Colorado regulators boost Xcel efficiency target 25%

Xcel subsidiary Public Service Company of Colorado asked the PUC to keep its goal steady at 400 GWh of annual reductions, but regulators are convinced the utility can do more.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2018

Republicans tout tax law success in hearing on energy sector impacts

While Republican witnesses cited increased wages, capital expenditures and company growth from the recent changes to the tax code, the lone Democrat witness said the bulk of the benefits are bypassing the middle class.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2018

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

In Massachusetts, capacity ownership of distributed resources could determine fate of storage

Current debates over ownership and control of capacity rights associated with solar and energy storage projects could have a big impact on the trajectory of the technologies in the state.

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2018

Economic growth is decoupling from power sector carbon emissions, Ceres reports

The analysis shows that the mercury standards focused on technologies used in coal plants effectively lowered air emissions 86% from 2000 levels after going in effect in 2015.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 20, 2018

World on track for 50% renewables by 2050, says Bloomberg energy outlook

Wind and solar will provide almost 50% of the world's electricity, with hydro, nuclear and other renewables taking total zero-carbon electricity up to 71%.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2018

Maine finds marijuana growers too risky for energy efficiency grants

Maine Efficiency Executive Director Michael Stoddard cited Attorney General Jeff Sessions' interest in shutting down marijuana operations.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2018

As EPA approves Oklahoma coal ash program, researchers find widespread contamination

While EPA on Monday approved the first state permit program for coal ash disposal, a review from Ohio Valley ReSource and WFPL showed 'ubiquitous' groundwater contamination in the Ohio Valley.

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2018

Is New Hampshire on the verge of battery energy storage history?

A Liberty Utilities-stakeholder settlement could put 1,000 behind-the-meter batteries in place and provide a model for the rest of the country.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 19, 2018

Moody's goes negative on regulated utilities for first time, citing tax law impacts

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley upgraded the utilities sector to outperform, and an analyst note remarked that utility stocks are primed for defensive investments.

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2018

100% renewable energy omnibus clears Massachusetts Senate

The package of energy bills would also remove net metering caps, increase the storage mandate and void demand charges approved earlier this year for Eversource. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 18, 2018

Should the regulatory two-step give way to a new, performance-based dance?

Critics say traditional cost-of-service ratemaking is behind the times, but newer models require a complex production from a variety of industry players. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 18, 2018

FERC rejects Mountain Valley challenges, dividing again over climate, pipeline need

More than a dozen environmental groups petitioned FERC to review its October approval of the 300-mile pipeline, but FERC said its original decision is valid. 

By Gavin Bade • June 18, 2018

Sierra Club cries foul over PacifiCorp coal study secrecy

Oregon regulators directed PacifiCorp to review the cost of its coal resources. Now the company wants nondisclosure agreements to review the findings, according to the Sierra Club.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2018

Trump nominates climate doubter Simmons to head DOE renewables office

Daniel Simmons used to work for the American Energy Alliance, a conservative lobbying group that advocated eliminating the DOE renewables office in 2015. 

By Gavin Bade • June 15, 2018

Massachusetts utilities conclude contract negotiations to import hydro

​The state's electric distribution companies reached agreements with Hydro-Québec and Central Maine Power Company and will file the 20-year contracts with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2018

LaFleur defies FERC majority, will consider broad climate impacts of pipelines

The Democratic regulator said she will consider all facts in FERC cases on pipelines, "even those overlooked by the majority."

By Gavin Bade • June 14, 2018

Oklahoma Gas & Electric secures rate recovery for new gas plant

The utility has invested almost $400 million in the 462 MW Mustang Energy Center, but customers will see an overall decline in monthly bills.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2018

Vistra will shrink its generating portfolio before growing it, CEO says

At a June 12 analyst meeting, Curtis Morgan also said the company is looking at energy storage opportunities and criticized the Trump Administration's plans to support ailing coal and nuclear plants.

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2018

NV Energy 2.3-cent solar contract could set new price record

The utility's proposed power purchase agreement beats an Arizona project that GTM Research previously said was the cheapest solar contract in the nation.

By Gavin Bade • June 13, 2018

ISO-NE implements 'pay-for-performance' capacity market incentives

The new scheme will provide incentives to reward resources for investments that boost performance during periods of system stress.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2018

FERC regulators: No security emergency to justify DOE coal, nuke bailout

All five commissioners stayed silent when a senator asked if they believe security threats mean DOE should subsidize struggling coal and nuclear generators. 

By Gavin Bade • June 12, 2018

California looks to next steps as utilities near energy storage targets

As Golden State utilities approach 2 GW of battery capacity, lawmakers are preparing mandates for 2 GW more. 

By Peter Maloney • June 12, 2018

Cal Fire: PG&E violated state law in 8 wildfires last year

The state agency released its report into 12 wildfires last week, finding electrical equipment sparked each one. 

By Gavin Bade • June 11, 2018

Congressman targets utility security clearances for new legislation

Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., said at a grid cybersecurity event that he is considering legislative fixes to address the lack of security clearances among utility employees. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • June 11, 2018

Boston mayor urges cities to join large-scale renewable energy purchase

The city has already recruited Chicago; Houston; Los Angeles; Orlando, Fla.; Portland, Ore. and Evanston, Ill. to its initiative.

By Jason Plautz • June 11, 2018