Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

Heating up again: Arizona turns to solar valuation after demand charge decision delayed

Regulators want to wait for the conclusion of a value of solar docket to reform incentive policies, but politics remains a constant distraction.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 15, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Distributed Energy Resource Growth

Distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicles, are experiencing significant growth in the U.S. as the power sector evolves to a cleaner, less centralized future.

By Utility Dive staff

New Jersey to roll out $1M to fund community microgrid feasibility studies

The state will fund several community microgrid feasibility studies, to the tune of $1 million in a first round of funding. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Stem secures $100M in financing to fuel battery deployment

Borrowing from the financing models that helped propel solar growth, some storage companies are using financial engineering to offer customers no-cost-down financing options for battery installations. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 12, 2016

SolarCity trims solar installation expectations in wake of Tesla merger bid

An expected slowdown in installations is partially due to a focus on profitability over growth after Tesla offered to buy the installer. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law

The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison

The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016

SolarCity backs Arizona utility regulator Robert Burns for upcoming election

The move could mark a return to public political battles over solar policy, most of which had been confined to back rooms this year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 10, 2016

If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption

Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016

Bay State storage: New law could give Massachusetts 3rd US energy storage mandate

Massachusetts was already a top state for energy storage. A new law could bolster that position with a mandate and utility ownership.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

The Duck is learning to fly in California and Hawaii

The dreaded 'duck curve' is evolving more slowly than anticipated thanks to smart rate design and efficiency, RAP's Jim Lazar writes.

By Jim Lazar • Aug. 8, 2016

FERC greenlights Apple's petition to sell electric power

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted Apple market based rate authority, saying the tech company didn't raise the risk of unfairly hiking rates. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2016

ConEd awards 22 MW of demand response contracts in Brooklyn-Queens project

Battery provider Stem was among 10 auction winners, and expects to install as much as 850 kW of batteries in New York by 2018.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

Nuclear plants safe, New York ISO CEO Brad Jones readies for a low-carbon grid

New transmission and grid practices will be needed for a deeply decarbonized grid, Jones told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016

Xcel Energy proposes $562M grid management system, smart meter upgrade

The new smart meters and support software would improve reliability, provide better renewables integration and help customers control their usage, Xcel said. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 5, 2016

NARUC rate design manual reignites debate over cost shift, value of solar

A new guidebook for state regulators runs into familiar contentions among utilities and the solar sector.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 4, 2016

Texas regulators to explore alternative utility ratemaking mechanisms

The Public Utility Commission of Texas will address a report on revisions to traditional cost-of-service ratemaking in their Aug. 10 meeting. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2016

Schneider Electric starts network to help corporate renewables goals

Schneider Electric's new service aims to help corporations meet their sustainability goals, following the formation of the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 3, 2016

The non-wire alternative: ConEd's Brooklyn-Queens pilot rejects traditional grid upgrades

Consolidated Edison has turned to energy efficiency, demand response and a host of distributed resources to stave off a $1.2 billion substation investment. Here's a detailed look at how they're doing it.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2016

AEP subsidiary buys set of 5 Hawaii storage projects from EnSync

The deal, which includes one solar-plus-storage project, validates the power purchase development model in Hawaii, EnSync said.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2016

PG&E: California policies will boost its capital expenditures

The utility expects to spend $5.6 billion this year, including $2 billion on distribution, $1.2 billion on transmission and $700 million on generation,

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 2, 2016

Report: Growth of grid-tied storage to rival solar's recent trajectory in upcoming decade

Grid-tied energy storage will double in 2016, according to a new IHS Markit report.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 1, 2016

Tesla agrees to $2.6B price tag for SolarCity merger

The agreement also includes a 45-day "go-shop" period, during which SolarCity may solicit offers from other companies.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 1, 2016

Los Angeles solar-plus-storage microgrid pilot to slash carbon emissions, boost industrial efficiency

The $27 million project will include electric vehicles, storage and solar panels.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2016