AEP invests $5M in storage software company Greensmith

The Maryland-based company offers turnkey energy storage solutions that could help the utility monetize the benefits of grid-scale batteries.

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 1, 2015

AZ regulators call for formal policy to prevent utility donations in commission elections

The letter from two ACC commissioners aims to prevent a repeat of 2014, when allegations of dark money donations from APS clouded the regulatory election.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 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

As regulators act, Nevada net metering debate takes center stage at Las Vegas conference

Nevada regulators called for a deep dive into NEM policy last week as national leaders converged on Vegas for a clean energy summit. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

CPUC turns down SDG&E proposal for new peak pricing periods

Time varying rates are coming and defining when demand is peaking will be crucial in identifying consumer costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Iowa co-op withdraws proposed $57.50 fixed fee for solar owners

Pressured by customer advocates, the co-op takes back a controversial cost of service study.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Microgrids on the table as DC stakeholders look to boost reliability in nation's capital

The District of Columbia is about three weeks away from kicking off a workshop examining how microgrids can help power stability in the nation's capital.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2015

Report: New York REV initiative leaving out low income customers

The state is overhauling its utility industry, but is New York doing enough to ensure low-income consumers see the benefits as well?

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015

Energy Storage Assn: Renewable tax breaks not optimal, but necessary

Until the U.S. market properly values clean energy and renewable generation then some subsidies will be required, according to the head of the Energy Storage Association.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015

Kansas regulators grant Westar rate hike, but push off solar fee decision

Kansas regulators have approved a $78 million rate increase for Westar Energy, the largest utility in the state.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015

Is variable pricing the way out of Hawaii's solar wars?

Rates that vary with the grid’s needs may change customer behaviors, but will they settle the cost shift question?

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 27, 2015

Colorado PUC ruling maintains retail rate net metering 'status quo'

The PUC rejected Xcel's request to reduce the rate at which they pay solar customers for energy they generate.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 27, 2015

SolarCity wants to help utilities plan better for distributed resources

The leading national solar installer has a new, innovative framework to modernize utilities’ interconnection, planning, procurement, and data sharing practices.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 27, 2015

Favorable weather helps SDG&E and CAISO both set renewables records

Bright sun and strong wind on August 19 meant SDG&E could generate more renewable power than ever before.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2015

Nevada regulators vote to keep retail rate net metering through end of year

Nevada has hit its 235-MW cap on net metering, but regulators this week voted to allow current rates to continue through the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2015

Siemens to construct islanding microgrid on northern California reservation

The microgrid, designed for the Blue Lake Rancheria reservation, will test microgrid management software to predict power needs and control the grid without an operator present.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

How will utilities profit in the future? New York's REV initiative is trying to figure it out

The Empire State is remaking its utility industry, but one key piece – where the money comes from – remains elusive, and regulators are taking a fairly hands-off approach to finding the answer.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

How demand flexibility is about to transform electricity delivery

For utilties, when consumers use energy could become just as important to their bottom lines as if they generate it themselves.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2015

President Obama unveils executive actions to drive distributed energy growth

New loan programs and changes to the PACE program aim to help the nation meet the administration's goals of cutting carbon 32% by 2030.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 25, 2015

President Obama calls for clean energy revolution: 'There is something big happening in America'

President Obama shows renewed passion in his legacy fights against climate change and for renewable energy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 25, 2015

NV Energy hits net metering cap ahead of schedule, adding fuel to solar debate

The utility initially predicted it would hit the cap in 2016, which would have given regulators enough time to develop a new tariff.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 24, 2015

OG&E proposes demand charge for distributed generation owners

The fight over solar and the grid comes to Oklahoma, where just 200 people have rooftop solar in OG&E's territory.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 21, 2015

Vivint Solar, second biggest U.S. installer, flees Nevada after two weeks

The atmosphere surrounding the current net metering debate has led the solar installer to conclude it's not worth staying in the state.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2015

SolarCity CEO: California utilities 'want to kill solar'

Recent proposals from the three big California IOUs to eliminate retail rate net metering and implement solar charges have drawn the ire of California's solar industry.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 20, 2015

Arizona regulators push TEP's proposed net metering cut to 2016 rate case

Commission also orders utility to remove misleading customer notification about solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 20, 2015

Arizona regulators to hear APS proposal on increasing fixed charges for solar

A big battle is brewing in Arizona where a utility proposal would up the monthly cost of owning solar by $16.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 20, 2015