Why 'a lot has become the new normal' in state solar policy debates

A new report outlines 5 key decisions and 4 trends from the solar sector's busiest policy quarter yet.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 10, 2016

All bets are off: 4 takeaways on what President Trump means for the power sector

The paradigm of decarbonization that's guided utility sector investments for the past decade is now up in the air.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 9, 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

Arizona utility regulators Burns, Tobin keep seats in contentious election

Boyd Dunn was also elected to the third open seat, replacing Commissioner Bob Stump. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 9, 2016

Florida solar Amendment 1, Washington carbon tax amendment struck down in election

Meanwhile, Nevada voters approved a measure to break up utility monopolies, though it will need to pass again in 2018 to go into effect. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2016

Federal appeals court puts clean energy RFP on hold in Connecticut

The case could have implications for state and federal jurisdiction over markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

How IPL wants FERC to transform MISO energy storage tariffs

Current dispatch rules, designed for flywheels, could degrade batteries much quicker than anticipated, the utility argues.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

As Clinton, Trump face off, utility sector braces for pivotal Election Day

This presidential election could set the trajectory for energy and climate policy far beyond the term of whoever is elected. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 8, 2016

Why Wall St. thinks renewables could be better off after tax credits expire

Bankers say the end of the production tax credit might not be so bad; it could result in less costly deals.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

PSEG close to approval for 33 MW of brownfield, landfill solar

A final decision is expected by the end of the year.   

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 8, 2016

Report: Arizona regulatory election reels in $6M in outside funding

Arizona Public Service has spent more than $3 million supporting candidates, while SolarCity's funding total exceeds $2 million.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2016

FirstEnergy could sell up to 13 plants as it joins AEP in Ohio re-regulation fight

The company is pivoting away from competitive generation and will support efforts from its fellow Ohio utility to roll back electricity deregulation in Ohio. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2016

Greens, solar advocates appeal Nevada net metering decision

Vote Solar and Earthjustice requested a judicial review over last year's controversial net metering order. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

EPA finalizes voluntary CO2 trading model for Clean Power Plan

The agency sent a model carbon trading rule to the White House last week, over objections that it was defying a Supreme Court stay on CPP implementation. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 7, 2016

How rising natural gas prices will affect the power sector in 2017

Analysts expect cooler weather and higher demand to limit fuel switching and raise residential power prices.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

Washington's carbon tax initiative attracts late surge of money

In a brief period, supporters and opponents of Initiative 732 raised about $1.5 million.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 7, 2016

Minnesota Power requests 18% rate increase, but says renewables plan could halve hike

The utility also filed its annual renewable resources rider plan, which it says would offset about half of the interim rate increase.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 4, 2016

Report: Fossil fuel, utility interests spends $3.1M on Ohio elections

It is far more than was spent by environmentalists and alternative energy groups with the state's renewable and efficiency standards on the line. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

NRC issues environmental approval for 2 new reactors at FPL's Turkey Point nuke

The finding comes as Florida Power & Light is working to resolve an existing leak in its cooling canals at the plant, leaving environmentalists scratching their heads.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

Florida regulators hit pause on utility natural gas hedging programs

Regulators signed off on a joint stipulation for a one-year pause to gas hedging, which has cost consumers more than $6 billion since 2002.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2016

Interconnection delays can be costly, but some utilities have found ways to save time and money

Interconnection times are going up nationally, but a new report outlines lessons from some leading utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2016

Retooling regulation: a closer look at integrating energy and environmental policy

Now is the time to merge discussions over air, energy, transport and building energy regulations, write RAP's Chris James and Ken Colburn.

By Chris James and Ken Colburn • Nov. 3, 2016

Mercedes-Benz launches new US storage arm with former Sonnen CEO von Bormann

Mercedes takes aim at Tesla with new offerings that will "combine the advantages of electric vehicles and energy solutions into one holistic platform." 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 3, 2016

EPA commits to enforcing environmental justice in new EJ 2020 Action Agenda

The EPA has unveiled EJ 2020, an environmental justice plan to protect low-income communities of color that are disproportionately affected by pollution. 

By Shalina Chatlani • Nov. 3, 2016

Utilities, industrials spearhead rate design reform in new efficiency coalition

The Alliance to Save Energy has brought together a diverse coalition to tackle rate design, including PG&E, Exelon, National Grid, Johnson Controls and Lockheed Martin. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2016

TransCanada to sell $3.7B of merchant generation to finance pipeline acquisition

Private equity is again the winner as another company turns away from volatile wholesale electricity markets. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 3, 2016