FERC rejects Tri-State's proposed tariffs, stymying 1st effort at federal regulation

Environmental groups say the transmission and generation cooperative is trying to "shop around for regulators," while Tri-State maintains it is seeking more stable rates for its customers. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 7, 2019

PG&E admits fault in sparking large 2019 wildfires, judge demands 'precise details' for 3

The utility told a court this week that its equipment may have played a role in sparking nine fires, three of which were caused by previous problem areas.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 3, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

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

ERCOT weathers steamy August, but could Texas become a winter-peaking system?

Electrifying home heating would turn Texas from a summer to winter peaking system, requiring changes in generator maintenance schedules and updates to transmission cost allocations, a report found.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 3, 2019

How did Dominion shave $300M off its Virginia grid modernization plan?

Virginia regulators in January rejected the utility's previous proposal, concluding it lacked sufficient benefits to customers, but the latest plan pares hundreds of millions from the final bill.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019

FERC approves CAISO ability to procure out-of-market, Glick warns of 'unbounded authority'

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will allow the California grid operator greater discretion in contracting for out-of-market resources.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 1, 2019

Shorthanded FERC allows New England capacity auction results to stand

The commissioners said they would have upheld the recent auction results if they had quorum. Meanwhile, the White House tapped FERC general counsel James Danly to fill one of FERC's two open seats.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 1, 2019

California regulators launch investigation into PG&E's reorganization plan

The California Public Utilities Commission opened a formal proceeding to consider "ratemaking and other implications" of Pacific Gas & Electric's plan to extricate itself from bankruptcy. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2019

US electric grid more vulnerable to cyberattacks as DERs increase potential targets, GAO finds

A report recommends federal regulators analyze the potential risk of a "coordinated cyberattack on geographically distributed targets" across the nation's electric grid.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2019

Demand response top focus as Minnesota regulators adopt Xcel performance metrics

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission proposed more metrics to align the utility's generation with load in a transition from traditional cost-of-service ratemaking.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 27, 2019

PG&E noteholders propose injecting $29.2B in utility in exchange for majority stake

Pacific Gas & Electric's period of exclusivity comes to an end today, but the utility asked for a two-month extension to be the only party that can propose a plan for reorganization due to recent progress.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2019

Bipartisan support for resiliency grows as natural disasters worsen

Leaders at all levels of government recognize that the "ludicrous" status quo of infrastructure investment cannot continue. 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 26, 2019

California proposes eliminating simplified energy resource plans, but SCE says more is needed

Southern California Edison says it supports a stronger IRP process, but cautioned that eliminating alternative plans would require regulators to adjust greenhouse gas planning targets and demand forecasts.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019

California proposes IOUs collect $900M annually for wildfire fund, with one major hurdle for PG&E

The $21 billion fund would be seeded by both shareholders and ratepayers, but Pacific Gas & Electric would need to exit bankruptcy to access the money.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2019

California wants a carbon-free economy by 2045: Can floating offshore wind help it get there?

New technology could bring ocean wind when there is no sun to recharge depleted batteries.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 25, 2019

Phishing campaign continues to target utilities, evolves attack techniques

Security firm Proofpoint has identified 17 utilities targeted from April 5 through Aug. 29, employing previously unknown techniques and with later phishing attempts using updated macros intended to obscure their purpose.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 24, 2019

PG&E blasts $24B fire compensation plan as it risks losing control of reorganization

Wildfire victims teamed up with bondholders to propose a new plan in addition to the utility's proposed $17.9 billion settlement for fire claims.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2019

CAISO to develop regional day-ahead market for renewables after participant push

The initiative is expected to build on the California ISO's Western Energy Imbalance Market, which allows utilities to balance their load and optimize renewable energy use in real time.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 23, 2019

Northeastern utilities aim to 'crush and flatten' system peaks as DERs boost grid efficiency

DER providers and utilities have found shared market interests in New England, leading to cooperative BYOD programs that provide a range of benefits for customers and the power system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2019

Ex-Tesla exec wants to increase utility control of DERs, and has a smart panel to do it

The new electric panel combines smart metering capabilities with remote control of energy use in residences, while easing installation of solar, energy storage and EV chargers.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Sept. 20, 2019

FERC oversight battle heats up as Colorado regulators blast Tri-State petition

The state's Public Utility Commission has taken steps to regulate Tri-State's electric resource planning, and worries the utility views federal regulation as an escape hatch for its coal-heavy generation mix.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2019

PJM, parties reach 'agreement in principle' over $160M GreenHat FTR default

The grid operator has agreed to pay two trading firms a total of $12.5 million under the proposed agreement filed with FERC Wednesday.

By Robert Walton • Updated Oct. 15, 2019

PG&E reaches $11B insurance settlement over wildfire claims

Pacific Gas & Electric announced it reached a settlement with insurers related to the 2017 Northern California wildfires and 2018 Camp Fire. The $11 billion settlement is significantly lower than the $20 billion insurers say they were owed.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2019

New England grid operator sees potential for year-round power constraints

Despite a tight supply-demand balance, ISO-NE said it expects to operate a reliable and affordable electric grid through transmission investments and a reliance on energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2019

Michigan urges MISO, PJM to improve regional reliability after Consumers compressor station fire

In a letter to the grid operators, the state's governor and head regulator called for quicker interconnection processes to improve regional resource diversity and a reexamination of demand response capabilities.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 12, 2019

Santee Cooper forecasts coal phaseout, 1 GW new solar as base case for potential sale

The state-owned utility prepared the forecast at the direction of South Carolina legislators who are considering selling the company to pay off debt from the failed V.C. Summer nuclear project. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 11, 2019