Transmission & Distribution
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'Nearly all' high voltage EV charging stations lose money: Report
Lower-wattage electric vehicle charging stations are less likely to lose money in the current market, as some regions struggle to launch large-scale EV deployment.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019 -
Vistra's spending spree continues with $475M acquisition of Ambit
The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approval, would boost Vistra's residential ERCOT market from 25% to 32%.
By HJ Mai • Aug. 22, 2019 -
Wisconsin regulators grant wind transmission project preliminary approval
The controversial project would allow the state to add 25 GW of renewable energy capacity to the Great Plains market and ensure reliability. Opponents argue for transmission updates to existing infrastructure.
By Max Witynski • Aug. 21, 2019 -
Deep DiveWhat will electricity pricing look like in 2040?
Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019 -
Deep DiveHow grid operators forecast weather and output from renewables
RTOs and ISOs told Utility Dive their top challenges and initiatives when it comes to forecasting output from intermittent resources.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 19, 2019 -
Top Arizona regulator spurs retail choice progress, pushes for rule drafting
The Arizona Corporation Commission had closed its retail electric competition docket in 2013, following the opposition of Arizona Public Service.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 16, 2019 -
PG&E fights for control of its future, access to new wildfire fund
Pacific Gas & Electric told a bankruptcy court this week it is "uniquely positioned" to develop its own reorganization plan, which it pledged to file by Sept. 9.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019 -
ERCOT reserves drop below 2,300 MW, forcing Texas grid to call for energy emergency
Demand sent prices soaring and forced the grid operator to issue the emergency alert for the first time in more than five years.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2019 -
Deep DiveRenewables' variability sends wary utilities from traditional DR to DER and load flexibility
New technologies can expand utilities' options, allowing control of load with customer-sited resources to balance variable generation, but utilities say they need incentives.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 14, 2019 -
Maryland moves to align with other states on ratemaking, allow multi-year plans
The Maryland Public Service Commission says the alternative ratemaking process will make rates more predictable, shorten utility cost recovery time and reduce the administrative burden of annual rate filings.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2019 -
New York initiative aims to eliminate conflicts between resource adequacy, clean energy goals
The Public Service Commission wants to ensure available capacity products align with the state's renewable energy and emission reduction goals, rather than unwittingly keeping afloat older and dirtier resources.
By Robert Walton • UPDATED: Aug. 13, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. -
Deep DiveHollywood's next star could be virtual power plants as LADWP closes out natural gas
Power plant-scale VPPs are not in operation but pilots and proposals are about to get big tests.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 13, 2019 -
Puerto Rico's new governor plans to cancel $450K PREPA grid repair deal
The head of the island's electric utility, however, has indicated he will press Gov. Wanda Vázquez to reconsider that decision.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2019 -
New York looks to Europe for offshore wind coordination, interconnection models to develop 9 GW
State stakeholders say coordination is key as they juggle a variety of transmission players based on the lessons learned from Europe, where developers have installed more than 17 GW of offshore wind.
By Max Witynski • Aug. 09, 2019 -
Deep DiveCrossed wires: Wisconsin transmission proposal sparks debate over best path to 100% clean energy
A major MISO transmission project could increase reliability and renewables in the Midwest, but opponents say there are better approaches to reducing carbon emissions.
By Max Witynski • Aug. 08, 2019 -
Hawaii regulators question lack of non-wires alternatives in HECO's integrated grid plan
The Public Utilities Commission asked if a "course of correction is necessary" for the utility's plan, particularly regarding the resilience benefits of microgrid solutions on the state's mountainous islands.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 08, 2019 -
What's the best role for utilities as EVs proliferate? With Pepco, DC aims to find the right balance
A Public Service Commission order raises questions about how and if third-party charging companies should be regulated.
By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 07, 2019 -
Dominion invests $1.1B in offshore wind, watches Northeast developments
The utility's non-regulated generation business is developing two turbines off the coast of Virginia, with plans to develop more as prices drop.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 05, 2019 -
Enbridge natural gas pipeline explosion kills 1, injures 5 in Kentucky
A rupture on the almost 9,000 mile Texas Eastern Transmission pipeline caused the Thursday explosion.
By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 02, 2019 -
PG&E tells court deferred maintenance did not play a role in sparking wildfires
U.S. District Judge William Alsup had directed the utility to respond to reports that it knew for years there was a risk its aging transmission system could spark wildfires.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 01, 2019 -
Southwest Power Pool moves to boost reliability, storage amid CEO resignation
The buildout of cheap renewables and the large queue of battery storage projects prompted stakeholders to ask SPP to study the reliability impacts of a grid with less conventional generation.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 01, 2019 -
DOE begins development of North American 'energy resilience model'
The U.S. Department of Energy will coordinate efforts with its national labs and use industry engagement to create best practices in a system that would anticipate damage to equipment, predict associated blackouts and assist with recovery.
By Robert Walton • July 31, 2019 -
Ameren cancels 157 MW wind project, citing transmission upgrade costs
The Missouri project would have required "unacceptably high" expenses that the utility said it didn't want to push on to ratepayers.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 30, 2019 -
FERC staff drafts environmental 'pass' for Mountain Valley Pipeline expansion
NextEra Energy's joint venture would add two delivery points to meet Dominion Energy's natural gas supply needs in North Carolina.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 30, 2019 -
Arizona commissioner pushes for retail competition vote by end of year
Justin Olson wants to allow households to choose energy providers, and envisions a future where incumbent utilities provide only transmission and distribution services.
By Robert Walton • July 30, 2019
