2022 Utility Dive Outlook

Utility Dive examines priorities, expectations and trends for three key subjects — FERC, rate design and renewable energy — along with a broader roundup of some of the U.S. power sector trends to watch in the year ahead.

Jan. 24, 2022

Creative financing needed to boost EV charging infrastructure: DOE

Utilities and investors need to consider "business model innovation" that can make electric vehicle charging more attractive, says DOE loan office head Jigar Shah.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 21, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Building Electrification

Decarbonization goals are spurring building electrication efforts across the U.S. While the use of heat pumps and other technologies is expanding, some policies are facing legal challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

DOE, DOT scramble to hire 'Energy Corps,' roll out EV charging network

The first chargers in a $7.5 billion national network could be deployed this year. The federal government is hiring thousands of new employees to support it and other clean energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 21, 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.

By Kavya Balaraman, Ethan Howland, Robert Walton and Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 18, 2022

New York City says goodbye to gas, establishing a blueprint for other communities

The work to prevent 1 GW of new gas being added in New York City can help others establish a strategy to permanently retire inefficient fossil fuel resources and replace them with sustainable clean energy solutions, says the author.

By Seth Mullendore • Jan. 13, 2022

North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 10, 2022

Connecticut targets building emissions, energy equity as it moves to update energy strategy

After a report showed Connecticut off the pace needed to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, Gov. Ned Lamont, D, signed an executive order calling for revisions to the state's building codes.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 10, 2022

PNM prepares for spring launch of $9M transportation program, anticipates EVs to double in 2 years

Public Service Co. of New Mexico last week detailed plans to roll out incentives for charging infrastructure and new rates for commercial and residential customers, including energy-only tariffs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2022

Electric, autonomous delivery vehicle boom expected on city streets as inventories and orders grow

With Amazon, FedEx and Walmart among those placing major orders for electric delivery vehicles, thousands will appear on the road in coming years, executives announced at the Consumer Electronics Show.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 7, 2022

Gov. Hochul announces $500M offshore wind investment, electrification push for New York

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2022 State of the State address to announce New York's third offshore wind procurement, new energy storage targets and accelerated electrification initiatives.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2022

Stem, ENGIE North America partner to integrate storage management and EV charging platform

The partnership reflects customers' growing interest in adopting EV charging, solar generation and storage all at once, according to Stem officials.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 6, 2022

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.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

NYC's new gas ban highlights market growth needs for building electrification

Awareness, market development and worker training must scale up now that the largest U.S city is blocking gas hookups in future building construction. 

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2021

On the road to electric vehicles, EPA's new 40 mpg fuel efficiency rules get mixed reviews

New vehicle fuel efficiency rules finalized by the Biden administration are the most stringent in history, but some clean transportation advocates say they leave loopholes for car manufacturers to exploit.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2021

US smart meter penetration hits 65%, expanding utility demand response resources: analysts

The smart meter installed base grew by more than 9% between 2017 and 2020, according to Guidehouse. But tens of millions of older meters remain on the grid.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2021

Democrats plan to press ahead with Build Back Better bill, despite Manchin opposition

The legislation threatens grid reliability and increases U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains, according to Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2021

Arizona regulators approve plan to accelerate EV investment, require utility transportation plans by June

The Arizona Corporation Commission approved a comprehensive transportation electrification strategy that anticipates more than 1 million emissions-free vehicles on the state's roads by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2021

White House unveils EV charging action plan, prepares network rollout guidance for cities, states

The Joint Office of Transportation and Energy will help guide federal efforts and coordinate with state and local stakeholders for an equitable rollout of a charging network, utilizing funds from the bipartisan infrastructure legislation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2021

How leveraging existing utility and city infrastructure is key to accelerating electric vehicle adoption

Cities around the world are joining the Cities Race to Zero, a United Nations initiative committing urban centers to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Dec. 13, 2021

DOD, GSA start process in federal shift to all carbon-free power by 2030

The federal government aims to begin buying emissions-free power in competitive markets next year in response to an executive order.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 4, 2022

Building electrification momentum grew in US cities in 2021

From Denver to Ithaca, New York, cities are charting new territory in their quest to slash built-environment emissions. Solutions include changing codes and adding performance standards, and even electrifying entire city building stocks.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 8, 2021

Major US utilities plan nationwide charging network, anticipating 22M EVs by 2030

Within a decade, more than 100,000 fast-charging stations will be needed to support adoption of electric vehicles, according to the Edison Electric Institute. But some areas face significant barriers to growth, say experts.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 8, 2021

Nuclear and carbon capture companies seek $20B as DOE revives loan program

DOE loan office head Jigar Shah said he would like the office to issue at least $2 billion in loans for key emerging sectors, such as battery recycling and "green" hydrogen.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 8, 2021

‘A long way to go’: How ConEd, Xcel and 4 other utilities are helping cities meet big EV goals

From New York City to Los Angeles, cities and utilities face cost, land and grid challenges in their efforts to electrify transportation systems. 

By Robert Walton , Emma Penrod , Jason Plautz , Scott Van Voorhis • Nov. 30, 2021

At the forefront: The biggest state clean energy legislative trends of 2021

States continue to act as laboratories of innovation, taking unique policy approaches and testing their own solutions to various clean energy policy issues, the author writes.

By Autumn Proudlove • Nov. 24, 2021