As grid modernization accelerates, which states are in the lead, and why?

California, Illinois and Texas are at the top, according to the latest GridWise survey, with Rhode Island, Colorado and Washington showing the biggest improvement over the prior rankings.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 5, 2017

Feud of the Year: Nuclear and coal vs. competitive markets

The closing of coal and nuclear plants has sparked a regulatory battle that has gone all the way to the top of the energy regulatory food chain.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 4, 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

Younicos to provide first battery linked to floating wind farm

The 1.3 MWh storage device will be connected to the Hywind project off the coast of Scotland and is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2018.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 1, 2017

New York energy storage target official after Gov. Cuomo signs bill

The state is now the fourth with an energy storage target, but specific details have yet to be unveiled. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2017

Top energy storage projects driving the sector in 2017

From transmission deferral to hybrid generation, 2017 has seen a number of notable projects done by or for regulated utilities.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 28, 2017

Arizona Public Service taps Sunverge for residential energy storage pilot

The company has now inked deals with major electric utilities in Arizona, Florida and Vermont for its intelligent storage systems and Virtual Power Plant platform.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2017

DOE identifies possible microgrid opportunities in Puerto Rico

The island continues to struggle with rebuilding its electric grid after Hurricane Maria, but federal officials say there is progress in making the power supply more resilient.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2017

Tesla wins 100-day bet to build 129 MWh battery in Australia

Tesla CEO Elon Musk guaranteed his company would complete the facility — reportedly the largest lithium-ion system in the world — in 100 days or less, or it would be free.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 27, 2017

Atlanta passes infrastructure ordinance to support EV charging

The new regulations require builders to install electrical infrastructure in new buildings that can support electric vehicle charging. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 22, 2017

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

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