Massachusetts lawmakers consider ending retail electric choice for residential customers

Retail energy providers argue that an investigation of market competition by state regulators would be a better approach than rolling back customer choice through a broad clean energy bill.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated June 13, 2022

One cooperative should not be allowed to derail our collective clean energy efforts

If that is allowed to happen, the clean energy transition will be much like it is today — primarily enjoyed by customers of large investor-owned and municipal utilities that serve urban areas, the CEOs of three Colorado co-ops write.

By Jessica Matlock, Jeff Wadsworth, and Brad Zaporski • June 8, 2022

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AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

3 Rs of utility emergency management

GIS helps to prepare for and deliver services during and after an emergency.

By Bill Meehan • June 6, 2022

DOE launches grid interconnection initiative to cut ‘gridlock’ hampering clean energy progress

The effort may provide near-term relief to the interconnection backlog, according to Advanced Energy Economy’s Jeff Dennis.

By Ethan Howland • June 2, 2022

Minnesota, Iowa agencies support Alliant Energy-led complaint seeking lower ITC Midwest equity ratio

Lowering the transmission company’s equity ratio would save ratepayers $114 million over four years, according to the complaint.

By Ethan Howland • June 1, 2022

MISO proposes giving incumbent utilities certain transmission projects in pending $10.4B buildout

MISO’s proposal centers on a set of transmission lines that could support about 53 GW of wind, solar, hybrid and stand-alone battery projects, which are slated to be voted on by the grid operator’s board on July 25.

By Ethan Howland • May 26, 2022

New York utilities fear 'potentially unlimited' obligation under proposed refund rules for prolonged outages

The new rules were required by lawmakers after Tropical Storm Isaias left more than a million New Yorkers without power in 2020, in some instances for days.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2022

NERC sounds alarm on solar tripping in 'sobering' summer reliability report

Electric grid operators may struggle with resource shortages, droughts and extreme temperatures this summer, according to North America's grid watchdog.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2022

Calls for increased natural gas production ignore US infrastructure needs

While the President has recently shifted his narrative to support American natural gas, his administration continues to introduce and implement policies that impact our industry through added delays and costs, the author writes.

By Amy Andryszak • May 16, 2022

White House vows to speed up environmental review for federal projects

The new action plan will help streamline permitting and accelerate projects, Biden administration officials said Wednesday.

By Julie Strupp • May 12, 2022

New Maine utility law requires integrated planning to support state goals, sets penalties for reliability failures

Maine's electric utilities have been "rock bottom" on customer service in recent years, say advocates. The new law requires utilities to undertake an integrated grid planning process that directly supports Maine's clean energy goals.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2022

DOE plans to buy capacity on proposed power lines in first step for $2.5B transmission funding program

However, it's unclear how much transmission development the program will support, according to experts.

By Ethan Howland • May 11, 2022

FERC, state regulators eye options for clearing up interconnection 'quagmire,' allocating upgrade costs

Federal and state officials generally agreed studying interconnection requests in clusters could speed the process, but there was no consensus on who should pay for upgrades.

By Ethan Howland • May 9, 2022

Digital transformation for utilities: a strategic approach

Despite the rise of digital transformation, the construction industry — in particular, utility infrastructure construction — lags behind. How can digital transformation help utilities face their challenges?

By Robert Schultz, Electric Utility Industry Specialist, Locusview • May 9, 2022

Can FERC convince utilities to build modern transmission systems?

The challenge before FERC is to ensure that transmission development is guided by consumer benefits and is not dictated by utility self-interest, the author writes. 

By Ari Peskoe • May 4, 2022

SunZia, NV Energy, Pinnacle West-Berkshire transmission projects advance across the Southwest

The projects could unlock 10,000 MW of renewable energy, according to the Department of the Interior.

By Ethan Howland • May 4, 2022

PSE&G continues to grow rate base, expects decision on $848M 'last mile' program this fall

Regulated investments "are producing predictable utility growth," company officials said Tuesday. The utility's parent company is planning up to $17 billion in capital investments through 2025.

By Robert Walton • May 4, 2022

The fight for a national clean energy transmission system emerges on three fronts

DOE’s multi-part transmission study, FERC’s refocus on transmission planning, and macrogrid advocacy efforts could produce an interconnected nation ready for net zero electricity by 2035, industry, government and other experts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2022

FERC rejects MISO proposal to let utilities profit from upgrades for merchant HVDC lines

Renewable advocates contend letting utilities profit on interconnection upgrades drives up costs, killing some potential generating projects.

By Ethan Howland • May 3, 2022

Washington utilities keep close eye on Great Resignation trends as they prep for wildfire season

Pacific Power, Avista and Puget Sound Energy plan to invest millions of dollars over the next few years in preparing their service territories for wildfires, according to plans filed with regulators this month. 

By Kavya Balaraman • May 2, 2022

Can the grid handle millions of EVs? In Tennessee, distribution systems will be 'canary in the coal mine'

Preparing for the coming wave of electric vehicles will require utilities to change traditional integrated resource planning and engage more with fleet owners and automakers, according to industry observers.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 2022

Can we solve the massive rate hikes for customers of California's largest utilities?

As we plunge into the third year of a global pandemic, the world is experiencing little relief from ever-increasing prices.

May 2, 2022

Arizona Public Service asks court to reverse ACC cost recovery, ROE decisions

A decision last year to deny cost recovery of some pollution control investments and reduce the utility's rate of return threatens reliability, Arizona Public Service told a state judge on Wednesday.

By Robert Walton • April 29, 2022

Danly calls FERC transmission proposal coercive and discriminatory, highlights roadblocks

In addition, it’s unclear that competition works in the transmission sector, FERC Commissioner James Danly said Thursday at a WIRES meeting.

By Ethan Howland • April 29, 2022

Could NextEra's $55M winning bid for SPP's transmission project be among the last of its kind?

FERC's proposed transmission reforms would effectively kill the limited competition that exists, according to Ari Peskoe, a Harvard Law School professor.

By Ethan Howland • April 27, 2022