Bill to delay EPA ozone rule passes committee, moves to full House

Along party lines, Republicans in the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a measure to alter provisions of the Clean Air Act.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2016

Hawaiian Electric proposes major plan to import LNG as bridge to 100% renewables

Hawaiian Electric wants to import liquefied natural gas under a 20-year contract with Fortis, but the proposal is contingent on the state's approval of the utility's merger with NextEra Energy.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 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

Caps raised, New Hampshire turns attention to imminent struggle over solar value

A new law that raised net metering caps also directed state regulators to devise a new solar incentive program within 10 months. Already some innovative proposals are surfacing. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Nevada governor's task force committee recommends grandfathering rooftop solar customers

A group on the energy task force convened by Gov. Brian Sandoval has passed a resolution recommending grandfathering, and it could end up being included in a future energy bill. 

By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016

Hunt withdraws previously-approved bid to acquire Oncor

Though Hunt says it is still trying to salvage a deal, the door could be open for other suitors, like NextEra.

By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016

Massachusetts must do more to cut carbon emissions, state Supreme Court rules

The case is a win for Our Children’s Trust, a youth advocacy group making climate challenges around the country.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators' action on net metering

National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Arizona governor signs bill easing conflict of interest standard for utility regulators

The new law will allow a recent ACC appointee to vote in solar proceedings from which he had previously recused himself.  

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Ahead of review vote, Pennsylvania agencies at odds over net metering changes

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission is scheduled to vote today on new net metering limits — changes environmental regulators in the state oppose.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Hopes for speedy energy bill fade as lawmakers plan rare conference committee

Sen. Lisa Murkowski wanted a bill on the president's desk before the August recess, but that's looking less likely as lawmakers work through the details of forming a conference committee. 

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

SDG&E kicks off $52.5 million EV charger installation and customer education pilot

The utility will build, own, and maintain 3,500 charging stations at 350 locations across its territory under a program approved by regulators earlier this year.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

North Carolina to release cleanup plans for Duke coal ash ponds

The DEQ report will classify Duke's coal ash ponds by risk severity, directing the utility to completely excavate the highest priority basins by August 2019.

By Robert Walton • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

California PUC proposes storage buy to deal with Aliso Canyon gas shortage

The CPUC released a draft decision last week that would require Southern California Edison to hold an expedited storage procurement process to help alleviate the electrical outage risk posed by the nation's worst-ever methane leak.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2016

Energy storage bills fail in Hawaii, but could re-appear in next legislative session

Support for storage is widespread in Hawaii, but the state's financial situation makes new incentive funding a challenge.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

DC Circuit to skip 3-judge panel, hear Clean Power Plan 'en banc' in September

In a surprise move, the nation's top appeals court will skip a panel review of the Obama administration's signature carbon regulations and move straight to an en banc hearing — a review by the entire contingency of D.C. Circuit Court judges.

By Gavin Bade • May 17, 2016

Yieldco problems: systemic or a speed bump?

With SunEdison's bankruptcy, yieldco shares have taken a hit, raising questions about the viability of the investment vehicle.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

UES Electric drops mandatory demand charge proposal, except for new solar customers

Residential demand charges would still be mandatory for new rooftop solar customers, who would also see higher fixed monthly fees and lower net metering rates under the proposed rate plan.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

DOE pulls funding for Texas clean coal project

The decision likely kills the Texas Clean Energy Project, which had support from a wide range of backers, including some environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

Renewables advocates ask Minnesota regulators to streamline DER interconnection

Their proposal calls for fast-tracking small distributed generation and simpler fees.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

SolarCity, PSC, Gov. Cuomo handed subpoenas in New York construction probe

A number of other state agencies were also tapped in the construction probe focusing on SolarCity's new upstate factory. 

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2016