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

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Storage

The proliferation of energy storage in everything from utility-scale batteries to electric vehicles is a driving force in the transition to a cleaner, more distributed power system. This trendline includes the best Utility Dive reporting on this dynamic sector.

By Utility Dive staff

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

SolarCity trims solar installation expectations in wake of Tesla merger bid

An expected slowdown in installations is partially due to a focus on profitability over growth after Tesla offered to buy the installer. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law

The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption

Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016

Bay State storage: New law could give Massachusetts 3rd US energy storage mandate

Massachusetts was already a top state for energy storage. A new law could bolster that position with a mandate and utility ownership.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

A lot of dam potential: Renewables growth could drive massive hydro buildout

With pumped storage, hydropower can grow 50% by 2050 — if developers can get over the hurdles.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 9, 2016

ConEd awards 22 MW of demand response contracts in Brooklyn-Queens project

Battery provider Stem was among 10 auction winners, and expects to install as much as 850 kW of batteries in New York by 2018.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

Xcel Energy proposes $562M grid management system, smart meter upgrade

The new smart meters and support software would improve reliability, provide better renewables integration and help customers control their usage, Xcel said. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 5, 2016

Texas regulators to explore alternative utility ratemaking mechanisms

The Public Utility Commission of Texas will address a report on revisions to traditional cost-of-service ratemaking in their Aug. 10 meeting. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2016

Thermal storage developer raises $2.5M after completing 1st full-scale system

Axiom Exergy wants to install energy storage devices in grocery stores and other facilities using large amounts of refrigeration to shift cooling load away from peak hours.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 4, 2016