Illinois energy law revives renewables while aiding nuclear

The Future Energy Jobs Act is also expanding energy efficiency in the state, but the nuclear subsidies are being challenged in court.

By Peter Maloney • April 30, 2018

DOE gives $60M for advanced nukes, but industry wants better regs

There is growing interest in small modular reactors, but the licensing process must modernize along with the technology, according to a new Nuclear Energy Institute report.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

New policy and business actions are giving a significant boost to renewable energy in the U.S., but opposition is growing and grid interconnection, permitting, labor and other challenges remain.

By Utility Dive staff

Pruitt: EPA will seek 'comprehensive rule' to alter New Source Review

The agency's recently announced proposal to limit scientific input to its rules could influence how it rewrites NSR, which governs emissions from new and modified sources.

By Gavin Bade • April 27, 2018

The innovations just keep coming in the corporate-utility deal space

Utilities and corporate power buyers are finding new innovations in their collaborative efforts to drive the growth of renewables and cut emissions.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 26, 2018

Arizona utilities cautious over costs, reliability for proposed 80% clean energy mandate

Meanwhile, two competing ballot proposals would seek to amend the state's constitution to hit 50% renewable energy by 2050 — setting the stage for another political showdown in the state. 

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2018

PJM generators, DR providers clash over seasonal resources at FERC

Demand response providers say rules barring seasonal resources from capacity contracts are little more than an effort to boost market revenues for generators.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

Hawaii Gov. Ige signs law mandating performance-based utility regulation

The law goes further than other performance-based efforts, directing the PUC to "break the direct link" between utility revenues and capital investments.

By Gavin Bade • April 25, 2018

Cutting loose generation lifts earnings for FirstEnergy

The company's prospects also were bolstered by an agreement with creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding of subsidiaries FirstEnergy Solutions and FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating.

By Peter Maloney • April 25, 2018

New PUC regulator to take a seat as Hawaii forges ahead to 100% renewables

Jennifer Potter will replace outgoing state PUC Commissioner Lorraine Akiba, whose term expires in June.  

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2018

Understanding grid resilience implications for market design: Beyond the NETL study

Researchers at Resources for the Future and the R Street Institute offer an alternative approach to the recent National Energy Technology Laboratory study.

By Karen Palmer, Devin Hartman and Daniel Shawhan • April 24, 2018

Pacific Power analysis shows storage pilot projects currently uneconomic

Based on its projections, the utility estimates that energy storage has the potential to become cost effective in 2029.

By Peter Maloney • April 24, 2018

Performance-based regulation: How Minnesota is inching toward a new oversight model

As performance-based regulation goes before Minnesota’s regulators, stakeholders propose being "discerning" and "surgical" about its use.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 24, 2018

FERC Order 845 opens door a little wider for energy storage

The commission's order on interconnection agreements makes it easier to combine storage with generation

By Peter Maloney • April 23, 2018

Xcel pulls out of Mountain West in blow to SPP market expansion

The utility said it sees too many risks in the transmission group's plan to join the Southwest Power Pool, a regional electricity market. 

By Gavin Bade • April 23, 2018

California customer choice advocates, IOUs face off on departing load charge

As customers leave IOUs for new providers, commissioners must balance costs. Will they choose a new approach or a really new approach?

By Herman K. Trabish • April 23, 2018

FERC moves to shore up potential cyber vulnerabilities

Regulators approved revised standards that will primarily cover "transient electronic devices," such as thumb drives and laptops.

By Robert Walton • April 23, 2018

FERC issues NOI seeking comments on gas pipeline evaluations

The NOI seeks comment on how FERC evaluates the need for pipelines, its use of eminent domain, the environmental impact of pipeline projects and the efficiency of FERC's permitting process. 

By Gavin Bade • April 20, 2018

DOE's Walker: National security assessment broader than grid reliability

The agency's interpretation of a national security risk will be central to its evaluation of coal and nuclear bailout proposals from FirstEnergy and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

By Gavin Bade • April 20, 2018

Hawaii launches performance-based rate proceeding to drive renewables

The state has a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. The Public Utilities Commission's new effort is meant to support that transition.  

By Peter Maloney • April 20, 2018

South Carolina vote to lower electric bills could imperil Dominion-SCANA deal

Lawmakers are closer to cutting rates for SCE&G customers, who are paying for the failed Summer nuclear project, but differing House and Senate approaches need to be reconciled.

By Robert Walton • April 19, 2018

Nevada's retail choice battle will greatly impact solar, everyone agrees. But for better or worse?

Nevadans will vote in November on whether to amend the state's constitution to minimize regulations, eliminate legal monopolies and create retail choice in its energy market.  

By Herman K. Trabish • April 19, 2018

Xcel first utility to get FAA approval to run inspection drones beyond line of sight

The company will use drones to survey transmission lines near Denver. Once that's complete, it will work with the FAA to extend similar operations to other states in its territory.

By Peter Maloney • April 19, 2018

Alliant heading to 30% wind capacity in Iowa as regulators approve another 500 MW

The Iowa Utilities Board is allowing Alliant subsidiary Interstate Power and Light to earn an 11% return on equity on the new wind projects.

By Peter Maloney • April 19, 2018

Chatterjee opposes MOPR as 'standard solution' for state policies

The announcement makes clear a majority of FERC regulators oppose the "standard solution" provision likely to impact the evaluation of PJM's capacity market proposals. 

By Gavin Bade • April 19, 2018

Line fault again plunges Puerto Rico into blackout

While nearly all the island's generation is back online after Hurricane Maria, the grid that supports it remains fragile and PREPA lacks sufficient reserves to resist minor disruptions. 

By Gavin Bade • April 18, 2018