National Grid encourages FERC to provide better incentives for grid-enhancing technology

Xcel Energy, on a panel, agreed with many of the hurdles a National Grid representative laid out, including operational, technological and financial barriers.

By Catherine Morehouse • June 10, 2021

'Private industry can't do it alone': Lessons for electric utilities from the Colonial ransomware fallout

Many security experts and the Federal Bureau of Investigation caution against paying ransomware demands. Colonial Pipeline paid about $4.4 million, got its systems back online and will get some of the money back as well.

By Robert Walton • June 9, 2021

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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

Laying the regulatory groundwork for hydrogen in the United States

Hydrogen is a fundamentally different energy commodity that merits its own regulatory structure in the United States, the authors write.

By Drake D. Hernandez and Emre Gençer • June 8, 2021

DC approves disputed Pepco rate increase in new approach to utility regulation

Regulators say their approval is the "first step" in adopting an alternative form of regulation for the city's electric utility, but consumer advocates called the $108.6 million rate increase "appalling and harmful."

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2021

Colorado legislators direct all transmission utilities to join an organized wholesale market by 2030

The passage of Senate Bill 72 is not only an indicator of the growing interest of Western states in regional power markets, but it could also put pressure on other states to create similar policies, one analyst said.

By Emma Penrod • June 8, 2021

Fate of Illinois nuclear plants in balance after 3 fail to clear PJM auction and subsidy plan stalls

Three Illinois nuclear plants failed to land power contracts at the PJM capacity auction, generating additional uncertainty about their future.

By Scott Van Voorhis • June 7, 2021

PJM reliability valuation proposal could boost energy storage in capacity market, group says

The proposal represents a "necessary and significant step forward," Energy Storage Association Interim CEO Jason Burwen said.

By Jason Plautz • June 4, 2021

Oregon utilities prepare for 2021 fire season with improved technologies, forecasting and PSPS protocols

“We don’t believe PSPSs are a long-term solution,” one utility representative said, but it will take time to find alternatives. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 4, 2021

Nevada passes clean energy bill requiring state to join RTO, accelerating $2B transmission project

The bill also requires utilities to forecast a path to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

By Jason Plautz • June 2, 2021

LUMA takes over Puerto Rico's grid amid questions of staffing and readiness

Observers say the transition from a government-owned utility to a new public-private partnership has not been managed well and could leave island residents exposed to blackouts heading into hurricane season.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2021

TSA directive adds teeth to pipeline cybersecurity oversight

Under the Transportation Security Administration's new requirements, companies will need to establish a cybersecurity coordinator and report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents to CISA.

By Samantha Schwartz • May 27, 2021

NERC sees potential summer energy shortfalls, says energy transition 'pace' may threaten reliability

Parts of North America are at elevated or high risk of energy shortfalls during the above-normal temperature conditions many expect this summer, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. warned.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2021

Tenaska files complaint with FERC against SPP, alleging $66M overcharge on wind interconnection

The developer says the additional charges highlight the need to reform transmission planning and cost allocation to provide renewable energy developers with transparency and certainty in developing new projects.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 26, 2021

A 'literal tinderbox': Oregon regulators brace for 2021 wildfire season with temporary utility rules

"[E]xtreme weather conditions — especially high wind — tests even the best built and maintained electrical systems,” Oregon PUC Commissioner Letha Tawney said at a meeting last week.

By Kavya Balaraman • May 24, 2021

Rare FERC move sparks heated debate over commission's role assessing pipeline climate impacts

FERC voted 3-2 to approve two pipeline projects after Commissioner James Danly proposed a last-minute amendment to avoid setting a precedent on examining climate impacts — and to secure his own vote.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 21, 2021

Industry presses House committee on facilitating new transmission critical to Biden climate goals

Planning, permitting and paying for new transmission capacity are essential to the Biden administration's clean energy and decarbonization goals, industry stakeholders told a House committee on Thursday.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2021

Where should batteries be put to manage wind and solar power?

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab researchers found that batteries sited separately from renewables, in a nearby high-value location, added greater value to a project than tandem siting, particularly in constrained areas.

By Will Gorman • May 19, 2021

NERC identifies 4 regions facing potential summer energy shortages

Electric grids in California, Texas, New England and the Midwest may struggle to meet demand this summer despite operating improvements, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2021

Major Duke investor calls for utility to break into 3 companies, unlock up to $15B in shareholder value

Duke said in a statement it is still reviewing the proposal but added the plan "runs counter to the strategic direction" of the broader power sector's efforts to make large scale investments.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 18, 2021

Bipartisan Maine lawmakers push to create first statewide, publicly owned utility in US

Proponents say a key goal of creating such a publicly owned utility would be to make Maine the first state to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy.

By Scott Van Voorhis • Updated June 18, 2021

Transmission tax credit could unlock 30 GW of renewables, spur over $15B in private capital, report finds

The report also found the tax credit would create 650,000 "good paying jobs," in the near term, receiving support from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 14, 2021

Xcel opts for gas suppliers with lower methane emissions in Colorado

The utility announced a pilot for certified lower-emission gas, seeking to advance upstream practices of reducing methane leaks. Clean energy groups say the certifications are effectively the new "clean coal."

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 13, 2021

Agilitas Energy $1.4M Rhode Island storage project to avoid up to 8.6X costlier transmission line fix

Installing the battery will cost $1.4 million, compared to transmission line repairs that would have cost between $6 million and $12 million, according to the local utility.

By Jason Plautz • May 12, 2021

Colonial Pipeline hack highlights grid disruption risks even with IT-focused cyberattack, analysts say

Hackers unleashed ransomware on the largest refined products pipeline on the East Coast, leading to a voluntary pipeline shutdown. Experts warn that the attack highlights a security gap around critical infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2021

Colonial Pipeline attack embodies security risk to nation's critical infrastructure

Industry researchers suspect a Russian-linked criminal organization called DarkSide is behind the attack, though it has not publicly claimed responsibility.

By David Jones • Updated May 10, 2021