Massachusetts top court denies NextEra bid to block state's PPAs with Hydro-Québec

The PPAs are critical to the development of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project, which has faced challenges from independent power generators trying to protect their older assets in the region.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 4, 2020

FERC reversal on electric co-op exit fee jurisdiction could have broader rate implications, analysts say

The decision is a win for Tri-State in its ongoing dispute with cooperative members seeking to exit its service. But experts say FERC's determination that exit fees are a part of wholesale rates will likely impact future rate cases.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

FERC summit highlights reliability concerns for renewables + storage, but has California found a solution?

In a day-long FERC conference on renewables+storage hybrids earlier this summer, system operators focused on reliability while advocates described new opportunities.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 3, 2020

Tackling the biggest obstacle to new transmission — power providers' commitment phobia

The current business model that rests everything on a unit of measure — the kilowatt-hour — disincentivizes investments in transmission infrastructure because the surety of repayment is in question, the author writes.

By Mark A. Gabriel • Sept. 3, 2020

Cutting ties with ComEd could cost Chicago $8.8B, report finds

As a result of the hefty expected costs of separation, city leaders say creating Chicago's own municipal utility is likely not feasible.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 1, 2020

As utility collaboration with charging companies rises, emerging differences could impede EV growth

To accelerate EV charging infrastructure deployment, former competitors are working together, but new questions threaten to lead to dissension.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2020

Louisiana bears brunt of Hurricane Laura as utility COVID-19 protocols threaten restoration time

The utility sector launched a major restoration initiative, with tens of thousands of mutual aid workers helping to return power. Their efforts may be slowed by new COVID-19 protocols, however. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2020

Following botched utility response to Hurricane Isaias, New York governor proposes stricter penalties

"The laws are too protective of the utility companies," said Andrew Cuomo. He is proposing legislation to make it easier for the state to revoke a utility's operating certificate for recurring failures and increase financial penalties.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2020

Puerto Rico regulators set island on a 5-year course to procure renewables, storage

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority will need to procure at least 3.5 GW of solar and 1.36 GW of battery storage by 2025, but new gas-fired generation was rejected.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2020

Energy consulting groups value Southeast RTO potential at $384B savings by 2040

A seven-state RTO, including Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas, would phase out coal generation and add more storage and renewables into the mix, according to analysis from Vibrant Clean Energy.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 25, 2020

Energy sector divided over transmission incentives for voluntary cybersecurity investments

Investor-owned utilities generally favor new incentives for security investments, but those paying transmission rates have concerns.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2020

Ensuring DER inclusion in capacity markets may require a rethink of resource adequacy

The growth of customer-owned resources is forcing system operators and aggregators to see their value as reliability tools and rethink the concept of resource adequacy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 24, 2020

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

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