NuScale receives first phase design approval for small modular reactor

There are five more phases in the process, but NuScale says the first is the most rigorous and now expects the NRC to complete certification by September 2020.

By Peter Maloney • May 1, 2018

Supreme Court rejects Constitution Pipeline appeal over NY permit

The decision leaves the pipeline's developer one option: seeking help from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to keep the project on track.

By Robert Walton • April 30, 2018

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

California fines PG&E $97.5M for improper talks in San Bruno pipeline case

It's the latest in a series of fines totaling more than $2 billion and related to the 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion, which killed eight and destroyed a neighborhood.

By Robert Walton • April 30, 2018

PwC: Power sector deals rose 60% in the first quarter

Two mega deals — Dominion-SCANA and Global Infrastructure Partners-Zephyr Renewables — along with activity in the renewable energy sector drove the increase.

By Peter Maloney • April 27, 2018

Hawaii Gov. Ige signs law mandating performance-based utility regulation

The law goes further than other performance-based efforts, directing the PUC to "break the direct link" between utility revenues and capital investments.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

Cutting loose generation lifts earnings for FirstEnergy

The company's prospects also were bolstered by an agreement with creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding of subsidiaries FirstEnergy Solutions and FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating.

By Peter Maloney • April 25, 2018

PSEG urges New Jersey to approve $1.9B gas line replacement program

Continued low natural gas prices "make this the ideal time to accelerate this work," the utility said.

By Robert Walton • April 23, 2018

CenterPoint Energy to buy Vectren in $6B deal

The proposed combined company would serve 7 million customers in eight states and is the latest in a string of deals centered around Texas utilities. 

By Robert Walton • April 23, 2018

FERC issues NOI seeking comments on gas pipeline evaluations

The NOI seeks comment on how FERC evaluates the need for pipelines, its use of eminent domain, the environmental impact of pipeline projects and the efficiency of FERC's permitting process. 

By Gavin Bade • April 20, 2018

South Carolina vote to lower electric bills could imperil Dominion-SCANA deal

Lawmakers are closer to cutting rates for SCE&G customers, who are paying for the failed Summer nuclear project, but differing House and Senate approaches need to be reconciled.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2018

Missouri utilities question data collection recommendations in DER report

The report by Public Service Commission staff wants regulators to direct utilities to collect detailed information about distributed energy resources and their impacts to the grid — but utilities have some concerns. 

By Robert Walton • April 17, 2018

State-federal concerns could dim FERC's landmark storage order

Wider access to a variety of markets has been hailed as the basis for energy storage growth, but jurisdictional issues could thwart an overarching solution.

By Peter Maloney • April 17, 2018

North Carolina approves solar rebate, coal ash fine for Duke

Meanwhile, Kentucky regulators only approved a reduced rate increase for Duke Energy, at least 28% of what they originally requested. 

By Robert Walton • April 16, 2018

FERC rejects CAISO's proposals to modify capacity procurement

The grid operator proposed tariff revisions to its risk of retirement capacity procurement mechanism, including how compensation for the at-risk resources is determined.

By Robert Walton • April 16, 2018

NGOs challenge New Orleans regulatory plan, Entergy peaker

The New Orleans City Council approved Entergy's proposed gas plant earlier this year, but environmental advocates say the City Council failed to examine "more benign" alternatives, like renewable energy. 

By Peter Maloney • April 16, 2018

NYPA continues digital transformation as New York funds grid upgrades

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced up to $15 million is available for grid modernization projects.

By Robert Walton • April 13, 2018

Federal agencies prepare to wind down Puerto Rico power restoration in May

Almost all of Puerto Rico's electric customers now have power — 96% according to PREPA. But questions still linger over the future sustainability of the Island's grid after federal agencies pull out. 

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2018

MISO states push for authority over DER in electricity markets at FERC meeting

The states want to be able to choose whether they allow distributed resource aggregations to play in both retail and wholesale markets.  

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2018

Whitefish Energy still owed $100M by Puerto Rico utility, court filing says

The Montana-based company has thrust itself itself into an advisor's fee application proceeding in an effort to push its financial claims forward.

By Robert Walton • April 10, 2018

NYPA proposes rebuilding North-South transmission lines to bolster renewable energy

The rebuilt lines will be upgraded to 345 kV, an increase in voltage that allows more renewable energy onto the system in times of high demand.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2018

Pipeline hack impacts spread to power sector

Duke Energy customers in Ohio could see late or estimated bills after the utility took preemptive steps following a cyberattack on its communications system. 

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2018

Anchorage voters near approval of $1B deal to merge muni with Chugach Electric

The merger is expected to help streamline operations of the adjacent utilities in the state's largest city, saving customers millions.

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 5, 2018

The two key questions about going to 100% renewables in Los Angeles

The city council wants its municipal utility to reach the clean energy goal, and a new report says it can by 2030 — if the utility can learn new ways.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2018

Powerex, Idaho Power join the western Energy Imbalance Market

The California ISO's Energy Imbalance Market now includes utilities spanning more than half of the Western Interconnection.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2018

EIA: Mild weather drove big drop in 2017 US electricity sales

Retail power sales fell by 80 billion kWh last year, the largest drop since the economic recession in 2009.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2018