Much of North America faces ‘elevated risk’ of blackouts in extreme winter conditions: NERC

Climate change, rising energy demand and natural gas dependence mean “a massive grid disruption is inevitable,” said Mark Spurr, legislative director at the International District Energy Association.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2023

Maine voters reject public takeover of CMP, Versant utilities

Question 3 proposed that the state form a nonprofit, consumer-owned utility called Pine Tree Power to purchase the assets of Maine's investor-owned utilities.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Electricity Supply and Demand

After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

By Utility Dive staff

Texas voters approve $10B energy fund, with most going to build gas-fired power plants

The fund will be administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, with $7.2 billion allocated for new construction or upgrades of dispatchable power generation. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

ISO New England proposes 1-year delay to 2025 forward capacity auction

The New England grid operator told regulators it must complete an analysis of the region’s constrained natural gas system in order to “accurately value the reliability contributions of all resources.”

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2023

Where do cellular generational standards come from, and what is 6G?

What exactly does “6G” mean? The development of cellular generations involves a collaborative effort between the International Telecommunications Union and 3GPP.

By Mathew Eshpeter, Technical Consultant, Burns & McDonnell • Nov. 6, 2023

How America’s grid modernization stakes echo Eisenhower’s interstate revolution

Enacting sound policies that deliver a 21st century grid and spur interregional transmission development will drive tremendous economic and other benefits like our interstate highway system has done.

By Jose Zayas • Nov. 6, 2023

As the ICE age ends, utilities must adapt

The transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is happening, but there are challenges to overcome. Find out how GIS analytics can help utilities navigate this transition.

By Bill Meehan, Esri • Nov. 6, 2023

More MISO-PJM transmission transfer capacity could save over $15B by 2035: report

The American Council on Renewable Energy called on the PJM Interconnection to adopt a proactive, multi-value transmission planning approach.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 3, 2023

FERC Order 2023 won’t solve fundamental interconnection problems: Commissioner Clements

“The reality is, when we have these complex issues, you don't just solve it, like the good old days, with one rule,” Clements said Thursday. “This is going to be a series of steps.”

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 3, 2023

Arizona Public Service, Tucson Electric expect to add 20 GW of mainly renewables, storage by 2038

Arizona’s investor-owned utilities expect to exit coal-fired generation by 2032, according to resource plans filed Wednesday with state regulators.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 2, 2023

Dominion Energy tapped to build $2.5B in transmission under PJM’s $5B proposal

PJM staff also selected Potomac Electric Power, Public Service Electric & Gas, FirstEnergy, LS Power, NextEra and Transource to build transmission facilities to address growing load and power plant retirements.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 1, 2023

Regional transmission needs greatest in ERCOT, MISO, SPP: DOE

The Department of Energy sees major benefits in more interregional transmission capacity between the Southwest Power Pool and the Midcontinent grid operator, and between New York and New England.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 31, 2023

DOE picks National Grid, Berkshire Hathaway, Grid United transmission projects in first capacity buys

The planned transmission projects in New England and the West could carry 3.7 GW of clean energy while bolstering grid resilience, DOE said Monday.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 30, 2023

PJM selects $372M in FirstEnergy transmission projects, reflecting ‘significant’ power line buildout

FirstEnergy expects to spend $1.8 billion this year on transmission projects eligible for formula rates, which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission reviews without the scrutiny of a rate case.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 30, 2023

FERC accepts ISO New England plan facilitating storage as transmission-only assets

Because they would be built to improve transmission reliability, “SATOAs will not compete in the electricity markets and will have minimal effect on wholesale prices,” ISO New England said.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2023

DOE issues draft plan for speeding up, improving grid interconnections

The draft road map goes beyond the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s recent interconnection reform rule, in part by calling for fast-track interconnection options.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 26, 2023

Texas ban on non-incumbent transmission is unconstitutional: US solicitor general

The solicitor general urged the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss a petition to review an appeals court finding that a Texas law likely violates the Commerce Clause.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 25, 2023

White House points to nationwide clean energy jobs growth as IRA success story

The Biden administration has issued three recent reports showing growth in clean energy jobs as well as record investment in the sector.

By Diana DiGangi • Oct. 24, 2023

Mountain Valley Pipeline delayed; cost rises to $7.2B

Equitrans has pushed the opening of the controversial project to 2024 due to “unforeseen factors” that include difficulty finding contractors.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 24, 2023

Xcel seeks 1.2 GW of new Minnesota wind resources to replace retiring coal plant

The new wind projects would utilize Xcel’s proposed 345-kV transmission line to deliver energy to the retiring Sherco coal plant in Becker, Minnesota.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2023

Invenergy’s 5-GW Grain Belt transmission project faces continued opposition at FERC

The Missouri Landowners Association wants Invenergy to re-apply for Grain Belt’s negotiated rate authority, a move that could delay the financing and construction plans for the $7 billion project.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Oct. 24, 2023

AI is enhancing electric grids, but surging energy use and security risks are key concerns

The power demands of artificial intelligence could grow almost fivefold by 2028, said Sreedhar Sistu, vice president of artificial intelligence offers for Schneider Electric.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2023

The digital transformation of utility ratemaking

Electric utilities are acting to keep up with the impact of increased electrification and complex rates are playing a critical role.

Oct. 23, 2023

Proactive asset health management in the age of renewables, EVs and unprecedented demand

Utilities Can Save Millions in O&M, Maximize Reliability and Increase the Lifetime Value of Grid Assets Through Monitoring, Analytics and Proactive Maintenance.

By Brian Berry, Chief Product Officer, Ampacimon • Oct. 23, 2023

Failing to expand the grid may be biggest threat to US energy transition: National Academies

A panel of experts urged FERC to “expeditiously” issue its pending transmission planning and cost allocation reforms and to make sure wholesale power markets can support a shift to 100% clean energy.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 19, 2023