How US grid operators can defend against the unprecedented surge in power system attacks

Undertaking random security measures, better information-sharing with law enforcement, and enlisting public support are among the steps grid operators can take to address the increase in attacks.

By Ben Joelson • Jan. 24, 2023

3 big advances coming as distributed energy resources take newer, bigger roles in 2023

Analysts foresee DER growth in 2023 at the wholesale market and retail distribution system levels as communities and local leaders demand more reliability and resilience.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 23, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

California PUC orders an additional 4 GW of clean energy resources to bolster grid reliability

The 4 GW would add to the 11.5 GW of clean energy resources that state regulators ordered in mid-2021.

By Kavya Balaraman • Updated Feb. 24, 2023

Texas regulators adopt performance credit in market overhaul proceeding, teeing up battle with lawmakers

Regulators "chose to ignore the clear direction" of the Texas legislature, said Sen. Charles Schwertner, an author of legislation that initiated the Texas energy market changes.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2023

SEC aims to set climate risk, cybersecurity rules before May

Lawmakers, state attorneys general and other critics have said that by publishing a final climate risk rule, the agency would shoulder companies with excessive compliance costs and overstep its authority.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 19, 2023

California greenlights more than 800 MW of storage and solar to bolster power grid reliability

The projects are the result of solicitations conducted after the California Public Utilities Commission approved an 11.5-GW procurement package in 2021.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 17, 2023

Substation attacks may lead to new energy security rules in 2023, experts say

“The industry should expect further regulatory inquiries and potential actions from the federal government in response,” said Jason Christopher, director of cyber risk at Dragos.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 17, 2023

2023 Outlook: US power sector trends to watch

Federal, state and corporate actions are boosting clean energy in the U.S., but supply chain and economic challenges persist while grid reliability and security concerns are growing.

By The Utility Dive Team • Jan. 13, 2023

California PUC launches rulemaking to consider extension of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

The rulemaking stems from legislation approved in September, which among other things required the CPUC to issue a decision by the end of this year establishing new retirement dates for the nuclear plant’s two units.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 13, 2023

PJM generators face up to $2B in penalties for failing to run during December’s Winter Storm Elliott

Nearly a quarter of PJM’s fleet didn’t provide electricity as required, with gas-fired generation making up 70% of the unplanned outages, according to the grid operator’s initial estimates.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2023

DOE’s cybersecurity accelerator to focus on industrial control systems with 2nd cohort

The program will "help bring cutting-edge solutions to market more rapidly,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 10, 2023

AEP Ohio seeks approval for electric security plan with $2.2B in reliability spending

The utility expects its plan will increase residential rates by about 2.3% annually over six years.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 9, 2023

2 charged with conspiracy to damage energy facilities in Washington substation attacks

Damage at two Tacoma Power substations is estimated to be at least $3 million, according to the charging documents.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2023

Duke Energy apologizes for winter storm outages as FERC, NERC open investigation into grid failures

At the peak of Winter Storm Elliott, 1.7 million customers were without power. Federal power officials say it is the fifth major winter event in the last 11 years.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 4, 2023

Federal cybersecurity focus grows as distributed resources expand grid risks

The utility sector is aware of new malware targeting industrial control systems and the growing attack surface provided by a distributed grid.

By Robert Walton , Larry Pearl • Jan. 3, 2023

Puget Sound Energy, Tacoma Power substations damaged in Christmas Day attacks

Three substations were damaged, leaving more than 14,000 customers without power. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 26, 2022

Entergy Louisiana proposes $5B grid resilience plan with 10 potential microgrids

The project is proposed to begin in 2024, and spending could grow to $9.6 billion in a second 5-year phase. 

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 20, 2022

GIS mobility – the true utility digital twin secret weapon

A utility digital twin includes a digital representation of the assets and it includes the processes of a utility.

By Bill Meehan • Dec. 19, 2022

After substation attacks, FERC orders NERC to consider increasing grid security requirements

“Is there something more sinister going on? Are people trying to take part of the grid out and have people lose power on purpose? And for what reason?” FERC Chair Richard Glick asked about an apparent rise in attacks on grid equipment.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 16, 2022

The ‘unprecedented’ risks facing our power grid this winter should be a wake-up call for government

It’s imperative the Biden administration nominates a FERC commissioner who can set our power grid up for success by prioritizing its safety, reliability and affordability.

By Todd Snitchler • Dec. 14, 2022

E3 defends Texas market analysis as early comments on reliability proposals turn negative

The E3 report “is too deeply flawed to be trusted to guide reliability and market decisions of this import,” according to independent energy analyst Alison Silverstein.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2022

California grid operator unveils final proposal for voluntary day-ahead electricity market

On Thursday, PacifiCorp became the first entity to sign on to the new Western day-ahead market.

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 9, 2022

Duke anticipates Wednesday recovery from firearms attacks on North Carolina substations

The utility said it has repaired some components in place but other equipment had to be replaced. About 35,000 customers in the Moore County area remain without power this morning.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2022

10 must-read utility sector stories from 2022

Reliability, security and affordability concerns are rising in a U.S. power sector increasingly focused on decarbonization and electrification. Utility Dive has rounded up some of our top stories so far on these and other trends in 2022.

By Larry Pearl • Dec. 5, 2022

ISO-New England says power system is prepared for mild winter, but plans would change in a cold snap

New England’s power system is prepared for a mild winter, but more fuel delivery or public conservation would be called for in severely cold weather, the grid operator said.

By Stephen Singer • Dec. 5, 2022