California fire season starts with PG&E power shut-off in 5 counties

The utility turned off power to approximately 20,500 customers in Butte and Yuba counties over the weekend, citing dangerous conditions.

By Robert Walton • June 10, 2019

Changing Hawaii's utility model may only drive high rates higher, State Energy Office finds

Spurred by NextEra's failed takeover of Hawaiian Electric, lawmakers ordered a study that found a change in ownership would likely increase rates, while a change in regulation could lower them.

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

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

Wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes: How utilities are preparing for a summer of storms

Man-made electric grids are no match for natural disasters, so utilities are putting increasing focus on speeding recovery times.

By Robert Walton • June 6, 2019

Report: PG&E considers $11B fund to settle wildfire claims

The utility would direct about $400 million each year to the fund, under a proposal discussed with lawmakers and major shareholder representatives.

By Robert Walton • June 6, 2019

DTE takes on customer range anxiety with electric vehicle incentives, education plan

The "Charging Forward" program includes rebates and special charging rates, with the distributed demand expected to add efficiencies to DTE's system and put downward pressure on prices.

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2019

Chatterjee rejects criticism of violating FERC's neutrality with use of #FreedomGas

The FERC chairman tweeted last week using the "freedom gas" concept initially put forth by Energy Secretary Rick Perry, but dismissed concerns from environmental groups and others that such remarks politicize the agency.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 4, 2019

California ISO to launch reliability coordinator service in July, as NERC certifies operation

The decision clears the way for RC West to have reliability oversight for 87% of the U.S electricity load in the Western Interconnection.

By Robert Walton • June 4, 2019

With new transmission urgently needed, FERC Chair hints at a new Order 1000 proceeding

Only 3% of new transmission development has come through the Order 1000-mandated competitive process; developers are split on solutions, but all want federal action.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2019

California regulators approve utility wildfire mitigation plans; PUC president to step down

California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker promised to remain in his role until Gov. Gavin Newsom has chosen his replacement.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2019

Nevada follows Hawaii, moves toward performance-based ratemaking

A bill sent to Gov. Steve Sisolak, D, this week would allow utilities to generate greater earnings by meeting efficiency and clean energy goals, and delivering new products to customers.

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2019

To decarbonize US economy, C2ES foresees large corporate investments and maybe a carbon tax

The environmental nonprofit released three scenarios to reduce U.S. carbon emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, each driven by the fact that the power, transportation and building sectors are interlinked.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 30, 2019

California wildfire commission recommends easing liability rules for utilities

Legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, however, committed only to continue studying possible changes to the state's strict "inverse condemnation" rules.

By Robert Walton • May 30, 2019

PJM CEO Ott to retire amid RTO shake-up

The grid operator's Board of Managers formed a committee to search for a new CEO and approved five executive promotions proposed by Ott, who became eligible for retirement a year ago.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 29, 2019

Hawaii adopts performance-based rate tools to accelerate clean energy transition

Regulators plan to issue another order in June, to develop new performance incentive mechanisms as part of an overhaul of traditional cost of service rates.

By Robert Walton • May 28, 2019

Florida regulators OK utility use of tax savings to pay for hurricane damages

Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. will use $484 million and $91 million, respectively, in savings from a 2017 tax cut to pay for hurricane damage without raising customer rates.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2019

Xcel, Boulder to settle lawsuit; City agrees to dissolve utility

Boulder officials say the settlement does not affect the city’s plan for voters to determine whether to create a municipal electric utility.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2019

PG&E to bury distribution lines serving fire-ravaged Paradise, California

While rebuilding from the 2018 Camp Fire, the utility committed to burying power lines at no additional cost while replacing gas lines, in order to avoid another disaster.

By Robert Walton • May 23, 2019

National Grid says no new NYC gas customers until state approves pipeline

New York regulators denied a permit last week, ruling the Williams Cos' pipeline that would relieve natural gas congestion in the New York City Area could harm aquatic life.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 22, 2019

Want to know if California can make zero emissions by 2045? Here's what to watch

To reach a zero emissions economy, California needs to eliminate natural gas by regionalizing the Western grid and coordinating local and state system planning.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 21, 2019

NRG Energy advances retail expansion with $300M Stream Energy acquisition

The all-cash deal will add more than 600,000 residential customers to NRG's service and help the company grow market share in Texas, Pennsylvania and other areas.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2019

Facebook to pay half of $85 million New Mexico transmission line under new order

State regulators rejected a request from Public Service of New Mexico to reconsider a decision denying ratemaking treatment for a transmission upgrade, which they say would only serve one customer.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2019

BVLOS drones improve power line inspections amid increasing fire and storm risks for utilities

We saw the devastating effect of vegetation encroachment in the recent California fires, which in part have been blamed on failure to maintain properly cleared transmission lines.

By Geoff Zeiss • May 17, 2019

New York updates price signals to recognize full value, spur distributed energy resources

The Public Service Commission approved adjustments to standby and buyback service rates aimed at reducing peak demand and operating the electric grid more efficiently.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2019

California concludes PG&E responsible for state's deadliest wildfire

Eighty-five people died in the 2018 Camp Fire, which the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection now says was sparked by Pacific Gas & Electric's transmission lines.

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2019

Solar, wind industries urge feds to smooth deployment kinks

Transmission, soft cost reductions and greater resource efficiency require federal investment to maximize technology growth, industry leaders told the House Subcommittee on Energy Wednesday.

By Catherine Morehouse • May 16, 2019