Propelling the transition: Digitization bolsters utility rate cases, boosts drive to future-proof

The continuing automation and digitization of the power sector now enables utilities to better justify their spending plans and improve reliability as they prepare for new resources and electricity uses.

By Guy Burdick • Aug. 21, 2020

Following outrage over Hurricane Isaias response, Connecticut bill would put utilities on the hook for outage costs

The bipartisan legislation would alter rules that absolve electric distribution companies from liability for costs incurred by citizens during a power outage.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2020

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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

Propelling the transition: New and better transmission is key to zero carbon; here's what's driving it

New technologies can make it easier to develop transmission and get more out of lines that already exist. But experts say electric utilities must be incentivized to use less-expensive solutions rather than older and pricier approaches.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 19, 2020

Pipeline infrastructure planning in the era of Black Lives Matter

Scrutiny of the siting of infrastructure projects is already increasing, and attention paid to disproportionate, adverse effects on communities of color likely will intensify, the authors write.

By Emily P. Mallen and J. Simone Jones • Aug. 18, 2020

Propelling the transition: Green hydrogen could be the final piece in a zero-emissions future

Green hydrogen beats renewables plus batteries at fueling heavy transport, serving industry and long duration storage — if it can be delivered affordably.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 17, 2020

After utility filing error, DC stakeholders call for dismissal of Pepco's multi-year rate proposal

The utility says it wants to freeze DC customer rates until 2022. But customer advocates say the plan “has been riddled with errors, missteps, and false information from the start" and could raise rates by up to $147 million. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2020

Grid security group calls for declassified threat information, new federal agency focused on resilience

If hackers and foreign adversaries have the capability to bring down the electric grid, why does the federal government keep that information from the utility sector?

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2020

Florida approves utility storm protection plans; analysts advocate measures beyond undergrounding

System hardening can help keep the lights on during a storm, but experts say this addresses only the symptoms of a fragile grid.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2020

As North Carolina regulators block another pipeline, Duke searches for options to meet gas demand

Following North Carolina's denial on Tuesday of a key water permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline extension and the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the utility is exploring its options.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 13, 2020

Xcel Energy unveils plan to serve 1.5M EVs by 2030

The utility is anticipating a 30-fold increase in the number of plug-in vehicles across its service territories, in hopes of saving customers billions in fuel costs.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2020

PPL to exit UK market, focus on growing US utility investments

The simplified corporate structure aims to "unlock shareowner value," said PPL officials. The company's first-half earnings have taken a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, but full-year guidance remains stable.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2020

FERC staff to Congress: HV transmission essential to reducing carbon, deploying renewables

One of the largest opportunities for high voltage transmission is colocation, though barriers include restrictions set by the Federal Highway Administration and state transportation agencies, analysts say.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 10, 2020

'Good news': Stakeholders optimistic about selection of BPA's Mainzer as CAISO head

Elliot Mainzer spent 18 years at the Bonneville Power Administration, where he addressed issues related to large-scale renewables integration — experience that analysts believe will serve him well in his new role.

By Kavya Balaraman • Aug. 10, 2020

ConEd, Eversource blasted by New York, Connecticut officials after 'wholly inadequate' storm response

Hurricane Isaias brought Northeast utilities the largest number of power outages since 2012's Hurricane Sandy.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Senate grills FERC, DOE on power sector cybersecurity

Stakeholders have been very engaged with the Department of Energy since President Donald Trump's May 1 executive order, said a DOE senior advisor.

By Guy Burdick • Aug. 6, 2020

Getting it right day and night: Safeguarding your distribution network against uncontrollable circumstances

There are many ways to tackle your distribution reliability woes. Experience less downtime resulting in happier customers and reduced revenue loss with the CMR.

Aug. 6, 2020

'Take a deep breath': Arizona drive to 100% clean energy breaks down amid commissioner disputes

The Arizona Corporation Commission was unable to muster three votes for a proposal put forth by Chairman Bob Burns and Commissioner Sandra Kennedy, and the meeting was quickly adjourned.

By Robert Walton • July 31, 2020

NYPA, Siemens partner on new cybersecurity center as COVID-19-driven changes increase threats

"We're looking to create the blueprint for the next generation of security for substations, power plants, solar and wind turbines," said Leo Simonovich, head of industrial cybersecurity at Siemens Energy.

By Robert Walton • July 30, 2020

Utilities must prioritize customer experience to advance role of electric vehicles on the grid: experts

Utilities want to use electric vehicles to manage their distribution grids more efficiently, but experts on a Smart Electric Power Alliance panel Tuesday warned the focus must remain on the customer experience.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2020

Amid 'heightened tensions,' US government issues warning to critical infrastructure providers

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned operators of critical infrastructure to "take immediate actions" to secure internet-connected operational technology.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2020

It's time for emergent markets to take center stage in non-RTO regions of the country

Some have said that expansion of the full prescriptive RTO model is the foreordained end-game for utilities across the country. But the development of emergent markets in the Southeast and West calls that assumption into question, the authors write.

By Tony Clark, Ray Gifford and Matt Larson • July 27, 2020

Illinois regulators reject proposal to allow utilities cost recovery for cloud-based computing

After three years of hearings, meetings and input from state lawmakers, the Illinois Commerce Commission voted 3-2 to keep old regulations.

By John Funk • July 24, 2020

Changing grid architecture creates resilience opportunities: report

Distributed resources are not the only way to strengthen the grid, but the rise of customer-sited generation and energy storage could play a major role in keeping critical facilities online, the Rocky Mountain Institute found.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2020

TVA interested in joining Southeast energy market, but stakeholders question lack of detail

The exploratory discussions, being led by Southern Company and Duke Energy unofficially, also involved federal agency Tennessee Valley Authority.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 22, 2020

CAISO issues straw proposal on first phase of regional day-ahead market effort

The proposal addresses resource sufficiency issues and the cost allocation of energy transfer, among other issues.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 22, 2020