Uncle Sam's battery bank: ARPA-E spurs commercialization of innovative storage technology

The DOE is touting the success of its ARPA-E program for funding advanced technologies: $1.3 billion funded; $1.2 billion raised from private sources.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 7, 2016

After tariff changes, storage to play larger role in CAISO demand management

FERC's approval for storage and demand response tariffs highlights California's efforts to integrate more DERs. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 6, 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

Southern California Edison proposes $2.1B capex for DER integration

SCE did not provide forecast ranges for total capital expenditures through 2020, saying it has no prior experience with rate cases related to DER integration. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 6, 2016

Facing stricter climate goals, California passes 4 bills to boost energy storage

The bills require the state to consider pumped hydro storage, add 500 MW to the state's storage mandate and double California's self-generation program.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 2, 2016

California targets clean transport, urban greening for $900M in cap-and-trade funds

After some lawmakers pushed back on an extension of greenhouse gas goals last month, Gov. Jerry Brown struck a last-minute deal to dole out funds from the state's carbon auctions. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 2, 2016

UK's National Grid announces winners of 201 MW storage solicitation

New storage deployments will target ultra-fast frequency response for the grid. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 31, 2016

Location matters: Utilities focus on charger placement to drive electric vehicle adoption

EV pilot programs from Avista and Kansas City Power & Light demonstrate that just building charging stations isn't enough.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2016

German researchers to test new underwater energy storage devices

The Fraunhofer Institute in Germany is developing an underwater storage system that works like a pumped storage plant.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016

Public purpose microgrids: Mixed-ownership models spur utility investment in growing sector

Thinking of microgrids as public infrastructure — and financing them like it — could point the industry to new growth.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 30, 2016

Walking a tightrope: ACC Chair Doug Little looks for balance in Arizona's solar debate

Arizona's head utility regulator says the state's ongoing value of solar docket will be key in informing future rate design.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

FERC approves CAISO tariff changes for demand response, distributed storage

Federal regulators approved California Independent System Operator tariff changes that tweak how non-generator resources bid into markets.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

GTM: Germany's C&I energy storage market still lags behind residential

A GTM Research report highlights sharp divide between large and small energy storage systems in German, which can be a result from of the structure incentives and price signals specific to the German markets.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2016

SoCal Edison to build 20 MW storage project at Pomona gas plant site

Alberta-based AltaGas will construct the project, expected to be online by the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 23, 2016

Global utility M&A up 105% in Q2 amid rush to renewables, regulated assets

Deal value hit $43 billion in the second quarter of 2016, with North American companies leading the way.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2016

Fixed charge battle looms in Texas as regulators tackle rate design reform

A legislative effort to chart new ratemaking mechanisms in the Lone Star State has the utility sector drawing familiar battle lines.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 23, 2016

Rocky Mountain compromise: Inside Xcel's landmark Colorado solar settlement

In a summer of solar contention, Colorado stakeholders chose a path of less-resistance. Their deal could be a model for more than just rate design.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2016

Washington commits $12.6M to grid modernization effort

The funds will be matched by five utilities and used for projects focused on renewable energy, battery storage and a "shared energy economy." 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

California regulators approve SDG&E energy storage projects

AES will begin construction will begin immediately on two projects totaling 37.5 MW of storage capacity as part of a directive to expedite storage deployment. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

Australia developer moves ahead with 5 MW solar+storage virtual power plant

Australian energy company AGL will install 1,000 batteries in South Australian homes and businesses with a combined 7 MWh of energy delivery.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

Report: California lawmaker wants 15% of cars to be emission-free in a decade

Automaker advocates, however, worry such legislation could rig the system in favor of EV automakers such as Tesla Motors. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

PG&E files joint proposal to close Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

Because it will take time to develop clean energy resources to replace the facility, Pacific Gas & Electric intends to operate Diablo Canyon until its operating licenses expire.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Stem secures $100M in financing to fuel battery deployment

Borrowing from the financing models that helped propel solar growth, some storage companies are using financial engineering to offer customers no-cost-down financing options for battery installations. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 12, 2016

DOE partners with India in a $30M investment to push smart grid, energy storage research

The two countries will each commit to $1.5 million in funding annually for five years, an amount that must be matched by private sector developers.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2016

GSA to request information on deploying storage in federal government buildings

The General Services Administration has more than 10,000 buildings under its control and wants the storage industry to explain how it could save Uncle Sam money. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2016

Smart sharing: Sun-saturated Hawaii debates first TOU community solar proposal

Crediting community solar users depending on time of day could open new markets for storage and help optimize the grid, regulatory staff argue in a recent proposal. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2016