature debates two different RPS bills

Lawmakers are debating two bills that would raise the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50% or 100%. Analysts say the 50% increase will likely muster more support than the other measure. 

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2018

The flip side of FERC's landmark storage order: A call for states to take action

State action will be essential to reach the full potential of FERC Order 841, The Brattle Group says in a new report.

By Peter Maloney • March 6, 2018

SolarCity, Salt River Project could settle lawsuit, opening door to residential storage

The settlement involves the public utility purchasing a 25 MW Tesla battery and developing an incentive program to encourage residential batteries. But demand charges would remain in place. 

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2018

SDG&E seeks 166 MW energy storage for emergency response sites

The utility would build seven projects that, if approved, should be up and running by 2024. 

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2018

IRS: Residential storage eligible for ITC when charged by onsite solar

The ruling applies only to an individual storage facility, but shows how the agency may interpret home battery eligibility for the 30% solar investment tax credit.

By Gavin Bade • March 5, 2018

Time-travel, utility-style: Outlines of the utility of the future appear

Rocky Mountain Institute experts identify price, data and interconnection as the keys to success for the utility of the future, whether it's an expanded monopoly or a distribution system platform.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 5, 2018

Do new rooftop solar price projections mean 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em' for utilities?

A thought exercise from Department of Energy researchers suggests the price of rooftop solar could fall low enough to impact “the evolution of the U.S. electricity system.”

By Herman K. Trabish • March 1, 2018

Five energy industry trends of tomorrow impacting companies today

Energy is a long game, and all stakeholders have made a long-term affirmation that we are headed toward a more renewable future, REC Solar Senior Vice President Alan Russo writes.

By Alan Russo • Feb. 28, 2018

Stem touts savings from AI software in new Ontario storage project

The company says the 2.5 MWh project helps reduce peak demand and fees for a Japanese auto supplier based in Canada. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2018

Finance, not technology, could be the key innovation for flow batteries

To compete with lithium-ion, flow battery costs need to come down; insurance could help bridge that gap.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 27, 2018

SEU 2018 survey: Utilities shaken, not moved, by Trump policies

Utility Dive's fifth annual State of the Electric Utility survey shows a sector committed to the clean energy transition, but wary of policies coming out of Washington.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 27, 2018

New York PSC takes steps to expand energy storage

Regulators increased the size of projects eligible for compensation under the state's Clean Energy Standard and approved a ConEd plan to significantly expand the use of battery storage systems in its service territory.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2018

Brattle: US storage market could reach 50 GW if costs keep declining

Researchers say at least half of the total value that storage can provide would be achievable in wholesale electricity markets.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 26, 2018

Team of rivals: Utilities, enviros unite to push electric vehicles

Old adversaries from the rooftop solar fights are finding common ground on transportation electrification.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 26, 2018