Technology

NERC struggles to involve utility vendors in its biennial cyberattack simulation, and that's a big problem, analysts say

Failure to fully engage the sector's supply chain is worrisome because vendors will likely be targeted by hackers and must be involved in the response to an actual cyberattack, experts say.

By Robert Walton • April 01, 2020

Opinion

Utilities, don't compete with Amazon — online marketplaces must go beyond e-commerce platforms

Instead of having a sole focus on moving products, utility marketplaces should become education centers that equip customers with the tools they need to streamline home and office environmental comfort, the author writes.

By Jessie Mehrhoff • March 27, 2020

Deep Dive

Coronavirus could disrupt normal refueling practices for nuclear facilities as staffing concerns grow

Across the U.S., nuclear sites need to accommodate an influx of workers during the spring for cyclical refueling procedures, which will be difficult based on public health restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2020

Ameren Missouri supplier hit by ransomware attack amid growing concern for critical infrastructure

The utility says no confidential information was compromised in the breach. Security experts are increasingly concerned about a potential cyberattack on critical infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2020

Competitive Power Ventures gas plant uses new GE combustion system to cut fuel costs with ethane blend

CPV says its 1,050 MW Fairview natural gas-fired power plant can run on a cheaper fuel mix without impacting operational efficiency or increasing emissions.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 24, 2020

Deep Dive

PG&E, SCE abandon big microgrid plans for temporary emergency measures as wildfire season nears

Regulators' push to implement a law requiring microgrid rollouts is being frustrated by the costs of traditional generation and clean energy complexities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2020

Lead batteries make innovation push to better compete for energy storage projects

The Consortium for Battery Innovation believes more research can make lead-acid batteries cost-competitive for storage.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 19, 2020

Oklo submits first advanced reactor license application in US as NRC moves to streamline reviews

Advanced reactors purport to be the "next generation" of nuclear that can fix the problems facing the current industry, but first they need to go through a lengthy regulatory process.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 18, 2020

Opinion

Can smart technology shape rate design and drive consumer savings?

Whether they want to prioritize customer bill savings, peak demand savings or energy savings, insights from automation technology can help utilities design their rate structure to best address their objectives, the authors write.

By Nathan Shannon and Rob Kelter • March 16, 2020

Deep Dive

Nuclear energy storage? Advanced reactor developers trying to expand nuclear power's selling points

Molten salt reactors have been trying to reach commercialization for several years, and developers are now emphasizing their potential storage capability. But that may not be enough.

By Matthew Bandyk • March 12, 2020

Utilities on high alert as phishing attempts, cyber probing spike related to coronavirus

From manpower shortages to an increase in phishing scams, utilities face threats from the rapidly-spreading Coronavirus.

By Robert Walton • March 09, 2020

Opinion

Beyond Alexa: Banking, healthcare offer examples for Xcel and other utilities to advance voice apps

To meet rising consumer demand and stay relevant in the evolving energy landscape, utilities must invest in a customer-driven voice strategy that delivers personalized insights while addressing privacy concerns, the author writes.

By Laura Frantz • March 06, 2020

Deep Dive

Green Mountain Power's pioneering steps in transactive energy raise big questions about DER's value

Peer-to-peer energy transactions could meet policy goals and system needs, if software platforms resolve the complexities of value and reliable operation.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 04, 2020

Deep Dive

Green hydrogen gets real as utility business models and delivery solutions emerge

The fuel may be the only way to meet power system needs in zero emissions scenarios and the market signals to produce and use it are finally clear.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 02, 2020

Opinion

Many internet of things projects fail — PGE's approach could change that for utilities

By starting small and creating a repeatable, scalable process, Portland General Electric was able to roll out an initiative that now saves $18.2 million annually, the author writes.

By Tipton Loo • Feb. 27, 2020

State of the Electric Utility 2020

Renewables and sustainability are top priorities for utilities, but there is room for improvement on cybersecurity, climate resilience and more, Utility Dive's seventh annual report finds.​

By Nami Sumida • Feb. 26, 2020

Natural gas ransomware attack offers critical lessons for electric utilities, analysts say

The disruption represents a growing threat to the domestic energy sector, with more sophisticated attacks beginning to target the industrial control systems which help run electric grids and pipeline systems.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 24, 2020

Opinion

Utilities vs. grid edge upstarts: Turf battles in an increasingly DER-centric world

Utilities believe they are best positioned to manage the grid if they own and control the data directly, without intermediaries, but Tesla, SunRun and others want to collect and manage the data for their own platform benefits.

By Dan Goldman • Feb. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Slowed pay-off from billions in AMI investment puts the technology's future in doubt

Regulators have approved billions for utilities to roll out advanced metering infrastructure, but they expected new customer and system benefits, not just lower utility operation costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 20, 2020

Deep Dive

Utilities say they are prepared to meet cyber threats. Are they?

Experts warn that cyber standards compliance is not synonymous with security, as Utility Dive's annual survey shows that less than 60% "believe their organization is in or approaching compliance with government cybersecurity mandates."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2020

Glick joins grid operators' call for storage hybrid market construct

The FERC commissioner wants to see action on the measure and suggested a technical conference on how to treat storage collocated with energy generation in energy markets.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 13, 2020

Sustainability tops utility concerns, as SEU survey sees discrepancies on cybersecurity, stranded assets

Some 50% of utility respondents to Utility Dive's State of the Electric Utility Survey expect their organization to significantly increase the amount of grid-scale solar by 2030, a stronger forecast than for any other resource.

By Larry Pearl • Feb. 12, 2020

GE Hitachi enters federal licensing process for new small modular nuclear reactor design

GE Hitachi claims its BWRX-300 will be cheaper on a capital cost basis than both conventional nuclear power reactors and other SMRs.

By Matthew Bandyk • Feb. 05, 2020

State regulators need cyclical reviews to get the most out of utility performance incentive mechanisms: Report

Upending utility business models is more easily done with complementary state policies and continuous improvement of incentives, according to Energy Innovation and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 04, 2020

Q&A

Q&A: GE CTO on adapting to the clean energy transition

Utility Dive caught up with GE Grid Solutions' Chief Technology Officer Vera Silva to discuss the shifting technology space in the utility industry, as well as short and long-term solutions for decarbonizing the power grid.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 03, 2020