Lava flows threaten HECO power lines, generators

No outages have been caused so far by lava flowing slowly from the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 29, 2014

How utilities can integrate solar into their distribution plans

New tools make it easier to ascertain how distributed generation should be handled on the grid. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 28, 2014

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

FERC strikes 10% adder from PJM make-whole payments

Regulators rejected a request to grant make-whole payments to non-capacity generation.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2014

Illinois regulators approve $251M Grand Prairie Gateway transmission line

Overruling local concerns, the ICC greenlights 1,000MW of new capacity.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 24, 2014

Study: Less than 30% of energy consumers highly engaged with smart grid

Almost all consumers agree reducing energy waste is important, however.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2014

MISO: Michigan will face 3,000 MW capacity shortfall in 2016

The shortfall does not signal an immediate need for new power plants.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2014

'Don't ask, don't tell': How utilities are powering the marijuana industry

Grow operations are huge energy consumers, but implementing efficiency or demand response measures is tricky.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2014

Solar Power International 2014: 'The best energy we have had for years'

Utility participation in solar’s annual conclave is bigger than ever—right down to the gift bags.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 23, 2014

MISO September real-time prices rose on outages

MISO load peaked early in the month at 111.2 GW.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 22, 2014

The 'epic fail' on solar's doorstep—and how the grid can help

There is about to be too much solar at the midday peak and, without the grid, the cost could be great.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 22, 2014

Slowing load growth delays Arizona transmission projects

More than half of planned projects over 345-kv have been delayed since 2012.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 21, 2014

Michigan senators challenge Upper Peninsula rate increase

Northern MI residents shouldn't pay for the upkeep of an old, dirty coal plant, they say. 

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 20, 2014

Investor group to acquire Cleco for $4.7B

There will be a new CEO for the Louisiana utility after the deal closes.

By Davide Savenije • Oct. 20, 2014

FERC lowers New England transmission ROE to 10.57%

Federal regulators will also review the return on equity of transmission owners in the Midcontinent ISO.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 20, 2014

How utilities can mitigate grid impacts of high solar penetrations

New strategies for utilities and installers to put solar in better places to protect the grid.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 16, 2014

How utilities can streamline rooftop solar interconnection and cut costs

A new online tool from Clean Power Research can help utilities get solar arrays online more efficiently. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 16, 2014

Energy trade groups weigh in on DOE infrastructure review

The Quadrennial Energy Review could shape the nation’s energy future.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 15, 2014

How SDG&E's rate reform will impact solar, low-income consumers

The utility says the new rates correspond better with individuals' energy usage.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2014

Grid of the future: How transmission and new technologies can work together

The grid of the future needs new wires and new technologies.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 15, 2014

Grid operators wary of coming winter

Despite predictions of a warmer winter, the specter of last year's Polar Vortex has officials worried.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2014

PG&E, FPL ink mutual-aid pact for natural disaster assistance

The two utilities have each committed more than 100 employees to help restore power in the event of a natural disaster.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2014

PJM, Sierra Club tussle over gas conversion at NJ power plant

Sierra Club says the gas retrofit threatens reliability, PJM says the Club doesn’t understand.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 14, 2014

Idaho Power's vital Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission line wrestles with permitting

Boardman-to-Hemingway will tie High Plains renewables to Pacific Coast markets.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 14, 2014

Unplanned outages lead to transmission emergencies in Texas

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued two transmission emergencies in the Rio Grande Valley last week.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 14, 2014

SPP: EPA timeline for emissions cuts too short

Moving too fast to cut GHGs could cause overloads and outages, the RTO says.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 10, 2014