How to empower multiple utility teams with one DERMS

Learn three things to look for in a DERMS to deliver value across utility teams and objectives.

Dec. 4, 2023

Utility regulators urge PJM to move away from ‘reactive’ planning for grid reliability

PJM’s “siloed, reactive planning" has created concerns for years at state utility commissions beyond a pending $5 billion set of transmission upgrades, a letter to the grid operator states.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 30, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

The Utility Dive Outlook on 2023

2023 promises to be another busy year for the U.S. energy transition as stakeholders move to implement new clean energy measures while tackling growing security, reliability, equity and affordability challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

NARUC launches initiative to enhance gas-electric sector coordination, boost grid reliability

Electric generators are “more reliant than ever” on natural gas, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners has launched a 15-month effort to improve coordination between the sectors.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 28, 2023

Can ERCOT show the way to faster and cheaper grid interconnection?

With the "connect and manage" process, which doesn’t require network upgrades, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas brought 14.2 GW online in the last two years, more than any other grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 27, 2023

The Southeast Energy Exchange Market launched a year ago. It still isn’t delivering on its promises.

Over the past year, SEEM’s poor performance has proven its critics right and demonstrated that the energy trading platform is in dire need of a substantial overhaul if it is to be either lawful or beneficial.

By Nick Guidi and Chris Carmody • Nov. 22, 2023

Invenergy in talks with utilities, other companies for capacity on Grain Belt transmission line

Invenergy is preparing to launch a solicitation for capacity on the 2.5-GW phase one of its Grain Belt project, with construction planned for early 2025.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 22, 2023

Proposed transmission planning rule is a ‘chief’ priority for FERC’s Phillips

In a letter to state lawmakers, Willie Phillips, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission acting chairman, outlined elements that should be in a final transmission planning rule.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 21, 2023

AEP, FirstEnergy urge FERC to reject complaint seeking expanded transmission project oversight

The dispute with nationwide implications comes as spending on “supplemental projects” in the PJM Interconnection has grown to $43.5 billion since 2012.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 20, 2023

ERCOT drops plans to add 3 GW for winter reliability after ‘zombie’ power plants fail to bid

Looking ahead, the grid operator said it believes there is “tremendous potential in expanding demand response capabilities” to help keep the Texas grid reliable.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2023

Wildfire risks in the US are soaring. Here’s what utilities can do.

To address the increasing risk of wildfire, utilities must embrace short- and long-term strategies that emphasize asset protection, real-time risk assessment and infrastructure investments.

By Judsen Bruzgul and Neil Weisenfeld • Nov. 17, 2023

FERC projects 5% drop in winter power prices in PJM, New York and Southeast

Led by solar, installed U.S. capacity increased by 35 GW from a year ago to 1,223 GW, and battery storage is expected to surge to 10 GW from 4 GW in the same period, according to FERC’s winter assessment report.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 17, 2023

DOE proposes easing environmental reviews for certain storage, solar, transmission projects

The proposed “categorical exclusions” would speed project reviews, the Department of Energy said Thursday.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 16, 2023

All hands on deck needed to build IRA-driven infrastructure, federal officials say

“By 2035 alone we're going to need to add about 75,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines,” said Jesse Jenkins, head of the ZERO Lab at Princeton University.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 14, 2023

Regulators need to require utilities to use grid-enhancing technologies: FERC’s Clements

“These are modest investments, they're going to save customers money … and if we don't tell the transmission owners to do it, they're not going to do it,” Allison Clements said at NARUC’s annual meeting.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 14, 2023

Hawaiian Electric to provide up to $75M to new state fund for Maui wildfire victims

Those who use the fund will waive their ability to get compensated through litigation, Scott Seu, president and CEO of parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries, said.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 10, 2023

FERC approves PJM’s Exelon-oriented $796M transmission plan over Maryland objections

FERC Commissioner Allison Clements urged PJM to consider more proactive transmission planning to address reliability needs.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 10, 2023

Much of North America faces ‘elevated risk’ of blackouts in extreme winter conditions: NERC

Climate change, rising energy demand and natural gas dependence mean “a massive grid disruption is inevitable,” said Mark Spurr, legislative director at the International District Energy Association.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2023

Maine voters reject public takeover of CMP, Versant utilities

Question 3 proposed that the state form a nonprofit, consumer-owned utility called Pine Tree Power to purchase the assets of Maine's investor-owned utilities.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

Texas voters approve $10B energy fund, with most going to build gas-fired power plants

The fund will be administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, with $7.2 billion allocated for new construction or upgrades of dispatchable power generation. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

ISO New England proposes 1-year delay to 2025 forward capacity auction

The New England grid operator told regulators it must complete an analysis of the region’s constrained natural gas system in order to “accurately value the reliability contributions of all resources.”

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2023

Where do cellular generational standards come from, and what is 6G?

What exactly does “6G” mean? The development of cellular generations involves a collaborative effort between the International Telecommunications Union and 3GPP.

By Mathew Eshpeter, Technical Consultant, Burns & McDonnell • Nov. 6, 2023

How America’s grid modernization stakes echo Eisenhower’s interstate revolution

Enacting sound policies that deliver a 21st century grid and spur interregional transmission development will drive tremendous economic and other benefits like our interstate highway system has done.

By Jose Zayas • Nov. 6, 2023

As the ICE age ends, utilities must adapt

The transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is happening, but there are challenges to overcome. Find out how GIS analytics can help utilities navigate this transition.

By Bill Meehan, Esri • Nov. 6, 2023

More MISO-PJM transmission transfer capacity could save over $15B by 2035: report

The American Council on Renewable Energy called on the PJM Interconnection to adopt a proactive, multi-value transmission planning approach.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 3, 2023

FERC Order 2023 won’t solve fundamental interconnection problems: Commissioner Clements

“The reality is, when we have these complex issues, you don't just solve it, like the good old days, with one rule,” Clements said Thursday. “This is going to be a series of steps.”

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 3, 2023