Feds greenlight pair of Western US transmission projects

Once completed, the TransWest Express Project and the Energy Gateway South could ship a combined 4,500 MW of renewable energy in the West. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 14, 2016

Federal appeals court lifts injunction on New England renewables RFP in Allco case

The injunction had halted the awarding of more than 450 MW of projects as the court considers if state renewable power mandates are constitutional. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 14, 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

Why Exelon's mammoth Illinois energy bill could set a precedent for other states

The grand bargain in Springfield may be a model to save nuclear plants in other jurisdictions, though not everyone is comfortable with the final deal. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 12, 2016

Canada poised to implement carbon price by 2018

Canada's federal government and 10 provinces will soon agree on a national carbon price, marking a split with expected U.S. climate policies. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 9, 2016

The little-watched renewables case that could bring big changes to federal-state jurisdiction

Wind and solar developers are watching the Allco case for implications on how states structure programs to meet renewable energy targets. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 8, 2016

Snohomish PUD in Washington to install 2 MW, 8 MWh flow battery

The vanadium redox flow battery is scheduled to be in service in the first half of next year. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 8, 2016

New York regulators open formal review of retail energy markets

The investigation will ensure retail energy providers face scrutiny after concerns were raised that the suppliers overcharged their customers. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 8, 2016

Updated: Illinois Gov. Rauner signs Exelon nuclear legislation

The bill to support unprofitable nukes and expand clean energy and efficiency passed the General Assembly last week. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 7, 2016

Why NARUC wants state regulators to incentivize utility cloud computing

Allowing utilities to earn a return on cloud-based software could help them better serve customers and operate the modern grid, according to a new NARUC resolution.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 7, 2016

After Exelon energy bill passage, Ameren Illinois customers will see lower bills in 2017

State regulators have also lowered the utility's distribution rates.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2016

How PG&E's EV charging pilot will test utility ownership models

A new proposed decision seeks to strike the right balance between utility investment and third party participation. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 5, 2016

Illinois passes sweeping energy bill with support for Exelon nuclear plants

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is expected to sign the bill that would touch nearly every aspect of the state's power sector. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 2, 2016

Last-minute amendments slow progress on Exelon Illinois bill as deadline nears

Exelon and ComEd reached an agreement with Gov. Bruce Rauner that could see the bill signed — if legislators can push it through in time. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2016

Votes nearing, efficiency changes in Exelon Illinois bill draw environmental support

Further changes to Exelon's far-reaching Illinois legislation have won over some green groups, but lawmakers only have through Thursday to pass the bill.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2016

Illinois lawmakers still shaping Exelon nuclear bill ahead of planned Wednesday vote

The far-reaching legislation has seen a number of controversial provisions stripped from it as lawmakers try to push it through during the shortened session. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

Ameren opposes Exelon's Illinois nuclear energy bill

Ameren is wary of the bill impacts on its 1.2 million customers in southern Illinois, even though some of its coal plants could benefit. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 22, 2016

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

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