Microsoft seeks Nevada tariff to shield ratepayers from data center costs

The proposal would require large-load customers to pay for infrastructure built specifically to serve their projects while preserving standard utility charges for broader grid services.

By Marlene Wilden • June 8, 2026

FERC approves SPP non-firm, large-load transmission service

The Southwest Power Pool service aims to help data centers and other large loads get online quickly, but they can have their service cut when grid conditions are tight.

By Ethan Howland • June 8, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Cybersecurity of the Grid

In addition to presenting opportunities for growth, AI is exacerbating cyber threats with more sophisticated malware that is easier than ever to build and deploy. The rise of distributed energy resources also creates more opportunities for attack. 

By Utility Dive staff

DOE orders OUC’s 465-MW coal unit in Florida to continue running

Although Florida is at “normal risk” for long-term energy adequacy, the unit near Orlando needs to remain online partly to help serve potential data centers in the state, the department said.

By Ethan Howland • June 5, 2026

Trump administration announces $850M to modernize US coal capacity, build 2 new plants

New coal-fired plants in Anchorage, Alaska, and Mt. Storm, West Virginia, would total 2.85 GW. They would be the first new U.S. coal plants to come online since 2013.

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2026

DOE’s Alex Fitzsimmons on energy markets, AI, renewables and more

Utility Dive caught up with the associate deputy secretary of energy at the Edison Electric Institute conference in Las Vegas, where the dominant theme was balancing demand growth with affordability.

By Meris Lutz • June 5, 2026

Protesters target NV Energy at electric utility conference as anger over affordability rises

“In Las Vegas, one of the fastest warming cities in the country, you cannot live without electricity,” said protest organizer Leslie Vega, who said she’s lost loved ones to heatstroke.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 4, 2026

Speed to power requires more transmission, not less competition

A complaint at FERC seeking to limit competition among transmission developers would inject uncertainty into the process and spur regulatory delays, writes Will Hazelip from National Grid Ventures US.

By Will Hazelip • June 4, 2026

Constellation’s Three Mile Island nuclear restart gets boost with FERC waiver

Constellation Energy will be able to transfer capacity interconnection rights, enabling the nuclear unit to potentially deliver all its power when it restarts, possibly before the end of 2027.

By Ethan Howland • June 3, 2026

SEC proposes rule rescinding Biden-era climate risk disclosures

The agency’s proposal calls the 2024 climate disclosure rules “a dramatic overreach of the Commission’s statutory authority and, independently, unsound as a matter of policy.”

By Lamar Johnson • June 2, 2026

What does it take to restore a nuclear power plant?

Restarting previously closed nuclear plants could be one of the most cost-effective ways to supply large amounts of firm, clean electricity, writes Patrick White at Clean Air Task Force.

By Patrick White • June 2, 2026

Eversource project ‘epitomizes’ flawed transmission reviews: New England states

New England “severely lacks” oversight of asset condition projects like Eversource Energy’s X-178 transmission project, the New England States Committee on Electricity told FERC.

By Ethan Howland • June 2, 2026

How the U.S. solar industry can solve its 53K-worker challenge

The solar workforce challenge is significant but solvable. Here’s how to close the gap.

June 2, 2026

Access to real-time electricity data should be a basic consumer right

The technology exists and the infrastructure is there. What is missing is a requirement that customers have access to data on their electricity use, writes Joel Hicks at the University of Oregon.

By Joel Hicks • June 1, 2026

Once you secure SPARK funds for transmission development, what comes next?

The success of DOE’s SPARK initiative will depend on how prepared organizations are to execute once the funding arrives, writes Al Eliasen, Spatial Business Systems CEO.

By Al Eliasen • May 29, 2026

New Mexico has the nation’s best DER interconnection policy: report

The state received high marks for its robust energy storage interconnection framework, frequent public reports on its interconnection queue and incorporating IEEE’s technical standard for DER interconnections.

By Brian Martucci • May 28, 2026

Hyperscalers didn’t set out to be power companies. The grid left them no choice.

The power gap left hyperscalers with no alternative but to take on utility-scale obligations and lock up gigawatts of generation, writes Peak Nano CMO Shaun Walsh.

By Shaun Walsh • May 28, 2026

Oregon PUC approves PGE’s large-load tariff framework for data centers

The order shifts more infrastructure costs and interconnection obligations to hyperscale customers while positioning Oregon’s 2025 POWER Act as an early test of how states manage AI-driven load growth.

By Marlene Wilden • May 28, 2026

MISO pushes back on utility complaint over competitive transmission bidding

The grid operator stopped short of taking a position on the complaint itself. States and consumer advocates oppose it, while at least one major data center company supports it.

By Ethan Howland • May 28, 2026

How Illinois’ energy policy blueprint can address affordability, reliability

By betting on efficiency, storage, long-term energy planning and grid flexibility, the Illinois’ Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act offers a blueprint for the state’s energy future, Vote Solar’s John Delurey writes.

By John Delurey • May 26, 2026

Competitive transmission projects come online faster than incumbent projects in 4 regions: R Street

Completed competitive transmission projects are also about 30% less expensive than comparable incumbent utility projects, according to a report from the think tank. 

By Ethan Howland • May 26, 2026

Building an affordable energy future

Customer affordability is becoming a defining priority for utilities as investment costs and energy demands continue to rise.

May 26, 2026

US summer generating capacity increases by 75 GW since 2025: FERC

Capacity additions include about 26 GW in Texas, 13 GW in the Western Electric Coordinating Council region and 11 GW in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator market, FERC said.

By Ethan Howland • May 22, 2026

Puerto Rico’s power grid is ‘suspended between two realities,’ top utility regulator says

Affordability, reliability and the need to restore public confidence almost a decade after Hurricane Maria are top concerns, writes PREB Chairman Edison Avilés.

By Edison Avilés • May 22, 2026

AEP, other Ohio utilities could own nuclear power plants under state bill

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association opposes the bill, saying it would give utilities a path back into the generation business with customers bearing the financial risks.

By Ethan Howland • May 22, 2026

New Mexico regulators scrutinize Blackstone-TXNM stock trade in merger review

Consumer and renewable energy advocates say the stock transaction gave Blackstone an early stake in TXNM Energy before regulators could negotiate acquisition-related conditions or customer protections. The companies deny wrongdoing.

By Marlene Wilden • May 21, 2026