Deep Dive: Page 4
Industry insights from our journalists
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Upheaval in utility regulation emerging nationally as Hawaii validates a performance-based approach
Hawaii’s hard work on a PBR framework that protects utilities, consumers and the environment is paying off, but other states’ shortcuts could undermine success, advocates worry.
Herman K. Trabish • July 5, 2022 -
Adam Kaz via Getty Images
Rethinking California distribution system operations and grid services markets for a high-DER future
California wants a cost-effective, reliable and equitable power system with well-compensated distributed resources to balance the bulk power system and meet local needs.
Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2022 -
Robert Walton/Utility Dive
Inside Ithaca’s plan to electrify 6,000 buildings and grow a regional green workforce using private equity funds
The city has mustered $105 million in private funds to support low-cost loans for businesses and residents to install heat pumps.
Robert Walton • June 2, 2022 -
Brian Tucker/Utility Dive
'Dramatic shift' in utility regulations, better pilot designs needed to propel energy transition, DOE report finds
Electric industry players call for innovations in the way regulators handle pilots of new utility and private sector technologies and system operations in a new Department of Energy paper.
Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2022 -
Jason Reed via Getty Images
California's 'affordability crisis' attracts innovative ratemaking and regulatory proposals
Double-digit year-on-year spikes in electricity rates are leading California regulators and stakeholders to search for ways to protect climate goals and rate affordability.
Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2022 -
Yongyuan via Getty Images
As California confronts the future of its natural gas system, who could get left behind?
Without a proper transition strategy, experts worry that potential declines in natural gas demand will lead to large increases in energy bills likely to fall on the state's most vulnerable customers.
Kavya Balaraman • May 16, 2022 -
The fight for a national clean energy transmission system emerges on three fronts
DOE’s multi-part transmission study, FERC’s refocus on transmission planning, and macrogrid advocacy efforts could produce an interconnected nation ready for net zero electricity by 2035, industry, government and other experts say.
Herman K. Trabish • May 3, 2022 -
Courtesy of X-energy
Reliability concerns drive need for energy market design reforms, but regions diverge in FERC proceeding
Filings from FERC proceedings show a one-size-fits-all reform can't sufficiently address regional market diversity, but federal guidelines can target growing uncertainties and costs from rising variable and distributed resource penetrations.
Herman K. Trabish • April 11, 2022 -
David McNew via Getty Images
Supply-chain squeeze: Solar, storage industries grapple with delays, price spikes as demand continues to grow
Facing price pressures and uncertainties, developers are struggling to complete projects or procure new ones, experts say.
Kavya Balaraman • March 31, 2022 -
Stephanie Keith via Getty Images
Ukraine war could extend bump in US coal use, but utilities remain confident in decarbonization path
When 2021 natural gas demand drove prices up, generators turned to coal. The war in Ukraine seems to be driving a similar pattern.
Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2022 -
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
As Duke and Dominion ramp up their net zero goals, the supply chain comes into view
The companies have expanded their net zero commitments to include Scope 3 emissions. What will that take?
Jason Plautz • March 16, 2022 -
Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images
Have some renewable energy? An investor would like to speak with you.
After stagnating for more than a decade, demand for renewable energy investments is now surging, leading to questions about how long the current pace can continue.
Emma Penrod • March 10, 2022 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Texas just dodged a repeat of 2021 outages, but its power sector has a long way to go, analysts say
Texas has weatherized its generators and protected critical infrastructure, but additional market reforms, new technologies, regional support and energy efficiency are still required, policymakers and analysts agreed
Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 25, 2022 -
Adeline Kon/Utility Dive
Utility regulators eye new tools to ensure equity efforts don’t impinge on other policy goals
Utilities can advance equity with innovative performance-based or arrears management programs that keep rate spikes from slowing beneficial electrification and emissions reductions, stakeholders said.
Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 21, 2022 -
Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
Bitcoin mining as a grid resource? 'It's complicated.'
Up to 10% of a cryptocurrency mine's revenues can come from grid services and demand flexibility. Is this new breed of data center making communities more resilient — or is it just contributing to the electric grid's problems, as some critics claim?
Robert Walton • Feb. 17, 2022 -
Permission granted by MBTA
More electric buses join transit fleets as costs and technology improve
As zero-emission buses are added to more transit fleets, officials and bus manufacturers are optimistic about their potential, but they caution that planning, training and learning from other cities are needed.
Dan Zukowski • Feb. 2, 2022 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Breakthroughs in generation and system integration are driving the utility of the future, analysts say
The new technologies will reverse the supply-demand equation and bring competitive procurement and a transaction platform to merge the bulk power and distribution systems.
Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 31, 2022 -
DOE leverages new and existing authorities to spur transmission development key to energy transition
The transmission deployment program melds existing authority with the infrastructure bill to bolster project planning, permitting and financing, according to experts.
Ethan Howland • Jan. 27, 2022 -
Courtesy of Hyzon
Battery-electric vs. hydrogen trucks: The debate heads into 2022
As fleets eye a future with zero emissions, industry remains undecided whether battery electric vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles will come out ahead.
Jim Stinson • Jan. 26, 2022 -
2022 Outlook: US solar and wind boom continues despite supply chain woes, Build Back Better uncertainty
Experts agree that many provisions in the pending legislation are essential to expand renewable energy deployment, but demand continues to build as more risk-averse investors show interest in the market.
Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 21, 2022 -
Elizabeth Regan, Industry Dive/Utility Dive
2022 Outlook: FERC expected to prioritize transmission, power markets and gas infrastructure
With a new Democratic majority, observers expect Chairman Glick will move quickly on an agenda that could facilitate the energy transition.
Ethan Howland • Jan. 19, 2022 -
2022 Outlook: A new recognition is coming of rate design’s critical role in the energy transition
More precise time-varying rates, technology-neutral rates for distributed energy resources, and new ways to use smart technologies could make for a cleaner, lower cost, more reliable power system, analysts said.
Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2022 -
Retrieved from Pixabay on January 18, 2022
2022 Outlook: Top US power sector trends to watch
The Biden administration entered 2022 with some key strengths and significant challenges to implementing its clean energy agenda, but states, companies and others are continuing to advance the energy transition.
Kavya Balaraman, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton and Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 18, 2022 -
Permission granted by Siemens Energy
SOO Green transmission project faces PJM obstacles: Are grid operators hindering the energy transition?
PJM and other grid operators face challenges in facilitating innovation, experts say. A former FERC commissioner offers an alternative approach.
Ethan Howland • Jan. 13, 2022 -
Retrieved from Ford on December 22, 2021
The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022
After setting the stage with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.
Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022
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