Illinois passes sweeping energy bill with support for Exelon nuclear plants

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is expected to sign the bill that would touch nearly every aspect of the state's power sector. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 2, 2016

In New Hampshire, stakeholders debate the next NEM successor tariff

Proposals including demand charges and TOU solar compensation could help boost energy storage. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2016

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

Last-minute amendments slow progress on Exelon Illinois bill as deadline nears

Exelon and ComEd reached an agreement with Gov. Bruce Rauner that could see the bill signed — if legislators can push it through in time. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2016

Votes nearing, efficiency changes in Exelon Illinois bill draw environmental support

Further changes to Exelon's far-reaching Illinois legislation have won over some green groups, but lawmakers only have through Thursday to pass the bill.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2016

AMS CEO: Energy storage can reach scale without subsidies

The biggest problem for energy storage is scale, and Advanced Microgrid Solutions has a plan to get there.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

Illinois lawmakers still shaping Exelon nuclear bill ahead of planned Wednesday vote

The far-reaching legislation has seen a number of controversial provisions stripped from it as lawmakers try to push it through during the shortened session. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

IHS: Storage inverter market to grow 4 times larger by 2020 as adoption booms

As energy storage installations grow, IHS sees inverter and power conversion costs in steep decline. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

Scientists in Florida develop nano supercapacitor storage technology

Emerging flexible supercapacitors could be recharged as many as 30,000 times without degrading. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 23, 2016

Ameren opposes Exelon's Illinois nuclear energy bill

Ameren is wary of the bill impacts on its 1.2 million customers in southern Illinois, even though some of its coal plants could benefit. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 22, 2016

Siemens, LO3 Energy teams up for blockchain-powered microgrid in Brooklyn

The microgrid will allow rooftop photovoltaic systems to feed excess electricity back to the local grid and receive payments from the purchasers.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 22, 2016

How California utility regulators are turning electric vehicles into grid resources

Harnessing the power of electric vehicles will be critical to the state’s renewable energy and climate goals, but big questions remain about how to spur adoption and structure the charger buildout.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 21, 2016

Inside Exelon's last-minute push to save its nukes and remake the Illinois power sector

The Illinois legislature has a week to decide on a far-reaching energy reform bill that also includes coal subsidies and controversial rate design changes.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 18, 2016

FERC seeks comment on new rules for energy storage in wholesale power markets

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking stems from concerns that electric storage resources may face barriers that limit them from participating in organized markets.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 18, 2016

Exelon's Illinois energy bill greeted by vociferous opposition

Critics decried the inclusion of capacity payments for coal plants and residential demand charges. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 17, 2016

A 'turning point' for DERs? Utilities, vendors praise new NARUC rate design manual

A new guide to distributed energy rate design and compensation lays out the important questions but leaves the heavy lifting to state commissions.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2016

Tesla, SolarCity merger approved with 85% shareholder support

More than 85% of unaffiliated shareholder votes were cast in favor of the merger, the company said, though final results are still pending.

By Gavin Bade , Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 17, 2016

US power electronics company Ideal Power enters German storage market

Ideal Power's systems can operate in 50 Hz or 60 Hz environments, giving them access to a variety of geographical markets.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2016

Walmart, Axiom Exergy partner for refrigeration energy storage project

The battery would be “charged” at night by freezing salt water and discharged during the day to decrease peak power consumption.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2016

As energy storage booms in New York, officials tackle safety measures

The Fire Department of the City of New York is at the forefront of coming up with procedures to safely deploy battery storage. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 15, 2016

PJM market monitor pushes capacity market changes to enhance efficiency

Several municipal utilities, environmental groups and rural electric co-ops have questioned PJM's capacity market structure, resulting in new recommendations. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2016

PG&E completes battery system performance pilot project in CAISO

So far, frequency regulation is the most cost-effective way to use the battery systems, the utility said. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2016

Trump insider: New administration won't attack renewable energy

The president-elect will halt climate activities but not move to revoke wind and solar subsidies, according to a major Trump financial contributor who said he is a member of the transition team.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 11, 2016

PSE&G completes solar + storage project at New Jersey school

Gov. Christie is encouraging utilities to firm up their systems to avoid outages from extreme weather events. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2016

LG Chem strikes inverter deal to enter Australian, European markets

A new product with inverter manufacturer SMA can help customers save 80% on their energy bills, the companies say.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 9, 2016

Federal appeals court puts clean energy RFP on hold in Connecticut

The case could have implications for state and federal jurisdiction over markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016