FERC chairman prefers rooftop solar in case of grid attack

After a gunman ravaged a PG&E transformer and triggered blackouts, FERC’s chairman recommended rooftop solar panels as protection from blackouts.

By Malena Amusa • April 24, 2013

Check out the trailer for 'Storm Soldiers'—the lives of linemen exposed

After hundreds of interviews and hours of editing, Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.’s new linemen documentary is ready to hit select theaters. 

By Malena Amusa • April 24, 2013

Explore the Trendline➔

Grid Resiliency

The risk from natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves is compounded by rising demand for power that threatens to put additional strain on the grid, as well as cyber and physical attacks on critical infrastructure.

By Utility Dive staff

Smart grid predictions: Ventyx's new VP explains what to watch

Rick Nicholson earned his reputation as an analyst before joining Ventyx as vice president of transmission and distribution solutions this year. He sketches out the grid's future in this Utility Dive interview.

By Davide Savenije • April 23, 2013

PSE&G president spotlights Sandy mistakes, pitches $3.9B grid upgrade

Public Service Electric & Gas President Ralph LaRossa identified the problems that occurred before and during the utility's response to Hurricane Sandy.

By Davide Savenije • April 22, 2013

ABB antes up $1B for solar firm Power-One

The grid technology titan is placing a big bet on rooftop solar by acquiring a leading solar inverter-maker.

By Davide Savenije • April 22, 2013

Most Read Utility News of the Week: Billionaires, Wal-Mart and the grid

Take a moment and find out what the rest of the industry was reading about over the last few days.

By Brian Warmoth • April 19, 2013

NYC approves $2.2B power line to Québec

A $2.2 billion, 335-mile power line from Québec to New York City will move 1,000MW of hydropower.

By Malena Amusa • April 19, 2013

Why Walmart's plan is another sign of the apocalypse for utilities

Jesse Berst, chief analyst at Smart Grid News, thinks Walmart's ambitious energy plan should strike fear into the hearts of utilities.

By Davide Savenije • April 17, 2013

5 energy billionaires—and where they're placing their bets

Here's what their their investments show about the future of grid.

By Roger Riddell • April 17, 2013

Gunshots at PG&E substation spark energy warning in Northern Calif.

California's Independent System Operator asked end-users to conserve energy as PG&E works to get the substation back up and running.

By Davide Savenije • April 16, 2013

New innovation cools transformers, converters with their own heat

Spanish researchers say they have created an energy-free and self-cooling thermoelectric device.

By Davide Savenije • April 15, 2013

N.C. Supreme Court strikes down Duke's regulator-approved rate hike

The state Supreme Court slammed the North Carolina Utilities Commission for its approval of Duke Energy's 7.2% rate increase.

By Davide Savenije • April 12, 2013

Utilities predict their solar-induced demise

A report by the Edison Electric Institute, the trade group of U.S. investor-owned utilities, highlights the seemingly insurmountable challenges utilities face in the next 20 years.

By Davide Savenije • April 12, 2013

Most Read Utility News of the Week: ComEd, Batman and one crazy meter

Too busy to read Utility Dive last week? No worries, that's what we are here for.

By Davide Savenije • April 12, 2013

Pike predicts: Despite tech gaps, energy storage to soar

Expect 56 GW of new long-duration energy storage to be installed by 2022, a new Pike Research report says.

By Malena Amusa • April 12, 2013

Xcel restores power to 64,000 hit by ice storm in S.D., Minn.

Xcel deployed 420 utility workers to restore power in South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota.

By Malena Amusa • April 12, 2013

Spring storm recap: 3 dead, power outages affect thousands

Tornadoes, hail, and high winds ripped through the Midwest, Mississippi and now the Carolinas, causing 3 fatalities and widespread power outages.

By Malena Amusa • April 12, 2013

Power outages affect 45,000 in Missouri, Illinois

A storm sweeping through the Midwest left 45,000 Ameren customers without electricity last night.

By Davide Savenije • April 11, 2013

USDA pledges $280M to boost rural grids in 13 states

Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding would be used to improve system reliability in underserved areas.

By Davide Savenije • April 10, 2013

Key disrupters intensify change-or-die times for utilities

GTM dishes up the latest examination of Edison Electric Institute's report identifying the top disrupters threatening private-owned utilities’ survival.

By Malena Amusa • April 10, 2013

Xcel moves to block municipalization of Boulder, Colo.

Xcel Energy has given Boulder notice that it believes the town has no right to condemn its substations and distribution system outside of the city limits.

By Davide Savenije • April 9, 2013

FERC approves new tree trimming rules

New rules for vegetation management focus on vulnerable transmission lines, inspection requirements and minimum clearance distances.

By Davide Savenije • April 8, 2013

Most Read Utility News of the Week: Entergy, Exelon and BP wind

Serious news a video of a drunk man in China topped our list of most popular posts this week. Have a look for yourself!

By Brian Warmoth • April 5, 2013

Smartphones fit prominently into Pecan Street's smart grid plans

CEO Brewster McCracken talks to the National Journal about how he sees utility customers using their phones in the future.

By Brian Warmoth • April 4, 2013

SoCal Edison kicks off $1B grid upgrade

A $2.2 million project jump starts the 2-year electricity reliability plan.

By Malena Amusa • April 4, 2013