The future of rate design: Why the utility industry may shift away from fixed charges

A focus on fixed charges is giving way to more comprehensive rate structures for utilities, but big questions loom on the horizon for regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2015

United Illuminating plans 2.2 MW microgrid for Connecticut town

The 2.2 MW microgrid project will complete the utility's commitment to build 10 MW of renewable generation under Connecticut’s Renewable Connections Program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

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

WGL plots $200M, 150 MW distributed solar investment in 2016

"The future of energy requires the integration of renewable resources," said WGL Energy President Sanjiv Maha.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

AES deploys new 10 MW battery it touts as Maryland's largest

The battery storage installation will offer flexible storage for ancillary and other grid services in the PJM market. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

Oregon saddles up to implement trailblazing energy storage mandate

Oregon's mandate is the second in the nation, but novel in the guidance it gives to regulators on how to value storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

Time-of-use rates can shape customer usage, cut pollution and costs, experts agree

Retail electricity rates tied to hourly wholesale power market costs could shape consumer usage, executives told Platts last week.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

In a bid to reimagine power delivery, TFC Utilities buys GridPoint

Formed earlier this year, Twenty First Century Utilities LLC wants to transform regulated utilities through the mass adoption of clean, low cost energy technologies. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015

Smart EV charger tested by Michigan researchers can be mini-microgrid in outages

University researchers in Michigan are working on technology to transform an electric vehicle charging stations into an extension of the grid.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2015

Rocky Mtn Power will compare cost to serve solar customers before fixed charge decision

Utah regulators want more information on the costs and benefits of distributed generation before a decision on fixed charges. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 16, 2015

Comcast launches energy offerings in 4th state, with more to come

The company, in partnership with Crius Energy, is on track with plans to enter the Texas market next month.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2015

Xcel Energy proposes 100% renewable power option for consumers

The program is designed to meet the needs of businesses expanding in Minnesota, and the utility believes it can be a  tool to grow economic development.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2015

From provider to adviser: Opower launches suite of tools for utilities

The Opower Marketplace Suite, built in partnership with Enervee, is designed to help utilities match programs and incentives to customers.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2015

Utilities spend $2.3M backing Florida solar initiative against 3rd party sales

Two groups are battling to put competing solar policy initiatives on Florida's ballot next November, with the utility-backed side raising millions more than the other side in October. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2015

Hawaii distributed energy and smart grid companies form new trade group

“It is not just about solar anymore,” says the a founding member of the Distributed Energy Resources Council of Hawaii.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 12, 2015

Beyond fixed charges: 'Disruptive Challenges' author charts new utility path

If Peter Kind's 2013 paper put the utility sector on notice, this one could give it whiplash.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 12, 2015

TPO showdown: Duke faces off against greens over NC church's solar array

NC WARN is testing the limits of North Carolina third party ownership law and Duke wants to put a stop to it.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 12, 2015

Dealing with stagnant load growth, ISO-New England turns to gas, efficiency and DERs

The region expects to lean heavily on energy efficiency and distributed resources to meet demand across the next decade.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 11, 2015

Judge allows SolarCity lawsuit against Arizona utility SRP to move forward

An Arizona federal judge threw out SolarCity's claims for monetary damages and non-monetary relief but ruled that the lawsuit can proceed.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 10, 2015

Arizona utility TEP wants to add solar fee, reduce net metering credit

Tucson Electric Power is asking for several changes to its rates as it commits to 30% renewables by 2030. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 6, 2015

California solar advocates bring wheelbarrows of petitions to net metering fight

Solar advocates push to extend California's retail net energy metering credit as utility regulators consider three proposals from major utilities to add fixed charges and lower credits for solar users.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 6, 2015

Duke urges regulators to deny TPO solar bid from green group, church

The utility says the protest act by activist group NC WARN is breaking the law and deserves $1,000 fine every day.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 4, 2015

Florida's solar ballot proposals reortedly causing confusion among voters

Similar names and a wonky topic could contribute to confusion among voters over dueling solar ballot initiatives, according to an Orlando Sentinel columnist. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2015

New Mexico regulators deny El Paso Electric monthly charge on distributed generation

The ruling to protect DG owners from discriminatory ratemaking practices follows similar decisions in other states.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2015

The day after: How solar can thrive in the post-net metering era

With storage, TOU rates and control tech, solar can boom in the absence of net metering and benefit utilities as well.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2015

New Enphase solar-storage product combines monitoring, control in a single device

Enphase Energy is introducing an all-in-one solar storage and control system in December.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 2, 2015