Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Updated: EPA finalizes methane rules for new oil and gas facilities

The new rule was decried by oil and gas companies but was welcomed by environmentalists, who have long pushed for stricter methane regulations.

By Gavin Bade • May 13, 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

Hawaii solar jobs fall 35% after regulators end retail net metering

Solar installation permit numbers have also fallen, suggesting the new options to replace retail rate remuneration aren't as effective. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

PSE&G to invest $275M in new solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites

If approved, the New Jersey utility will build ten solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

CFTC proposes to allow market actors to sue grid operators

The agency has proposed a clarifying amendment to exemptions grid operators received under the Commodities Exchange Act, saying it never intended to limit the ability of private parties to sue.

By Gavin Bade • May 12, 2016

Georgia mulls state rules for coal ash waste disposal

After a series of coal ash incidents, Georgia is the latest state to ponder its own guidelines for coal ash waste. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 12, 2016

Utilities, greens still miles apart on solar valuation, new report shows

The Center for Biological Diversity identified 10 states it says are blocking rooftop solar, but the bigger takeaway is how its perspective on solar valuation differs from those of utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

American Transmission Co. reorganizes, splitting Wisconsin, national development arms

Reorganization will protect Wisconsin customers and allow ATC to move ahead on out-of-state builds, the company says.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

With Maine solar bill dead, industry waits on regulators for net metering reforms

A recent bill would have instituted a novel incentive structure for solar in Maine, but lawmakers were unable to overrule a veto from Gov. Paul LePage last month.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Ohio governor taps Asim Haque to chair PUCO as Andre Porter steps down

Haque takes the helm of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at a time of profound change for the state's power system.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Ohio lawmakers seek further freeze on renewable, efficiency standards

Some lawmakers are pushing to permanently freeze the state's renewables and efficiency mandates as the end of the current, temporary two-year freeze looms large.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

California regulators reopen San Onofre case over secret settlement talks

After finding that SCE engaged in secret settlement talks with former PUC Chair Michael Peevey, regulators decided to reassess the settlement that left ratepayers to pay $3.3 billion for the closing of the controversial nuclear plant in 2013. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

PJM defends market structure, cautions against state intervention in new report

A new report from the grid operator finds that its capacity market structure is functional — as long as state policies don't mess it up.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Wyoming lawmakers to consider raising the only US state tax on wind generation

Lawmakers say they want to make tax rates for renewables and fossil fuel generation comparable, but wind developers claim they already pay higher rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

It's the economy: Maryland RPS debate illustrates national divide on clean energy policy

States with RPS laws are doubling down, while those without take little interest. Maryland could help explain why.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Hawaii budgets $1.2M for study of alternative utility business models

If approved by Gov. Ige, the study would follow a separate report that recommended a nonprofit grid operator for the island of Maui.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Arizona lawmakers pass bill altering conflict-of-interest standards for utility regulators

The measure, expected to be signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, would allow one of his appointees to vote in proceedings involving SolarCity despite a familial connection. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 10, 2016

Florida PSC open seat draws wide range of applicants

Commissioner Lisa Polak Edgar is not seeking a fourth term on the Florida Public Service Commission.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2016

South Carolina bill would ban citizen suits for enforcement of state pollution laws

The bill, a version of one passed last year in the Senate, needs only one more vote before going to Gov. Nikki Haley.

By Shalina Chatlani • May 9, 2016

ComEd jumps on the demand charge train with new Illinois proposal

Residential demand charges have been most popular in the Southwest, but the Chicago-based utility features them prominently in a new legislative push.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

California Gov. Brown calls for independent safety monitor for utility infrastructure

The proposed Division of Safety Advocates aims to prevent disasters like the San Bruno pipeline explosion and Aliso Canyon methane leak.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2016

Study: Coast Guard push to limit offshore wind development

In a new study, a working group from the Coast Guard worry offshore wind development could increase the chances of accidents and hurt shipping traffic. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 9, 2016