Technology

Honda, GM-led group develops global blockchain standard for EV grid integration

The initiative could pave the way for an expansion of the vehicle electrification market, but must support innovation in a manner that benefits entire communities and not just the wealthy few, according to one expert. 

By Thomas Gresham • Oct. 19, 2020

Pennsylvania to be a testing ground for how utilities manage distributed energy

A settlement agreement would pave the way for PPL Corp. to conduct a pilot program with broad implications for questions of utility control over rooftop solar and behind-the-meter storage.

By Matthew Bandyk • Oct. 14, 2020

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Trendline

Cybersecurity of the Grid

While cyber threats to the power sector are expanding, so are the tools to address them. But a key question remains — are companies doing what's needed to reduce the risk?

By Utility Dive staff

Elected officials urge automakers to support cleaner cars

The Clean Cars Declaration, signed by more than 200 elected officials, called on manufacturers to drop their support for the Trump administration’s rollback of clean car standards.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 09, 2020

California's Salton Sea offers chance for US battery supply chain, despite financial, policy challenges

There are multiple advantages to building a domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, including avoiding the risks of tariffs or restrictions on obtaining components from overseas, one expert said. 

By Kavya Balaraman • Oct. 06, 2020

US cybersecurity agency urges utilities to increase protections, warns of potential attacks from China

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned of potential attacks on critical infrastructure, including the power sector. "This is what we’ve been warned about," said one security professional.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 05, 2020

Calculating the total cost of ownership for electric trucks

The purchase price is an important part of justifying a buy, but some considerations aren’t so obvious.

By Amanda Loudin • Oct. 01, 2020

Flurry of grid security bills pass House, including public-private training partnership

Electric utilities support several of the measures, one of which would direct the Department of Energy to provide training to utilities to mitigate cybersecurity supply chain management risks.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 01, 2020

Sponsored by IBM

Better vegetation and weather data helps utilities navigate disasters

Precise, timely, data-driven insights can help utilities manage more disruption.

NERC, FERC recommend public anonymity for utilities violating power system security rules

Staff recommended the North American Electric Reliability Corp. stop publicly posting redacted versions of noncompliance filings and submittals — recommendations that would reduce transparency, say customer advocates.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2020

Tesla unveils new EV battery design, but Musk downplays vehicle-to-grid application

"Very few people would actually use vehicle-to-grid" capabilities, said the company's CEO. "I think it's going to be better for people's freedom of action to have a Powerwall and a car separate."

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2020

FERC investigates risk of foreign adversary-supplied bulk power equipment, with focus on Huawei, ZTE

Experts say replacing bulk power system equipment from adversarial nations could cost the electric industry hundreds of millions of dollars.

By Robert Walton • UPDATED: Sept. 25, 2020 at 9:07 a.m.

Nation's first freshwater windfarm all but approved as Ohio siting board removes 'poison pill'

The Ohio Power Siting Board unanimously voted to remove language that would require offshore turbines to shut down overnight eight months of the year to protect migrating birds and bats.

By John Funk • Sept. 18, 2020

Sponsored by Burns & McDonnell

Lessons from Disruption: Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond

Welcome to "Lessons from Disruption: Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond," a podcast series dedicated to further understanding how the utility industry can overcome the several challenges brought out by COVID-19 with technology and smart planning. 

By Utility Dive's Brand Studio • Sept. 18, 2020

How to participate in the 2020 Utility Dive Awards

Industry Dive is gearing up for the 2020 Dive Awards. We want to hear your ideas on the executives, utilities and policymakers that stood out.

By Utility Dive Editors • UPDATED: Sept. 28, 2020 at 9:46 a.m.

Security experts cast doubt on FERC, NERC cyber intrusion response report findings

Federal regulators have published a report on how utilities can retake control of their networks once hackers get in, but some experts say the advice misses obvious responses and could allow hackers to inflict additional damage.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 17, 2020

7 investment priorities for a green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Coalition for Urban Transitions analyzed how the allocation of stimulus funding across a number of environmental sectors can aid the international COVID-19 response.

By Kristin Musulin • Sept. 14, 2020

Public power leaders see lasting effects from 2020 disruptions with new approaches to resilience, equity

The new normal won't look like the old normal, as executives say major shifts that began in 2020 will continue to shape industry trends in the year to come.

By Emma Penrod • Sept. 11, 2020

Utility sector wary of new security rules for distributed resources

Federal regulators are considering stricter security rules for smaller grid resources, but the utility sector says ample protections are in place.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 08, 2020

Deep Dive

As utility collaboration with charging companies rises, emerging differences could impede EV growth

To accelerate EV charging infrastructure deployment, former competitors are working together, but new questions threaten to lead to dissension.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2020

Deep Dive

Utilities face growing ransomware threat as hackers improve strategy, execution

The energy industry faces an increasing threat from financially-motivated hackers. Experts say more companies are paying, and ransoms are rising.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2020

Energy sector divided over transmission incentives for voluntary cybersecurity investments

Investor-owned utilities generally favor new incentives for security investments, but those paying transmission rates have concerns.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2020

5 technologies propelling the energy transition

Utility Dive's latest series focused on electric sector innovations that could strengthen the grid, increase reliability and expand clean energy.

By Utility Dive Editors • Aug. 24, 2020

FBI warns Russia is probing energy sector cyber systems as threat to industrial control technology grows

"It only takes one mistake," according to Claroty Vice President of Research Amir Preminger, for hackers to breach security systems and gain access to vital industrial control system equipment.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Propelling the transition: Digitization bolsters utility rate cases, boosts drive to future-proof

The continuing automation and digitization of the power sector now enables utilities to better justify their spending plans and improve reliability as they prepare for new resources and electricity uses.

By Guy Burdick • Aug. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Propelling the transition: The battle for control of virtual power plants is just beginning

As virtual power plants develop, there is a growing debate about the degree to which the future of distributed energy management will be controlled by large utilities or third-party aggregators.

By Matthew Bandyk • Aug. 18, 2020