Deep Dive: Page 9
Industry insights from our journalists
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Ex-FERC commissioners debate solutions to coal self-committments said to cost millions
Former FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly says the issue will have to be resolved at the state level, while former Chair Jon Wellinghoff argues such market distortions should be addressed by FERC.
Catherine Morehouse • June 1, 2020 -
Yujin Kim/Utility Dive
Observing recovery through a climate 'magnifying glass'
COVID-19 presented cities with fresh observations of climate trends, marking a crucial time for leaders to weave climate change mitigation into recovery efforts.
Chris Teale • May 29, 2020 -
As utilities tackle immediate COVID-19 impacts, analysts stress need to focus beyond the pandemic
Power systems across the country need new approaches for today's shifting loads, but focusing on recovery and tomorrow’s resources can be even better, analysts say.
Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2020 -
Fotolia
Colorado Tri-State ruling could provide co-op exit template amid rising tensions with G&T providers
Tri-State is struggling to respond to member demands for renewable energy. The conflict could have implications that drive an energy transition — or tear the electric cooperative system apart.
Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2020 -
As extreme weather spurs billions in utility resilience spending, regulators struggle to value investments
A new study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows the value of resilience depends on too many factors to easily quantify and moves regulators back to human judgment.
Herman K. Trabish • April 25, 2020 -
GE Renewables
84 GW US renewables+storage pipeline has developers anxious for market integration rules
Utilities and developers are adding renewables plus storage hybrids so fast and cost-effectively that regulators had to schedule a conference on paired technologies.
Herman K. Trabish • April 23, 2020 -
Diminishing returns: Why an upcoming Utah rate case may signal the end of net metering
A move to end the compensation approach for rooftop solar owners has sent sales plummeting. Many other states are also looking at successor tariffs.
Emma Penrod • April 20, 2020 -
Photo illustration by Brian Tucker/Utility Dive; photograph by thinkreaction via Getty Images
Increasing renewables and DER demand new reliability approach, but California is falling short, groups say
Resource adequacy's planning reserve margin worked when supply and load were stable, but new system realities demand a more dynamic approach to protect reliability, emerging power providers and DER advocacy groups say.
Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2020 -
Fotolia
BlackRock, Morgan Stanley to utilities: Tackle climate-related risks or lose market value
Analyst research shows utilities that address climate-related physical and transition risks earn higher valuations from investors.
Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2020 -
Distributed storage could see growth in demand amid COVID-19 pandemic, analysts say
The circumstances of the outbreak and the raft of restrictions that states have implemented to prevent its spread could spur interest in resources that provide resilience and self-reliance, analysts say.
Kavya Balaraman • March 26, 2020 -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565892277/in/album-72157713108522106/.
How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts
At least 22 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.
Catherine Morehouse • March 26, 2020 -
Coronavirus could disrupt normal refueling practices for nuclear facilities as staffing concerns grow
Across the U.S., nuclear sites need to accommodate an influx of workers during the spring for cyclical refueling procedures, which will be difficult based on public health restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Iulia Gheorghiu • March 26, 2020 -
Cheapest is not always best: Concentrated solar power could beat lower price PV with new market rules
With its zero-emissions mandate, California will need a diversity of renewable resources along with CSP, "particularly because of its long duration storage" potential, the state's Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said.
Herman K. Trabish • March 26, 2020 -
COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate
There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.
Chris Teale • March 24, 2020 -
PG&E, SCE abandon big microgrid plans for temporary emergency measures as wildfire season nears
Regulators' push to implement a law requiring microgrid rollouts is being frustrated by the costs of traditional generation and clean energy complexities.
Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2020 -
A red state template for 100% renewables? Utah bill unites Rocky Mountain Power, cities and activists
An 80% Republican legislature has approved HB 411, which will move more than a third of the state’s electricity load to 100% renewables by 2030.
Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2020 -
Nuclear energy storage? Advanced reactor developers trying to expand nuclear power's selling points
Molten salt reactors have been trying to reach commercialization for several years, and developers are now emphasizing their potential storage capability. But that may not be enough.
Matthew Bandyk • March 12, 2020 -
Adobe Stock
Green Mountain Power's pioneering steps in transactive energy raise big questions about DER's value
Peer-to-peer energy transactions could meet policy goals and system needs, if software platforms resolve the complexities of value and reliable operation.
Herman K. Trabish • March 4, 2020 -
Green hydrogen gets real as utility business models and delivery solutions emerge
The fuel may be the only way to meet power system needs in zero emissions scenarios and the market signals to produce and use it are finally clear.
Herman K. Trabish • March 2, 2020 -
'Nobody's really for this bill, so why does it keep moving?': Indiana coal bill hits state Senate today
House Bill 1414 has drawn a diverse coalition of business and energy stakeholder opposition. After passing the House earlier this month, it's headed to the Senate today.
Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 27, 2020 -
Getty Images
Slowed pay-off from billions in AMI investment puts the technology's future in doubt
Regulators have approved billions for utilities to roll out advanced metering infrastructure, but they expected new customer and system benefits, not just lower utility operation costs.
Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 20, 2020 -
Utilities don't see stranded assets as a top risk. Should they?
Despite growing concerns that "bullish" utility investments in natural gas may lead to stranded assets amid rapid decarbonization, just 18% of utility employees surveyed by Utility Dive view those risks as a top concern.
Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 14, 2020 -
Ruslan Dashinsky and tampatra via Getty Images
Utilities say they are prepared to meet cyber threats. Are they?
Experts warn that cyber standards compliance is not synonymous with security, as Utility Dive's annual survey shows that less than 60% "believe their organization is in or approaching compliance with government cybersecurity mandates."
Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2020 -
Why is the utility industry less bullish on grid-scale storage?
This year, 27% of participants in the State of the Electric Utility survey said they expect their organization will significantly increase grid-scale battery storage in the next 10 years — compared to 34% last year.
Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 13, 2020 -
PG&E
PG&E is betting heavily on microgrids. But can it move away from fossil fuels?
The utility is proposing to deploy 300 MW of temporary generation in areas that are vulnerable to public safety power shut-offs.
Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 28, 2020
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