Regulation & Policy: Page 198
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Deep Dive
As states debate solar, contentious rate cases give way to broader valuation proceedings
Fixed charges and net metering dominated solar debates in the second quarter, but those conversations are increasingly leading to more comprehensive valuation attempts.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2016 -
Kansas regulators tackle distributed generation cost-benefit analysis
Westar Energy, the largest utility in the state, had hoped to confine the investigation to the costs of serving customers with distributed generation.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2016 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
adamkaz via Getty ImagesTrendlineThe 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 -
Deep Dive
Sun burn: Solar tax credits scorch state budgets
States are pulling back on swelling solar tax credit programs, but sector players say well-designed incentives can deliver additional economic benefits.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 17, 2016 -
MISO will start charging transmission fees on power exports to PJM
In July, federal regulators lifted restrictions on Multi-Value Project cost allocations, saying they were persuaded by the buildout of regional wind projects.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016 -
Mexico to launch cap-and-trade pilot to help meet climate goals
The year-long emissions reduction pilot will launch in November, with an eye toward full operation in 2018.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016 -
DC government, activists join appeal of Exelon-Pepco merger
The Washington city government, Public Citizen and Solar United Neighborhoods are among those who want the courts to block the merger, which regulators approved in March.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016 -
Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots
Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case.
By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016 -
Arizona regulator, attorney battle over alleged ties with solar industry
Dueling letters from Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Doug Little and attorney Scott Hempling highlight the level of suspicion in the regulatory body.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 16, 2016 -
Report: California lawmaker wants 15% of cars to be emission-free in a decade
Automaker advocates, however, worry such legislation could rig the system in favor of EV automakers such as Tesla Motors.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016 -
DC consumer advocate files to appeal Exelon-Pepco merger
The Office of People's Counsel in Washington claims regulators did not follow the appropriate process in approving Exelon's takeover of Pepco this June.
By Gavin Bade • Aug. 15, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Heating up again: Arizona turns to solar valuation after demand charge decision delayed
Regulators want to wait for the conclusion of a value of solar docket to reform incentive policies, but politics remains a constant distraction.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 15, 2016 -
Arizona regulators block political influence investigation, delay solar rate changes
Regulators are saving decisions on solar credits and demand charges until after the conclusion of a cost-benefit analysis of rooftop systems.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 12, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Smart sharing: Sun-saturated Hawaii debates first TOU community solar proposal
Crediting community solar users depending on time of day could open new markets for storage and help optimize the grid, regulatory staff argue in a recent proposal.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak
A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016 -
Court upholds Obama's social cost of carbon accounting for federal regulations
The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of the Department of Energy's social cost metric for carbon emissions, which is set at $36 per metric ton.
By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2016 -
Bloomberg: Electric customers could pay $2.5B for unbuilt nuclear plants
Some utilities are getting regulatory clearance to maintain nuclear licenses or pursue nuclear plants that are years away from construction.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016 -
Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law
The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016 -
NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison
The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.
By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016 -
SolarCity backs Arizona utility regulator Robert Burns for upcoming election
The move could mark a return to public political battles over solar policy, most of which had been confined to back rooms this year.
By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 10, 2016 -
Deep Dive
If you build it, will they charge? Utilities cautious in plans to spur electric vehicle adoption
Utilities are well positioned to expand EV infrastructure, but many are waiting for an uptick in adoption or a push from regulators.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 10, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Bay State storage: New law could give Massachusetts 3rd US energy storage mandate
Massachusetts was already a top state for energy storage. A new law could bolster that position with a mandate and utility ownership.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016 -
Sponsored by Clean Energy Collective
Software-Driven Community Solar
Continued innovation and expanded partnerships are helping the industry bridge the gap to the multi-gigawatt scaling of community solar as projected by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Aug. 9, 2016 -
Deep Dive
A lot of dam potential: Renewables growth could drive massive hydro buildout
With pumped storage, hydropower can grow 50% by 2050 — if developers can get over the hurdles.
By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 9, 2016 -
FERC greenlights Apple's petition to sell electric power
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted Apple market based rate authority, saying the tech company didn't raise the risk of unfairly hiking rates.
By Peter Maloney • Aug. 8, 2016 -
Pacific Power: Oregon 50% RPS will barely raise customer rates thru 2028
Five months ago, the utility told regulators the 50% renewable energy mandate would raise retail rates 0.8% — annually — through 2030. Now it says the number is a cumulative 0.1% over nearly the same timeframe.
By Gavin Bade • Aug. 8, 2016