Solar plus storage: With SolarCity deal, Tesla aims to speed clean energy transition

Elon Musk wants to create an all-in-one sustainable energy company to shape a "non-weird future." Will shareholders let him?

By Gavin Bade • June 22, 2016

Southern Co. subsidiary issues more than $1B in green bonds

The issuance "underscores the company's commitment to innovation," said Southern Power CEO Buzz Miller. 

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

How storage can help solve the distributed energy 'death spiral'

A new Navigant paper lays out three examples of how storage can facilitate the transition to a more distributed grid.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 21, 2016

Timing is money: Dynegy buyout of ECP plant stake generates benefits for both

Energy Capital Partners gets a hefty payday for its stake in 9 GW of generation the two companies purchased from Engie; Dynegy can accelerate growth into its preferred organized electric markets. 

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2016

Siemens, Gamesa to form world's largest wind developer

Siemens is reportedly paying more than $1 billion for a 59% stake in the combined business.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2016

Dynegy to buy out Energy Capital's 35% stake in proposed acquisition of ENGIE's power portfolio

The deal to buy 9,000 MW of fossil power plants will expand Dynegy's reach into regulated markets if it goes through. 

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2016

As DERs proliferate, utilities ramp up investments in storage startups

These investments help utilities stay ahead of the technological curve as distributed energy resources are integrated into the grid. 

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2016

IRS skeptical of Energy Future Holdings tax-free spinoff proposal

Tax liabilities associated with a plan to split Energy Future Holdings into two companies could exceed $4 billion.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2016

Duke-Piedmont deal wins North Carolina utility regulatory staff support

North Carolina Public Staff of the Utilities Commission, charged with protecting the interests of utility customers, has recommended provisions to ensure customers save millions on their bills in the first two years.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2016

Apple files with FERC to sell energy in wholesale markets

Apple could be looking to leverage its renewables portfolio by filing as an energy provider.

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2016

Greater than the sum: How aggregation is making storage into a software business

Grouping customer-sited batteries can deliver the same benefits as grid-scale storage, DNV-GL says.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 13, 2016

The Rural Utilities Service: How the USDA is building a clean energy future for rural America

The USDA's RUS has backed rural communities since the 1930s and now has billions to dole out for renewables and efficiency projects for underserved populations.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 10, 2016

Energy Department awards $40M to Lake Erie offshore wind Icebreaker project

Innovative offshore wind projects off New Jersey and Maine also get $40 million awards

By Herman K. Trabish • June 10, 2016

Exelon VC arm invests in storage sector startup

More utilities are eying investments in distributed energy resources, especially the energy storage space. 

By Peter Maloney • June 9, 2016

Hawaiian Electric files with state regulators to begin new pursuit of utility-scale renewables

Hawaii’s dominant electricity provider sets out on its quest for 100% renewables by 2045.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 9, 2016

Xcel Colorado rate plan draws ire of solar interests for higher fixed charges

The plan would lower volumetric rates and increase fixed charges, following a utility strategy that's played out across the nation.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 9, 2016

Missouri regulatory staff wants oversight of Great Plains-Westar merger

Missouri regulatory staff claim the state should have authority over Great Plains Energy's proposed acquisition Westar Energy, the largest electricity provider in Kansas.

By Robert Walton • June 8, 2016

GE Ventures invests in Tesla competitor Sonnen

Investing in Sonnen will help the battery storage developer expand its competitive presence in the United States.

By Peter Maloney • June 7, 2016

APS rate case sparks concern beyond mandatory demand charge proposal

Along with a rate structure overhaul, the Arizona utility also wants to cut net metering credits to its avoided cost rate.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 7, 2016

Missouri munis contract for 200 MW of space on proposed Grain Belt Express line

The new off-takers may strengthen the merchant transmission developer’s appeal to state regulators, who denied it the power of eminent domain last year. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 6, 2016

Hawaiian Electric: 'Walk away' deadline won't kill NextEra merger deal

The companies face a June 3 deadline to walk away from the deal without a termination fee, but Hawaiian Electric said talks can continue. The Hawaii PUC hopes to have a decision by the end of June. 

By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • June 3, 2016

The corporate green team: Utilities partner to meet renewables demand from large US firms

The Edison Electric Institute has joined green groups in a partnership to market wind and solar to climate-savvy companies.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016

Rate design roundup: demand charges vs. time-based rates

A new RMI report compares the two strategies transforming utility rate designs across the country.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016

SolarCity launches new rooftop loan product to replace MyPower offering

The new loans will answer a customer demand for shorter terms and fixed payments, an executive said.

By Gavin Bade, Herman Trabish • June 2, 2016

Texas regulators delay El Paso Electric request for rate increase, solar surcharge

Texas regulators told El Paso Electric to re-issue their rate increase request, delaying a final decision on their rate case. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 2, 2016