New York’s landmark Reforming the Energy Vision framework remains both vital and unfinished, analysts say

New York's REV initiatives have given full value to distributed energy resources, but the utility business model transformation must be finished, regulators and other stakeholders agreed.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 9, 2021

Nuclear and carbon capture companies seek $20B as DOE revives loan program

DOE loan office head Jigar Shah said he would like the office to issue at least $2 billion in loans for key emerging sectors, such as battery recycling and "green" hydrogen.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 8, 2021

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

Wind developer joins $3B transmission project poised to be 'backbone' for Western power markets

The 730-mile TransWest Express project from Wyoming to Nevada could provide Southwest utilities with low-cost wind while facilitating participation in potential area-wide power markets, regional experts say.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 7, 2021

Texas power plants 'ready for winter' following weatherization assessment, ERCOT says

On-site inspections of more than 300 generating units mean consumers "can be confident" the power system will remain stable this winter, according to the grid operator.

By Robert Walton • Updated Jan. 5, 2022

Improving outcomes for everyone: Enthusiasm builds for broader Western electricity market

At issue is how we go about making our electricity cleaner, more reliable and more affordable, according to the CEOs of Southern California Edison and Pacific Power.

By Steven Powell & Stefan Bird • Dec. 6, 2021

Q&A: Why do smart grids need ring main units that are greener, more digital and secure?

As more renewable energy is progressively added to the power grid, the grid itself must take steps to decarbonize.

By Christophe Preve, Schneider Electric • Dec. 6, 2021

Trends to watch in energy storage in 2022

By the end of 2030, the energy storage industry will break the 1 terawatt (TW) threshold. Wärtsilä's Vice President of Energy Storage and Optimization, Andrew Tang shares his thoughts on the trends we'll see unfold as a result.

By Andrew Tang, Vice President, Energy Storage and Optimization • Dec. 6, 2021

Despite authority to require RTOs, Glick says FERC will encourage bottom-up approach to creating power markets

The top federal energy regulator supports RTO participation and said he is focused on orders that will not create disincentives for states or utilities to join the broader transmission planning groups.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 3, 2021

Colorado utilities could cut costs 5% by joining an RTO, PUC finds, as Western market momentum builds

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission report adds to growing momentum for forming organized power markets in the West, according to Advanced Energy Economy and Interwest Energy Alliance officials.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 3, 2021

Irreconcilable conflict? Lessons from the Central Maine Power transmission corridor debacle

The Central Maine Power corridor debate shows public support must be built for much-needed infrastructure through strategic, long-term transmission and distribution planning, the author writes.

By Rebecca Schultz • Nov. 30, 2021

8 states, DC urge FERC to reject EEI, Eversource call to drop competition for transmission projects

Utility regulators and attorneys general also want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to require independent monitors to help oversee powerline planning.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 29, 2021

FERC balks at PJM utilities' proposal to profit on network upgrades

The plan by PPL Corp., Exelon and other utilities is part of a broader utility effort to be allowed to invest in more types of transmission projects.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 22, 2021

AEP, Sunflower execs urge FERC to require grid planners to identify renewable energy zones

Proactively planning transmission to serve areas that are designated for deploying clean energy could save money, experts told federal regulators.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 16, 2021

Changing climate and electricity mix renew region-wide power market ambitions for the 'Wild West'

Replacing today's "inflexible" dispatch in 11 Western states with an RTO's optimized operations and avoided capacity costs could deliver up to $1.3 billion in annual benefits, according to a DOE-funded study.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 15, 2021

FERC kicks off 3-year task force examining transmission issues, state-federal divide

States want to work collaboratively to develop new transmission, but some commissioners fear that a federal requirement to consider energy goals "will impair the ability to get transmission built."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 11, 2021

FERC approves transmission rules for SEEM market, dismissing open access concerns

The decision could broadly affect rules giving non-utilities access to the transmission system, warned Jeff Dennis, the head of Advanced Energy Economy.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 10, 2021

Northeast utilities are spending billions on resilience, and the investments are paying off

Flood mitigation and storm hardening efforts are being informed by climate models that look decades ahead.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2021

When it comes to transmission, and greater FERC authority in general, be careful what you wish for

It is difficult to imagine that FERC will be excited about the opportunity to mix it up with the congressional delegation of a state it is trying to steamroller, the author writes.

By Michael McKenna • Nov. 10, 2021

Biden signs $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill with funding for EVs, transmission, hydrogen

Biden also created a task force to be run by former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to help coordinate the spending.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Nov. 16, 2021

Duke Energy eyes offshore wind, advanced nuclear, to meet NC decarbonization goals

Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good told analysts Thursday the company is exploring an array of options to meet North Carolina's new decarbonization goals.

By Scott Van Voorhis • Nov. 8, 2021

New England electricity use will grow more than 1% annually amid electrification push, says ISO

The ISO New England grid will be challenged by extreme weather and a changing resource mix, according to a biennial report from the grid operator. Generators say there is increasing urgency to address issues in wholesale markets.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2021

FERC's Christie calls for fixing interconnection 'chaos' as first step in transmission reform

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could tackle sweeping transmission changes in pieces, according to an agency official.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 4, 2021

FERC approves proposal giving New York's utilities right of first refusal for certain transmission upgrades

FERC Commissioners Clements and Christie are concerned the action could increase customer costs.

By Ethan Howland • Updated March 14, 2022

Unlocking the Transition: Biden, Congress aim to fill gap from clean electricity plan's demise

Sen. Joe Manchin's rejection of the plan has led to a scramble for potential alternatives, with a proposal by Reps. Kurt Schrader and David McKinley gaining support from major players in the utility sector.

By Scott Van Voorhis • Nov. 4, 2021

Avangrid-PNM merger in doubt after New Mexico hearing examiner warns of reliability, oversight issues

"The potential harms of the proposed transaction outweigh the promised benefits," Hearing Examiner Ashley Schannauer wrote. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is expected to make a decision by the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2021