2022 Outlook: Top US power sector trends to watch

The Biden administration entered 2022 with some key strengths and significant challenges to implementing its clean energy agenda, but states, companies and others are continuing to advance the energy transition.

By Kavya Balaraman, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton and Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 18, 2022

'Unacceptable:' Texas market reforms will not be quick, electric grid operator tells dissatisfied regulators

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas may need two years to implement some market reforms, citing staffing shortages and the complexity of designing new market products.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 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

Biden decarbonization goals could triple reliance on electric grid: EPRI

For the U.S. to achieve a carbon-neutral economy, 60% of end-use energy could come from electricity, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. Today, that figure is around 20%.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2022

SOO Green transmission project faces PJM obstacles: Are grid operators hindering the energy transition?

PJM and other grid operators face challenges in facilitating innovation, experts say. A former FERC commissioner offers an alternative approach.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 13, 2022

Virginia okays Dominion's plan to deploy 1.1M smart meters

The more than $770 million plan will include smart meter replacements, new grid technology and a consumer dashboard as part of a broader push to overhaul the grid. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 11, 2022

PNM prepares for spring launch of $9M transportation program, anticipates EVs to double in 2 years

Public Service Co. of New Mexico last week detailed plans to roll out incentives for charging infrastructure and new rates for commercial and residential customers, including energy-only tariffs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2022

Gov. Hochul announces $500M offshore wind investment, electrification push for New York

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2022 State of the State address to announce New York's third offshore wind procurement, new energy storage targets and accelerated electrification initiatives.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2022

South Carolina grid 'adequately prepared' for winter, but smaller utilities have work to do: report

The state's largest utilities do a good job of managing winter risk, but smaller utilities are falling behind on system hardening and asset inspections, according to the state's Office of Regulatory Staff.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2022

US East Coast begins 2022 with winter storm, almost 1M outages

Dominion Energy was hit hardest in the Southeast, with 390,000 customers without power in Virginia at the storm's peak on Monday.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 4, 2022

Duke, SCE, other grid modernization proposals faced big cost questions, more regulator scrutiny in 2021

Regulators facing new climate and reliability urgencies and nearly 500 grid modernization proposals are more often favoring phased advances toward a smarter system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2022

DOE announces technical assistance for 21 states on grid modernization, energy transition challenges

The modeling and research program follows other assistance for customers and small businesses that the U.S. Department of Energy announced this month.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2021

MISO proposal to let utilities profit from upgrades for HVDC lines sparks debate at FERC

Clean energy advocates and SOO Green developer warn the plan could stymie transmission development and renewable energy buildout.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 22, 2021

'Anecdotal evidence' points to price gouging during winter storm Uri, NERC official says

Power shutoffs to gas compression facilities were not the primary cause of the February grid outages in Texas and the U.S. Southwest, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp. And price gouging may have played a part.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2021

Democrats plan to press ahead with Build Back Better bill, despite Manchin opposition

The legislation threatens grid reliability and increases U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains, according to Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2021

Extreme weather, plant retirements challenge US grid amid a looming Midwest capacity shortfall: NERC

Recent energy shortfalls and grid disruptions in California and Texas "should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the country," warned officials at the North American Electric Reliability Corp.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2021

FERC orders utilities to fine-tune line ratings to boost transmission efficiency

Chairman Glick outlined a path for the agency's transmission rulemaking, and gas pipeline companies came under scrutiny.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 17, 2021

Energy transition likely requires market changes, transmission growth, PJM finds

A report released Wednesday identifies gaps in PJM's markets and signals changes in transmission planning and system operations, per the grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 16, 2021

Will Tri-State's exit fee dispute at FERC shake up the cooperative utility model?

Even with United Power announcing plans to leave, Tri-State continues its pivot toward renewables and contract flexibility.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 15, 2021

North American Energy Standards Board to tackle gas-electric coordination in 2022

The industry forum wants to improve coordination between natural gas and electricity markets following disruptions in Texas during Winter Storm Uri.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2021

FERC urged to reject Southern California Edison plan to profit on power line expenses

The proposal to profit from ongoing spending on the completed Tehachapi power line would drive up ratepayer costs and could set a bad precedent, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 13, 2021

ISO New England can meet winter power demand 'if the weather is mild,' grid operator warns

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a mild New England winter this year, and grid officials are hoping that holds true.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 13, 2021

New Mexico regulators unanimously reject Avangrid-PNM merger, but observers see a second chance in 2023

Observers say it is possible the deal can be salvaged, but for now concerns over reliability and the development of renewable resources have scuttled the proposed $8 billion merger.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2021

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

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