ERCOT, SPP tout new real-time mapping tool to track power flows, manage grid

The Macomber Map is being used by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and Southwest Power Pool to visualize power flows and manage the bulk power system in real time.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

Munis, co-ops to propose revamp of PJM's capacity market structure

American Municipal Power is calling for a "comprehensive and holistic assessment" of PJM Interconnection's Reliability Pricing Model.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 23, 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

Fixed charge battle looms in Texas as regulators tackle rate design reform

A legislative effort to chart new ratemaking mechanisms in the Lone Star State has the utility sector drawing familiar battle lines.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 23, 2016

Industrial customers could depart Wisconsin over high electrical rates

The state's Strategic Energy Assessment 2022 finds rates are rising for all customer classes, though generation is expected to be adequate.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 23, 2016

Landowner groups seek to block DOE approval of Clean Line transmission project

The Department of Energy signed on to the 700-mile, 4,000 MW Plains & Eastern Clean Line Project in March, but landowners are questioning the agency's decision-making process.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

Illinois attorney general reaches settlement with 'green' energy supplier

Washington, D.C.-based Ethical Electric Inc. told customers they were purchasing all renewable energy at prices just slightly above Commonwealth Edison's standard offer. That wasn't true, according to Illinois' top law enforcement agent.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2016

New Mexico regulators push PNM for details of protest over proposed rate increase

A hearing examiner recommended slashing Public Service Company of New Mexico's proposed $123 million rate increase. The utility has said it will appeal to the state's supreme court.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2016

MISO will start charging transmission fees on power exports to PJM

In July, federal regulators lifted restrictions on Multi-Value Project cost allocations, saying they were persuaded by the buildout of regional wind projects.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016

Florida utility asks regulators to continue incentive program for wholesale power sales

Florida Power & Light wants to extend an incentive mechanism it says was designed to improve asset utilization. Critics say it creates an incentive for the utility to sell more gas and power.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Stem secures $100M in financing to fuel battery deployment

Borrowing from the financing models that helped propel solar growth, some storage companies are using financial engineering to offer customers no-cost-down financing options for battery installations. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 12, 2016

Exelon to fund $25B in utility investments with revenue from generation subsidiary

The nation's largest utility holding company this week unveiled a growth plan focused on substantial investments in its six regulated electric and gas utilities.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Costs rise for a New Jersey transmission project

Jersey Central Power & Light has filed a petition with New Jersey regulators to spend $111 million modernizing its system, up from a previous estimate of $75 million. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2016

Washington, Arizona utilities begin testing CAISO EIM integration

The two entities will operate under real-time market conditions, though transactions will not be financially binding until October.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2016

Energy Future Holdings secures $4.25B in financing

The funding is expected to help EFH through bankruptcy proceedings as it attempts to sell distribution utility Oncor. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

New Mexico PRC staff recommends cutting PNM's proposed rate increase

The hearing examiner recommended a 9.575% return on equity, almost a full percentage point below the utility's request. The change could shave a dime off the holding company's earnings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 9, 2016

California Gov. Brown puts CAISO expansion on hold

The plan would have integrated PacifiCorp's operations in five other states into the California ISO market.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 9, 2016

PJM suspends Artificial Island transmission project

The PJM Board directed the grid operator to do a comprehensive analysis of the project, which had come under scrutiny due to escalating costs.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 8, 2016

Nuclear plants safe, New York ISO CEO Brad Jones readies for a low-carbon grid

New transmission and grid practices will be needed for a deeply decarbonized grid, Jones told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

Report: Tres Amigas transmission line to begin moving power in 2017

The $1.6 billion project is nearing completion, and should begin delivering power to the California ISO market next year.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 5, 2016

NextEra to sell $1.5B in equity units to help fund Oncor acquisition

NextEra plans to sell shares for $127.63 to $159.54, representing up to a 25% premium on its closing price Aug. 2.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2016

Texas regulators to explore alternative utility ratemaking mechanisms

The Public Utility Commission of Texas will address a report on revisions to traditional cost-of-service ratemaking in their Aug. 10 meeting. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2016

CAISO: EIM showed $23.6M in benefits for Q2

The California ISO said its energy imbalance market displaced nearly 68,000 metric tons of CO2 in the second quarter.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 3, 2016

Report: PG&E ratepayers brace for higher bills

Monthly power bills for Pacific Gas & Electric customers could jump from $145 to $158.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2016

A 'transformational' mandate: Greens hail Massachusetts offshore wind, renewables bill

The U.S. trails in offshore wind, but backers say this measure could "start a new industry," though questions about the role of natural gas remain. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 3, 2016