Inside Massachusetts' ambitious plans to modernize the grid

Energy efficiency and demand response are to be the backbone of Massachusetts' future grid, but many are asking: Does the vision go far enough?

By Claire Cameron • June 27, 2014

Consumers Energy eliminates renewables bill surcharge

Falling wind energy costs drove the decision.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 26, 2014

Florida Power & Light seeks natural gas generation investment

The company is creating a new partnership with gas production company PetroQuest Energy, giving them a stake in up to 38 new gas wells to be built in Oklahoma.

By Claire Cameron • June 26, 2014

Duke Energy to supply solar power to George Washington University, American University

Duke will build 52 MW of solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 25, 2014

Puerto Rico seeks to cut power costs with natural gas, renewables, efficiency

Like Hawaii, Puerto Rico imports oil to fuel electricity generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 25, 2014

Texas CREZ lines delivering grid benefits at $7B price tag

The transmission build out has helped spread intermittent wind across a greater footprint.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 25, 2014

Can geothermal replace fossil fuels in the West?

Geothermal is a cost-competitive and renewable baseload resource. So why aren't utilities adding more to the mix?

By Herman K. Trabish • June 25, 2014

Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power not happy with EPA emissions plan

The state's CO2 emissions reduction efforts appear not to have been properly recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the utilities. 

By Claire Cameron • June 25, 2014

California breaking solar records too fast to track

The state's utility scale solar hit a new hourly peak output of 4,767 megawatts (AC) on June 1.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 25, 2014

GE wins Alstom bidding war over Siemens

The $17 billion deal is the largest in General Electric history.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 24, 2014

Supreme Court upholds EPA authority to regulate power plant emissions

The court also criticized the agency for its broad interpretation of the Clean Air Act.

By Claire Cameron • June 24, 2014

NERC: Grids can handle this summer's peak demand

The good news came with a warning that difficult times lie ahead.

By Claire Cameron • June 24, 2014

Omaha power district to retire, retrofit coal units

Energy efficiency and demand response programs are expected to meet the lost 300 MW of capacity. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 24, 2014

Texas sets new peak wind power record

More wind records are expected to fall with Texas' wind capacity over 12,000 MW.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 23, 2014

Did Duke Energy ignore warnings ahead of the Dan River coal ash spill?

Engineers warned the utility nearly 30 years ago. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 23, 2014

Candidates suspect APS influence in election for Arizona utility regulators

The candidates have asked Arizona Public Service to confirm or deny the allegations.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 23, 2014

FERC seeks solution to capacity market issue

The agency looks to alternatives as a way to keep power plants running despite falling prices and the effect of new EPA regulations.

By Claire Cameron • June 23, 2014

What the EPA emissions plan means for energy efficiency and demand response

Demand-side efficiency is the biggest bang for your buck, the EPA says. But the agency's draft rule leaves "demand-side efficiency" open to interpretation. 

By Claire Cameron • June 23, 2014

Rocky Mountain Power to buy 320 MW of solar

Rocky Mountain Power boosts renewables portfolio in Idaho and Utah after striking new deals with FirstWind.

By Claire Cameron • June 22, 2014

EPA responds to 'doomsday' predictions about cost of emissions plan

EPA insists plan is doable and affordable.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2014

How Pepco and rural electric co-ops are preparing grid solutions for solar

The Energy Department is looking for breakthrough concepts that can be implemented at scale and replicated across the energy generation and delivery industries.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2014

MISO electricity prices up 26% since March

The disagreement between the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and the Southwest Power Pool drags on.

By Claire Cameron • June 20, 2014

AES sells part of solar portfolio to SunEdison for up to $207 million

SunEdison will own 50% of 336 MW of solar. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 19, 2014

EPA chief says emissions plan will boost nuclear power's economics

Nuclear fleets have struggled to compete with natural gas and wind in recent years.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 19, 2014

Report: 50% of U.S. homebuilders to offer rooftop solar for single-family homes by 2016

Solar is becoming an increasingly standard offering for homebuilders.

By Claire Cameron • June 19, 2014