San Francisco considering municipal utility as PG&E prepares bankruptcy filing

The city government's retail water and power provider is planning for when PG&E files for Chapter 11 protections, "including possibility of acquiring or building electrical infrastructure assets."

By Gavin Bade • Updated Jan. 15, 2019

2019 Power Sector Outlook: Top trends to watch

We talked to utilities, analysts and technology providers on what to expect in the year ahead for storage, solar, demand-side management and more.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 15, 2019

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

PG&E to file for bankruptcy protection as California wildfire costs mount

The company that emerges from the Chapter 11 proceeding could look quite different from the large, investor-owned utility holding company that is the biggest player in California.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Jan. 14, 2019

Regulators order investigation of Vermont Gas pipeline, amid scrutiny after Massachusetts explosions

A 41-mile pipeline in Vermont has been operating for two years, but that could change following safety complaints from project opponents.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2019

Networking and communications for smart grids and utility applications: A $100B opportunity

The connectivity needs of — and options available to — power utilities are rapidly expanding, writes Navigant's Richelle Elberg.

By Richelle Elberg • Jan. 14, 2019

JD Power: Customer satisfaction will hinge on how utilities manage TOU rates

In a look ahead for the industry, JD Power said 2019 will be a year when utilities focus on time-of-use rate structures, electric vehicles, new revenues and digital disruption.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2019

PUC order keeps Minnesota ahead of the curve on performance-based rates

The order, the culmination of a process that began in September 2017, establishes procedures and goals for developing metrics for performance-based rates by the fall.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2019

California regulators move to outline wildfire cost recovery as PG&E teeters

The CPUC opened a docket to determine how much PG&E can pay for wildfire damages on the same day that Moody's downgraded its credit rating four notches. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 11, 2019

2019 Storage Outlook: Utility procurement will drive deployments, analysts say

Rules for energy storage in wholesale markets are being finalized, but deployments are more likely to be driven by utility resource plans.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 8, 2019

Before Columbia Gas explosions, report finds thousands of leaks in Massachusetts

The state had more than 34,000 leaks reported in 2017, including nearly 7,500 of the most extreme "Grade 1" category, which are flagged for immediate repair, a Boston Herald investigation found.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 8, 2019

Murder charges unlikely, but PG&E bankruptcy or asset sales are on the table

Increased federal oversight for the embattled California utility is also likely, energy lawyers told Utility Dive.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2019

NextEra, Dominion complete major utility acquisitions, expanding reach in the South

The big get bigger as the new year opens with Dominion and NextEra closing acquisitions of SCANA and Gulf Power, respectively.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 3, 2019

Getting to 100% zero emissions in California: Beyond CAISO's eight-solution menu

The state's IOUs are on track for 50% renewables by 2020, but questions remain on how to reach the 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 3, 2019

DP&L envisions smart meters in every home, files $576M grid mod plan

The utility's plan aims for personalized engagement, differentiated reliability, easy integration of distributed resources and preparing the grid to accommodate more electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2019

With Hogan 'no' vote, Maryland board rejects Columbia Gas pipeline expansion

Environmental activists hope the governor's vote represents a major shift in energy policy, but company officials remain committed to building the 3.5-mile pipeline.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2019

10 trends shaping the electric power sector in 2019

From coal bailouts to batteries and wind and solar growth, here are the issues that will define the year to come.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 2, 2019

California AG: PG&E could be prosecuted for murder

Any charges would need to be filed by local officials, but if PG&E's equipment was operated in a reckless manner and is found responsible for sparking wildfires, the utility could face criminal prosecution.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2019

As California considers breaking up PG&E, utility 'open to a range of solutions'

The Friday before Christmas, state regulators said they would evaluate whether to split Pacific Gas & Electric's natural gas and electricity divisions into separate companies.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 28, 2018

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

Climate adaptation plan for Columbus, OH includes improved grid resiliency, efficiency

The document contains 43 action items to boost the city's resilience to the effects of climate change, divided into categories: necessary and aspirational.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2018

In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018

Massachusetts imposes gas safety protocols on National Grid following overpressurization incident

The company's error had a relatively minor impact on customers, but happened soon after a series of explosions on the Columbia Gas system that killed one and injured 10 while setting fire to 70 homes.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2018

As grid mod accelerates and regulators push back, Duke and others retool proposals

Within this whirlwind of activity, some utilities are responding well and some are struggling to meet pressure from regulators and stakeholders to justify spending proposals.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

NY's energy storage target: It's the journey, not the destination, stakeholders say

Many pieces still need to come together to create a truly viable energy storage market in New York State, but analysts see the PSC's energy storage target as a good first step.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

Capacity pricing changes: How each power market plans to account for resource adequacy

While PJM's capacity market reform plans dominate headlines, all grid operators are facing the need for greater flexibility as renewables increasingly enter their system.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018