Energy storage projects apply for connection with California grid

A call for energy storage projects in California has had more than 2,000 MW of proposal submissions, showing the state's potential to bring 1.3 GW of energy storage into the wholesale market by 2020. 

By Claire Cameron • July 20, 2014

California to put $26.5 million into microgrids

The California Energy Commission has announced $26.5 million in grant money for microgrid projects that primarily use renewable energy and energy storage technology. 

By Claire Cameron • July 20, 2014

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 asks NERC for improvements in physical security standards proposal

The feds want more equipment and facilities protected, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners wants the states to do it.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

What the FERC Order 745 ruling means for demand response

Will the ruling kill demand response in wholesale markets?

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

New White House proposals could help shore up rural electricity supply

The Obama administration has released a set of initiatives designed to help rural communities keep the lights on during climate change-related events. 

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

What the E3 study of Nevada net energy metering really says

An exclusive statement from NV Energy to Utility Dive suggests a new Nevada law could drive unforeseen changes for renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 16, 2014

US utilities are beginning to remake the nation's grid

Billions invested will save billions in yearly outages and ease the way for renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 15, 2014

New Maryland plants could lower costs, improve market competition

New plant construction scheduled to begin in Maryland could reduce the need to import generation, but critics disagree. 

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014

California's drought is redesigning the energy landscape

A third summer of drought is beginning with mass water shortages and wildfires. Energy resources are becoming increasingly vulnerable, but challenges could herald a new phase in California's electricity generation. 

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

Northern Pass line can help solve New England energy issues

The proposed transmission line could help the Northeast meet demand this winter without driving up prices.

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

TVA weighs solar, wind for distributed generation

The Tennessee Valley Authority is reviewing the value of solar and wind generation as part of its move to integrate more distributed energy into the grid. 

By Claire Cameron • July 14, 2014

Central Maine Power agrees to decouple rates, add 4% bill charge

The average $3 per month charge would cover distribution costs for distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 10, 2014

Congressional report: U.S. grid attack could have 'crippling' consequences

A new report from the Congressional Research Service calls on Congress to review utility protocols for preventing a physical attack.

By Claire Cameron • July 9, 2014

APS reaches $3.25M settlement over 2011 blackout

Arizona Public Service has agreed to pay a total $3.25 million in penalties and reliability improvements after NERC found the utility contributed to a power outage in the Southwest and Mexico.

By Claire Cameron • July 8, 2014

Maine utilities partner on wires to deliver wind to New England

This could start a rush for Maine’s abundant wind.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 8, 2014

SEPA: Utilities should own solar inverters

A new report makes the case for utility-owned inverters, which help integrate rooftop solar onto the grid. 

By Claire Cameron • July 8, 2014

Duke, NRG, ITC report suspected cyberattacks

Reports of hackings increase, driving new security measures.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 7, 2014

More solar and wind, less coal use planned for New Mexico

The drivers are EPA regulations and the state renewables mandates.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 2, 2014

Court affirms MO regulators' right to deny FERC-approved transmission costs

The ruling could open the door to state challenges of FERC authority.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 2, 2014

California agencies warn of energy crisis from drought

The 'worst drought on record' threatens over a gigawatt of power.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 2, 2014

Vermont co-op proposes added fee for net metering

It’s the latest utility to want solar owners to help pay for the distribution system.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 1, 2014

U.S., Canada looking anew at Columbia River's generation, energy storage values

What will Canada want in the new treaty for providing so much hydro storage to the U.S.?

By Herman K. Trabish • June 30, 2014

NY PSC, utilities appeal FERC's capacity zone order

New York's Public Service Commission and several utilities filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn a FERC order imposing a capacity zone in the Lower Hudson Valley.

By Claire Cameron • June 30, 2014

Research: Microgrid business ready to boom

Microgrid capacity to nearly double by end of 2017.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 27, 2014

Inside Massachusetts' ambitious plans to modernize the grid

Energy efficiency and demand response are to be the backbone of Massachusetts' future grid, but many are asking: Does the vision go far enough?

By Claire Cameron • June 27, 2014