Wisconsin regulators allow Alliant Energy to double fixed charges

Wisconsin commissioners have proved more open to fixed charge increases than regulators in many other states. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 22, 2016

Inside Exelon's last-minute push to save its nukes and remake the Illinois power sector

The Illinois legislature has a week to decide on a far-reaching energy reform bill that also includes coal subsidies and controversial rate design changes.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 18, 2016

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

FERC dismisses co-ops' case against Maryland community solar program

FERC did not rule on the merits, saying the petition was premature because tariffs have not yet been filed with state regulators. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 17, 2016

Exelon's Illinois energy bill greeted by vociferous opposition

Critics decried the inclusion of capacity payments for coal plants and residential demand charges. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 17, 2016

NARUC after Trump: Utility regulators see a 'whole new world' for fossil fuels

Persistently low gas prices could create an 'existential crisis' in wholesale power markets, utility regulators said at their annual conference this week. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 16, 2016

After Exelon takeover, Maryland regulators slash Pepco rate request

The Maryland Public Service Commission also denied Pepco’s request to extend a surcharge related to its Grid Resiliency Program.  

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2016

NARUC finalizes rate design manual with some changes

Are the issues surrounding distributed energy resources "divisive," or are they "challenging?"

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2016

Microsoft signs 237 MW wind deal in Wyoming

The deal gives local utility Black Hills the ability to draw from Microsoft's natural backup generators, avoiding building another power plant to serve the company's data center. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 15, 2016

PJM market monitor pushes capacity market changes to enhance efficiency

Several municipal utilities, environmental groups and rural electric co-ops have questioned PJM's capacity market structure, resulting in new recommendations. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2016

Trump insider: New administration won't attack renewable energy

The president-elect will halt climate activities but not move to revoke wind and solar subsidies, according to a major Trump financial contributor who said he is a member of the transition team.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 11, 2016

Michigan Senate passes energy choice bill, 15% renewables mandate

Utilities cheered, but choice advocates say the measure would strangle the state's modest retail electricity market. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 11, 2016

Boulder: City-owned utility would be cost effective, cleaner

The city has been trying for five years to break away from Xcel Energy and start its own utility. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2016

Hawaiian Electric: self-supply solar incentive starting to take off

HECO has seen a surge in solar self-supply applications, one of two options designed to replace the state's retail net metering program.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2016

Minnesota Power requests 18% rate increase, but says renewables plan could halve hike

The utility also filed its annual renewable resources rider plan, which it says would offset about half of the interim rate increase.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

Interconnection delays can be costly, but some utilities have found ways to save time and money

Interconnection times are going up nationally, but a new report outlines lessons from some leading utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2016

One massive merger later, Pepco's CEO eyes 5 rate cases and grid modernization

David Velazquez says his utility is looking at residential demand charges and the future of microgrids.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 3, 2016

USDA commits $3.6B in loans for rural transmission projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will help finance 82 projects to bolster rural reliability.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2016

Why natural gas supply will be crucial in preventing winter power outages

Grid operators say enhanced coordination and upgraded operational tools will be tested in keeping gas-fired plants online through the coldest months.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Report: California needs to invest $5B in transmission to support renewables goals

Staff of the California Energy Commission found areas where more than 40,000 MW of wind, solar and geothermal resources could be developed.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

AEP refocuses on regulated utilities, renewables with $17B investment

The company will spend $17.3 billion on regulated entities and contracted renewables as it moves away from merchant plant ownership. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

NextEra to buy Texas Transmission for $2.4B in bid for full control of Oncor

Texas Transmission Holdings has a 20% stake in Oncor Electric Delivery, a regulated utility NextEra is attempting to purchase.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

How new transmission can unlock 10 times more renewables for the Eastern U.S.

The Eastern Interconnect can handle 30% renewables within a decade, but hotly-contested power line construction will be key.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2016

Michigan energy choice bill could see lame duck vote following Chamber endorsement

The bill would amend utility planning processes, modestly increase the renewables mandate, and place new rules on alternative energy suppliers. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 26, 2016

Wisconsin utility predicts $4B in transmission investments

American Transmission Co. sees transmission project spending as high as $4 billion over the next 10 years, including $1.3 billion on network projects to address specific reliability needs

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 25, 2016

Dominion, Army Corps could be at impasse over transmission line

A proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek transmission line would cross the James River near Jamestown, but needs the Army Corps of Engineers to sign off.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2016