Striking true or overreaching? How a new executive order clouds FERC’s decisional authority

The agency's independence and credibility depend on careful adherence to the law, not alignment with shifting executive priorities, according to Lyle Larson, a partner at Balch & Bingham.

By Lyle Larson • March 4, 2025

New England, New York grid operators prepare to collect millions in tariffs on Canadian electricity

Whether the tariffs going into effect Tuesday apply to electricity imports — and what role the ISOs must play in collecting them — is unclear, they told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but they need to be prepared.

By Robert Walton • March 3, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

FirstEnergy’s 5-year data center pipeline doubles to 3 GW

FirstEnergy shares fell nearly 10.5% in trading on Thursday after the company effectively lowered its earnings outlook, according to Jefferies analysts.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 28, 2025

New generation is a ‘better approach’ to energy security than interregional transmission: ERCOT

Texas can add new resources “significantly faster” than interregional transmission can be brought online, Electric Reliability Council of Texas officials said Wednesday.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2025

PJM board approves $6.7B transmission expansion plan

The plan includes a $4.6 billion regional transmission backbone to be built by American Electric Power, Dominion Energy and FirstEnergy.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 27, 2025

What if Bruce Lee had set federal transmission policy?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could help unlock transmission development in three steps, including by repealing its Order 1000 on transmission planning. Enter the Dragon!

By Vincent Duane and Caitlin Shields • Feb. 25, 2025

Fortress backs behind-the-meter gas turbines to support AI hyperscalers

New APR Energy plans to deploy 100 MW of mobile gas turbines in support of an unnamed data center hyperscaler, and more similar deals are on the way, officials said.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2025

NERC interregional transfer capability study lacks detail to drive transmission upgrades: EIPC

The Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set metrics that could be used to determine whether more transmission is needed between regions.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 25, 2025

US governors press for infrastructure permitting reform

The governors also aim to ensure that the federal government meets its obligations for federally funded projects, the National Governors Association said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 24, 2025

Is your utility prepared for these 3 energy trends in 2025?

The energy sector is undergoing significant transformations in 2025. Is your utility prepared?

Feb. 24, 2025

FERC launches colocation review, plus 6 other open meeting takeaways

Final colocation rules aren’t likely until 2026, creating uncertainty for Vistra, Talen Energy and other independent power producers, Capstone analysts said.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 21, 2025

Indiana regulators approve ‘large load’ interconnection rules

The decision affirms a pact offered by Indiana Michigan Power, Amazon Data Services, Google, Microsoft, the Indiana ratepayer advocate and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 20, 2025

How to reduce large load speculation? Standardize the interconnection process.

We can haphazardly continue down the path of a fragmented and increasingly untenable approach to large load-side interconnection, or we can introduce rational standardization to the process.

By Peter Freed and Allison Clements • Feb. 19, 2025

Achieving energy dominance without leaving small customers behind

Addressing load growth must be done in a way that ensures rate stability for all and avoids an energy system that houses haves and have nots.

By Ray Gifford and Matt Larson • Feb. 18, 2025

AEP expects electric sales to jump 8.6% annually over 3 years

American Electric Power is in the early permitting phase for small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia as data centers and industrial facilities drive demand for power.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 18, 2025

PG&E tries to reassure investors amid growing wildfire concerns

Significant improvement in the company's credit rating may not be possible in the near term, company officials said Thursday. The utility wants California to expand its public wildfire insurance fund.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 18, 2025

Practical AI for utilities: How to prioritize and scale real-world use cases

Many utilities are still piloting basic use cases for AI technologies, but building momentum for broader adoption requires a structured approach.

By Luke Martin • Feb. 18, 2025

New Jersey residential customers face 20% bill hikes, driven by PJM capacity prices: BPU

New Jersey regulators must carefully examine utility filings with an eye toward keeping electricity affordable, the state’s ratepayer advocate said.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 13, 2025

Exelon data center pipeline jumps to 17 GW as load forecast turns positive

CEO Calvin Butler called for new approaches to ensuring the PJM Interconnection has adequate power supplies. “A variety of solutions across regulated and merchant participants is necessary,” he said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 13, 2025

Transformer supply bottleneck threatens power system stability as load grows

Electric transformers are critical to managing power system reliability. Solutions to the bottleneck are emerging, but long wait times remain.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 12, 2025

Eaton invests $340M in US transformer production

The company said it aims to help address the ongoing transformer shortage and meet record demand from utility, large commercial, industrial and data center customers.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 12, 2025

Digital transformation in utilities: From smart metering to integrated systems

Exploring the journey of utilities embracing digitalization, from advanced metering to comprehensive system integration. 

Feb. 10, 2025

DOE to focus on expanding baseload generation: Secretary Wright

“Net-zero policies raise energy costs for American families and businesses, threaten the reliability of our energy system, and undermine our energy and national security,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 6, 2025

Puerto Rico utility LUMA plans to add 1 GW renewables, 700 MW storage

LUMA’s agreement with engineering and construction firm Linxon US calls for the development of nine “energy interconnection points” as part of Puerto Rico’s Tranche 1 renewable procurement plan.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2025

Utilities await clarity on DOE loans as decisive court battle looms

The Trump administration will likely scrutinize funding for renewables and climate change mitigation, potentially affecting outlays for critical grid investments, experts say.

By Brian Martucci • Feb. 5, 2025