Moody's: Ire toward PG&E means change to California fire liability rules unlikely

The state is unlikely to change its inverse condemnation rules, which can make utilities accountable for wildfire damage even if they're not negligent, but a state catastrophe fund is the most likely reform, the ratings agency said.

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2019

Chugach Electric files for state approval of $1B Alaska muni purchase

It has been a year since voters in Anchorage, Alaska, authorized the sale of the city's municipal utility. Now, state regulators must approve the deal.

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Electricity Supply and Demand

After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

By Utility Dive staff

Safety report: PG&E still takes 'reactive' approach to wildfire risks

A federal judge this week also restricted the bankrupt utility from paying dividends as reports of a new CEO and board of directors swirl. 

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2019

Controversial $1B Canada-US transmission line gets Maine PUC approval

The key certificate, unanimously granted by the state's three commissioners, advances the 145-mile transmission corridor that would deliver hydropower from Quebec to Massachusetts.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated April 11, 2019

Exclusive: PG&E's future rests on board picks, CPUC president says

California regulators could reorganize the company or revoke its license to operate if they do not like new selections for its board of directors, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker said in a wide-ranging interview. 

By Gavin Bade • March 29, 2019

Hawaii regulators approve HECO's $86M grid mod plan, 6 solar + storage projects under $0.10/kWh

Hawaiian Electric said the decisions, including the "largest and lowest-cost portfolio" of renewables assembled at one time in a state, will enable "foundational" changes on the electric grids of five islands.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2019

Idaho Power targets 100% carbon free energy by 2045, joining the ranks of Xcel

The utility's announcement directly followed Consumers Energy setting a goal of reducing carbon emissions more than 90% by 2040 as clean energy economics push utilities to shift their generation portfolios.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2019

PJM 'naive' about GreenHat's FTR default risks: report

PJM officials say they were blindsided by GreenHat's actions, adding that the financial transmission rights market has typically been "self-regulated" and the company was trying to intentionally bypass trading rules.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2019

Trump orders better response plans for EMP attacks, outages

The president's executive order also calls for identifying critical infrastructure at greatest risk from electromagnetic pulses and strengthening its ability to withstand the possible impacts.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2019

New York rejects NYSEG, RG&E approach to peak shaving program as too severe

The utilities proposed changes to their Commercial System Relief Programs that regulators concluded were "too aggressive" for the extent of the issue — making demand response a predictable and stable resource.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2019

Puerto Rico passes 100% renewable energy bill as it aims for storm resilience

The bill, expected to be signed by Gov. Ricardo Rosselló​, would ban coal plants by 2028 while setting a 2050 target for going fully renewable.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2019

Emera to sell Maine utility for $1.3B, completing 3-year fundraising plan

When combined with a sale of its New England gas assets, Emera will have raised about $1.57 billion, which will be used to reduce debt and support a $4.85 billion regulated capital program.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2019

The biggest numbers game in the power sector: Data analytics and the utility community of the future

Data analytics are helping utilities improve operations and customer engagement, but a decentralized transactive energy network is in the works and will require additional computing advances.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2019

Vermont eyes 'immediate relief' from demand charges for electric vehicle charging

A Public Service Department report comes at the behest of state lawmakers, who want to examine possible rate design changes to empower more cost-effective consumer behaviors.

By Robert Walton • March 22, 2019

FERC opens transmission, ROE inquiries as regulators spar again over climate

Pointed exchanges over climate change policy at FERC's monthly meeting may indicate that approvals for new natural gas infrastructure are again on hold at the commission.

By Gavin Bade • March 22, 2019

Missouri regulators approve $2.3B Grain Belt Express transmission line, but fight not over

The project, which would move about 4 GW of wind energy from western Kansas through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, will likely require the use of eminent domain to be completed.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2019

Market Monitor: 3 GW nukes, 12 GW coal uneconomic in PJM

The only nuclear plants receiving market signals to retire are one-unit generators, Monitoring Analytics said, and the only one to recieve a state subsidy "did not need" it.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 15, 2019

Chatterjee: Transmission could be resilience docket solution

The FERC chairman's remarks at CERAWeek represent a shift from past emphasis on generator fuel supplies in the resilience debate. 

By Gavin Bade • March 14, 2019

PG&E cleared of criminal charges in 8 2017 blazes as fire officials say SCE sparked Thomas Fire

As California utilities reckon with the devastating wildfires from 2017, PG&E still faces civil lawsuits regarding the incidents, although most proceedings have been paused by their declaration of Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated March 14, 2019

Independent developer proposes $2.5B underground transmission line, to bring Iowa wind to PJM, MISO

The project seeks to connect two of the largest electricity markets in the country to an Iowa wind farm and achieve greater cost reductions by experimenting with new forms of construction for the first-of-its-kind project.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 13, 2019

Beyond transmission: How remote sensing speeds inspection and management of distribution networks

By more quickly identifying potential problems, utilities can address areas where safety concerns are most urgent, or infrastructure is at risk.

By Eric Merten • March 12, 2019

With storm hardening 'a larger focus,' DC approves PEPCO underground distribution lines

The $500 million project, which aims to boost resiliency and reduce outages from storm-damaged power lines, cleared its final hurdle last week, and construction is expected to begin this spring.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 12, 2019

Hungry for green power, tech giants choose between utilities, independent developers

Utilities increasingly supply 100% renewable energy to large customers, raising questions about why they don't purchase more wind and solar for their entire consumer base. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 12, 2019

Michigan ALJ proposes solar compromise in DTE rate case

The administrative law judge recommended eliminating the fee requested by the utility for solar users while lowering the compensation rate for rooftop solar.

By Robert Walton • March 11, 2019

Brattle: Electrification could drive $600B in transmission spending by 2050

A report estimates the United States will need transmission investments of $30 billion to $90 billion by 2030, and significantly more in the decades which follow.

By Robert Walton • March 7, 2019