Is 100% renewable energy the best goal to cut power sector emissions?

A new literature review argues keeping some nuclear and CCS on the system could be more cost-effective than relying solely on renewable energy resources for decarbonization. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 2017

Minnesota lawmakers send bill to amend regulatory oversight for rural co-ops to governor's desk

The bill would ensure that the Public Service Commission would no longer hear disputes over rural co-op fees.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Grid Resiliency

Utilities and grid operators are facing increasing threats from climate change as well as cyber and physical attacks, and are deploying a variety of responses to meet the rising challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

ComEd launches community storage pilot project outside of Chicago

The aim of the Community Energy Storage (CES) project is to improve reliability for customers experiencing multiple interruptions, particularly in extreme weather.

By Peter Maloney • March 17, 2017

Florida committee advances FPL-backed bills on ratepayer fracking charges, transmission siting

Florida Power & Light is still pushing for authority to charge electric customers for gas production after the state Supreme Court shut its program down last year. 

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2017

Utility wind rush set to strengthen as low prices allow resource to spread across nation

IOUs, co-ops and munis alike are turning to wind for economics, not just mandates, but transmission remains a major constraint.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2017

Northeast utilities scramble to restore power to thousands after Winter Storm Stella

The storm left more than 200,000 residents without power on the East Coast yesterday, but most were restored within a day. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 15, 2017

Dayton Power & Light reaches settlement for distribution rider in Ohio

Bill riders designed to stabilize utility revenues have been a contentious issue in Ohio, with the state Supreme Court striking down two proposals last year. 

By Peter Maloney • March 15, 2017

Northeastern utilities gear up for Winter Storm Stella as thousands face blackouts

At least 46,000 people in Central Virginia and 12,000 in Delaware woke up in the dark this morning as the nor'easter moves up the East Coast. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 14, 2017

UK's National Grid eyes Google AI unit to balance power supply and demand

The U.K. grid operator is exploring how machine learning could predict peaks in demand and supply to maximize the integration of renewables. 

By Peter Maloney • March 14, 2017

NV Energy proposes residential green rider program as rooftop solar alternative

The solar rider would allow residential customers to subscribe to 100 kWh blocks of solar power from central arrays for about $2 a month. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 14, 2017

PJM Market Monitor: State plant subsidies 'threaten the foundations' of power markets

Once implemented, a series of state subsidies for nuclear plants could make it "virtually impossible" to preserve competitive wholesale power markets, the monitor said. 

By Peter Maloney • March 14, 2017

New Hampshire utilities, solar companies file rate design settlement proposals

The separate proposals find common ground on TOU pilots and non-bypassable charges, but differ on how they would allow solar customers to net their bill credits.  

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 13, 2017

How to get the most out of grid modernization, in 5 simple steps

A new paper offers guidelines for designing and evaluating expensive utility grid modernization proposals.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 13, 2017

Florida subcommittee advances bill to revise utility regulation

The measure would reduce term limits in the Florida Public Service Commission, while requiring regional diversity among its five members. 

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2017

Ohio's REV: PUCO to explore grid modernization, utility reform in PowerForward initiative

Unlike other initiatives, which began with an end goal in mind, PUCO Chair Asim Haque says his proceeding will be more "exploratory" at the outset.

By Gavin Bade • March 8, 2017

How ConEd's mobile battery REV demo could build a new storage business model

The company may not break even on a pilot to deploy mobile battery systems to stressed parts of the grid, but sees the project as a test of new market models for utilities and private vendors alike. 

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2017

Vectren files 7-year, $500M grid modernization plan in Indiana

The Indiana-based utility is targeting upgrades to its substations, transmission and distribution lines, as well as construction of solar arrays and a battery project. 

By Robert Walton • March 7, 2017

How climate change will stress the grid and what ISOs are doing about it

Global warming is expected to increase peak demand and extreme weather events, but new grid planning practices can help ensure power reliability. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 6, 2017

Commodities giant Vitol taps NEC to build 50 MW UK storage project for National Grid

NEC will build two battery facilities with a combined capacity of 50 MW, 35 MWh to provide frequency response to the U.K. utility. 

By Peter Maloney • March 3, 2017

ConEd, NRG partner on 4 MWh mobile battery storage demo for REV docket

The mobile battery system will allow ConEd to deploy storage to different locations depending on system needs. 

By Peter Maloney • March 1, 2017

PG&E restructures rate tiers to better cover costs of service

Beginning today, PG&E will charge rates based on two rather than three tiers of power use. 

By Robert Walton • March 1, 2017

ARPA-E 2017: Optimism turns to tension as sector prepares to protect energy R&D funding

The prospect of Trump budget cuts hung over the federal government's clean energy research summit this year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 1, 2017

National Grid, Utilidata REV demo targets 3% power demand reduction

New York's Reforming the Energy Vision has helped seed several innovative projects that look for solutions beyond new wires and power plants.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2017

Green groups: Indian Point nuke can be replaced with other carbon-free resources

Efficiency and transmission upgrades can help New York replace the Indian Point nuclear facility without turning to fossil fuels, according to a new study.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2017

Maine legislation seeks to cap retail power rates to protect residents from overpaying

The consumer protection bill was filed months after a study found Maine households overpaid for electricity by more than $30 million in 2015.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 24, 2017