Aging grids drive $51B in annual utility distribution spending

Major utilities increased capital expenditures to their distribution systems by 54% since 1997, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration analysis.

By Robert Walton • July 25, 2018

How vulnerable is the grid to cyberattacks, really?

Experts say a recent DHS briefing that warned hackers could cause widespread blackouts may have overstated the threat.  

By Gavin Bade • July 25, 2018

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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

New York utilities outline 'transformative' uses for blockchain

The four utilities will research blockchain and learn from other industries as the technology evolves, with the ultimate goal of drawing up a joint proof of concept and testing their findings.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2018

As California grid expansion nears finish line, hurdles only get higher

"With this bill, anything we do makes someone grumpy," said one architect of legislation to create a full Western electricity market.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2018

Report: SCANA, Dominion offered $1,500 refunds to escape Summer rate cut

The utilities wanted to increase support for their proposed merger and retain the ability to charge customers for the canceled V.C. Summer nuke, but lawmakers rejected their plan by wide margins.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2018

Russian hackers infiltrated utility control rooms, DHS says

The hackers breached isolated utility networks thought to be secure and "got to the point where they could have thrown switches," Homeland Security officials said Monday.

By Gavin Bade • July 24, 2018

Vermont PUC seeks alternative ratemaking proposals to boost renewables

In a Monday order, the state's PUC urges regulators to approach new methods of utility operations "with open minds," in order to meet Vermont's aggressive clean energy goals.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2018

Western RTO could save California $1.5B per year by 2030, report says

A full regional power market could create jobs and boost renewables, but some California stakeholders worry about impacts on the state's leading environmental policies.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2018

NERC to beef up, prioritize cyber incident reporting under new rule

Current rules only require a cyber incident report if one or more reliability tasks have been disrupted or compromised. FERC directed the reliability nonprofit to expand reporting requirements under significantly broader scenarios.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2018

Peak Reliability to call it quits in 2019

The reliability coordinator for the majority of the Western Interconnection will begin to wind down after a year of providing services.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2018

How can utilities prepare for the approaching electric vehicle boom?

An electric vehicle boom is coming to the U.S., are you ready?

By Glenn R. George, Ph.D. • July 20, 2018

FERC approves gas pipelines as Powelson eyes exit

Chairman Kevin McIntyre says he doesn't expect a "raft of 2-2 votes" that could deadlock the agency until Powelson's replacement is confirmed. 

By Gavin Bade • July 19, 2018

Missouri Supreme Court gives new life to $2B Grain Belt Express transmission project

The state Public Service Commission rejected Clean Line Energy Partner's transmission line last year, but due to a series of court victories, the project is heading back to the PSC for additional review.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2018

As technology upends grid fundamentals, is load forecasting a crapshoot?

Systemic changes to the electricity system make load predictions more difficult, but may also lessen the impacts of mistakes.

By Robert Walton • July 18, 2018

LaFleur: FERC unlikely to act on pipeline review before Powelson exit

Failure to rule on the docket before Powelson leaves could empower the two Democrats on the commission, who could deadlock FERC votes until a replacement is confirmed. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 18, 2018

FERC climate policy faces new challenge at DC Circuit Court

Earlier this year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission narrowly voted to restrict the consideration of climate change impacts in its review of pipeline projects.

By Robert Walton • July 18, 2018

PLMA's leadership in sharing load management expertise

Member and industry partner collaboration creates a strong connection between load management strategy and implementation.

July 18, 2018

Duke nixes 500 MW wind buy over transmission cost concerns

A request for proposals for wind projects capable of supplying energy for 20 years has been abandoned, said Duke, after proposals came in at too high a cost.

By Robert Walton • July 17, 2018

Has FERC's landmark transmission planning effort made transmission building harder?

An Obama-era rule to grow transmission for the power system’s transition to renewable resources has been called into question.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2018

New York regulators approve higher crypto mining rates for municipal utility

The Public Service Commission has ruled on cryptocurrency rates for the second time, as miners moved operations in the upstate region to take advantage of cheap hydropower.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018

Duke's Piedmont plans new $250M LNG storage facility

The company announced a new liquefied natural gas facility to serve its customers in times of high natural gas demand.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 16, 2018

Hydro One turmoil prompts new look at Avista merger by Washington regulators

Ontario's new premier has pushed out Hydro One's CEO and board, sowing uncertainty for Washington's Utilities and Transportation Commission on Hydro One's merger with the small investor-owned utility.

By Peter Maloney • July 16, 2018

Former FERC Chair Kelliher questions need for more New England pipelines

The NextEra Energy executive's comments run against the conventional wisdom among pipeline builders that the region is in dire need of more transport capacity.

By Gavin Bade • July 13, 2018

Kavanaugh pick threatens EPA policies, FERC authority, lawyers say

The Supreme Court nominee has a track record of curtailing federal regulations and has questioned the constitutionality of independent agencies like FERC.

By Gavin Bade • July 11, 2018

Ohio regulator defines grid mod success through customer-side service

PUCO Chair Asim Haque supports greater transparency and data-access to really add value to customer services.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 11, 2018