Has California built its last natural gas plant?

Two pending decisions from state regulators will decide how the Golden State moves toward a clean(er) energy future. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 22, 2017

Storage for T&D deferral works, Arizona Public Service finds in Tonto National Forest

An Arizona Public Service project provides a case study in deploying energy storage to avoid transmission and distribution investment.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 21, 2017

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

New MIT material stores thermal energy, releases it in light

Potential near-term applications include integration into clothing and cookware. Longer term, the material could store concentrated solar power with better control, researchers say.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 21, 2017

Global energy storage to hit 125 GW by 2030, BNEF finds

Eight countries will lead the charge and install 70% of the anticipated capacity: the United States, China, Japan, India, Germany, U.K., Australia and South Korea.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 21, 2017

GE refocuses on power sector as a core business in new turnaround plan

The company's stock took a pounding in the wake of its investor update, with its performance hurt by slow power sector sales.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 15, 2017

Do utilities need rate design for electric vehicle charging?

A Massachusetts muni is using analytics and a traditional marketing approach to shift EV charging off-peak. Will it work for everyone?

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 15, 2017

FERC storage/DER integration proposal gets high marks, but other priorities loom

The commission’s proposed rule raises important issues, but could face delays as it tackles the grid resilience NOPR and other matters.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2017

Diverse stakeholders sign Transportation Electrification Accord

The agreement offers principles and guidelines for moving forward with electric vehicles and necessary infrastructure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 14, 2017

Colorado electric co-op rolls out 'community battery' program

United Power Cooperative and SoCore Energy are developing a 4 MW, 16 MWh storage project to shave peaks and reduce demand charges as part of a new program. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2017

As feds focus on baseload, grid modernization is sweeping the nation

More than 30 states are considering far-reaching modernization and utility business model reforms, including new initiatives to integrate battery storage into grid planning processes. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 14, 2017

National Grid teams with national lab to study transmission modernization, storage

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory​ Director Steven Ashby said new technologies will improve reliability and resilience in strong weather events and cyber attacks.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2017

NRG Energy, Toshiba deploy 2 MW battery storage system in ERCOT

The project will help integrate wind power in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 13, 2017

New DNV GL service allows independent testing of li-on battery lifetimes across brands

The tool compiles battery lifecycle data and predicts battery degradation under different conditions and duty cycles.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2017

Senate GOP tax bill preserves wind PTC, EV tax credits

The bill's significant differences from a House tax package — which would cut wind subsidies and eliminate the electric vehicle credit — could set up contentious debates in the weeks to come.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

One small step for Hawaii solar, one leap toward 100% renewables

After Hawaii regulators approved two new solar tariffs last month, solar customers in the state must now decide whether to buy, lease or pass on battery storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 9, 2017

National Grid plans to install a 48 MWh battery storage system on Nantucket

The Massachusetts island is currently experiencing a rise in power demand and aging diesel generators, which provide partial backup power. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 9, 2017

Getting on top of the next wave in energy storage: The utility-integrated era

Why is energy storage so important to managing ever-growing levels of distributed energy resources?

Nov. 9, 2017

Heating and A/C company Trane acquires ice energy storage company CALMAC

Previously, CALMAC focused on building owners by using its technology to control high demand charges during peak usage from air conditioners. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2017

Energy storage gets a bigger seat at the utility planning table

The growing inclusion of storage in integrated resource plans is, to some extent, the next step in the evolution of the technology at utility-scale.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Uncertainty reigns in renewables sector as tax package, NOPR loom

At the RPS Summit in Arlington, Virgina, experts said the renewables sector is closely watching developments from a new tax reform package and the DOE's cost recovery rule. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 7, 2017

Energy storage could hit 35 GW by 2025, new white paper says

The technology only makes up 0.5 GW of market share in the United States. But that's set to change, according to a new white paper.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

AEP to invest $1.8B in renewable energy

The utility also plans to invest $18 billion in T&D and boasts a 3,570 MW pipeline of wind and solar projects over the next seven years. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2017

Moody's: Regulated utilities stable, but unregulated power sector outlook remains negative

Potential market reforms, such as the Energy Department's cost recovery proposal, could bolster coal and nuclear in the competitive markets, but delay closing uneconomic plants. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2017

House GOP tax package boosts nukes, slashes wind, EV credits

The long awaited tax package includes an estimated $6 billion credit for nuclear power but would cut the wind PTC and end incentives for electric vehicles.  

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2017

Despite earnings tumble, Tesla deploys 110 MWh of storage in Q3

The company said it is on track to deliver its 100 MW, 129 MWh energy storage project in South Australia, which it promised to build in 100 days.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2017