Transmission & Distribution: Page 2

Michigan finds 'fundamental flaws' in DTE's resource plan, directs utility to pursue renewables

DTE wants to operate its Belle River coal plant until 2030, but regulators directed the utility to file a renewable energy plan with alternative generation options, or see the plan rejected.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 21, 2020

'It's not even close to perfect': Judge blasts PG&E vegetation management work

"I'm going to do everything I can to protect the people of the state of California from more death and destruction from this convicted felon," the judge overseeing Pacific Gas & Electric's probation said at a hearing Wednesday.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 20, 2020

PNM smart meter plans could see boost as New Mexico Senate considers grid mod grant program

Utility officials say the grant funding could help support grid modernization initiatives where it has struggled with cost recovery.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2020

Deep Dive

Utilities say they are prepared to meet cyber threats. Are they?

Experts warn that cyber standards compliance is not synonymous with security, as Utility Dive's annual survey shows that less than 60% "believe their organization is in or approaching compliance with government cybersecurity mandates."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2020

Dominion Energy sets 2050 net-zero carbon goal, buys Southern's stake in Atlantic Coast Pipeline

During the company's earnings call on Tuesday, the utility announced plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions while upping its stake in a controversial natural gas pipeline.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 12, 2020

Ameren's hourly pricing program could reduce EV charging costs 50%, study finds

The dynamic pricing program, based on day-ahead prices in the Midcontinent ISO, has already saved Illinois residential consumers more than $12 million, according to the utility.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2020

NERC eyes stronger measures to secure utility supply chains, forms EMP task force

The bulk power system, which provides electricity to almost 400 million people in North America, faces an increasing number of physical and cyber threats.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2020

PG&E, other California utilities file plans to invest billions in wildfire mitigation through 2022

The utilities are also working on reducing the impact of safety power shut-offs on their customers, Phil Herrington, Southern California Edison’s senior vice president of transmission and distribution, told Utility Dive.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 10, 2020

Maryland regulators take cautious approach to multi-year rates, approve pilot for 1 utility

Ultimately, the Public Service Commission says multi-year rate plans will provide more predictable revenues for energy providers and greater bill certainty for customers. But experts warn the approach is not without risk.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 06, 2020

State regulators need cyclical reviews to get the most out of utility performance incentive mechanisms: Report

Upending utility business models is more easily done with complementary state policies and continuous improvement of incentives, according to Energy Innovation and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 04, 2020

Texas PUC website 'defaced' in low-level attack as state inks new cybersecurity contract

While the hacker claimed to be Iranian, state officials say they have no evidence of a link to the Middle Eastern nation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 31, 2020

SPP approves $545M in transmission upgrades, eyes storage to help reduce costs

Southwest Power Pool is considering how energy storage could diminish transmission costs, although the pumped storage and batteries on its system are considered only as generation.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 30, 2020

Judge approves PG&E Tubbs Fire settlements, while Newsom mulls state takeover

The utility is engaged in conversations with California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office and believes it can resolve his concerns, a PG&E attorney said on Wednesday.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 30, 2020

Oncor, other Texas utilities aim to avoid enforcement power for proposed cybersecurity monitor

Oncor said regulators should delete from the proposed rule all provisions that would give the monitor authority to "require utilities to submit to assessments or respond to information requests."

By Robert Walton • Jan. 29, 2020

PG&E CEO: System hardening will be completed 'long after I retire'

Work has been completed on nearly 3% the power lines identified for system hardening, CEO Bill Johnson told members of Congress.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 29, 2020

Deep Dive

PG&E is betting heavily on microgrids. But can it move away from fossil fuels?

The utility is proposing to deploy 300 MW of temporary generation in areas that are vulnerable to public safety power shut-offs. 

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 28, 2020

DC grid mod order 'falls short' on 100% clean energy goals, commissioner says

The order accelerates the process for getting non-wires alternatives online, but does not specify studies needed for distributed and integrated resource planning, Commissioner Richard Beverly wrote in separate comments.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 28, 2020

New York ISO carbon pricing proposal 'in a holding pattern,' says grid chief

NYISO CEO Rich Dewey says a carbon price is the most effective way to help the state meet its environmental goals, but it is unclear how a decision will be made to move forward.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 23, 2020

Deep Dive

2020 Utility Dive Outlooks: What's in store for coal, gas, renewables, DER and beyond

2020 promises to be another busy year across the U.S. power sector as the energy transition gathers more steam.

By Larry Pearl • Jan. 23, 2020

Ameren, Xcel, Dominion, Duke among most at-risk from changing climate: Moody's

Extreme heat and flooding, along with water scarcity and more severe hurricanes related to climate change, present long-term risks to utility assets, the credit rating agency found.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 22, 2020

Deep Dive

2020 Outlook: US renewable resources on steady course for increased deployment

"In 2020, there’s sort of a 'come on in, the water's warm' element of excitement and momentum" around renewable energy procurement, one analyst said.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 16, 2020

Deep Dive

2020 outlook: Natural gas faces regulatory, environmental scrutiny but still wants role in carbon-free grid

Aggressive natural gas investments in recent years may bring the sector to its tipping point. But some stakeholders say the fuel still has an important role to play in a decarbonized future.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 15, 2020

'Most dangerous and capable' hacking group now targeting electric sector, Dragos report finds

There is an increasing threat of supply chain and third-party attacks, according to the cybersecurity firm. Experts say patching vulnerabilities will not be easy.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2020

Trump infrastructure proposal impacts 'virtually every' federal decision on environment: DOI Secretary

Coal, gas and wind groups praised the changes to a key project permitting policy, saying environmental reviews badly need streamlining, but NGOs fear the proposal omits critical considerations and creates ambiguity.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 10, 2020

Entergy, Duke, ConEd adding millions of smart meters, but overall deployment slowing

While some utilities are seeing significant deployments, fewer customers need the equipment as adoption rates increase and some state regulators have shown a reticence to authorize additional costs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 08, 2020