Stakeholders debate expanding storage's role in MISO markets

Discussions under way at MISO could expand storage into the medium-term market.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2016

Minnesota report points to flaws in Xcel's community solar installations

An independent engineer appointed by the PUC says the utility mishandled cost estimates, interconnection processes, and cooperation with developers in a community solar project.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 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

Civil Rights Commission eyes North Carolina coal ash in environmental justice probe

The Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights was at a hearing in North Carolina last week focused on the impacts of coal ash on predominantly low-income, minority communities. 

By Shalina Chatlani • April 12, 2016

'Straight uphill': Power sector reforms face tough path in gridlocked Illinois legislature

Three utility-backed bills to support, nuclear generation, renewables and efficiency did not pass in the last session of the General Assembly. Stakeholders are now trying to role them into a single law.

By Peter Maloney • April 12, 2016

Nebraska legislature advances bill to ease wind development

The bill would remove impediments to developing some of the biggest wind potential in the United States. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 12, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs bill lifting solar cap, lowering net metering rates

Baker's approval comes after months of contention over solar policy in the state, but critics say it's just a short-term fix.

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 11, 2016

New Hampshire legislature doubles net metering cap to 100 MW

The new law also orders state regulators to ready a successor tariff when the new cap is reached. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 11, 2016

Offshore wind needed for New York's 50% energy goal, energy czar says

A newly designated ocean tract off Long Island could deliver competitively-priced wind-sourced electricity, Richard Kauffman said this week.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016

MISO capacity auction design proposal draws concern

The grid operator is considering a forward auction for deregulated areas, to address concerns market signals are not working to ensure reliability.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2016

Vermont regulators propose net metering changes

The proposal would encourage net-metered systems to be developed in preferred, pre-developed locations, including different price levels.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2016

With another generation record, Texas edges closer to 50% wind penetration

ERCOT got more than 48% of its generation from wind during early hours of March 23.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 8, 2016

Community solar poised for growth as utilities gain confidence, familiarity

Two new reports detail a bright future for community solar as utilities and developers gain experience and realize the resource's potential.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016

How California wants to align utility revenue models with DERs

A new CPUC proposal puts forth an innovative framework for utilities to earn a rate of return on DER procurements.

By Gavin Bade • April 7, 2016

Iowa House passes bill to toughen eminent domain rules for transmission developers

The bill would prevent utility regulators from granting eminent domain rights for a project unless 75% of landowners in its path approved.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 7, 2016

Massachusetts lawmakers pass bill to raise solar cap, cut net metering rates

The Masschussetts legislative committee tasked with coming up with a solution to deal with net metering caps and solar remuneration arrived at a final bill, which passed through both houses and now awaits Gov. Charlie Baker's signature. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 6, 2016

'Wake up worrying': NextEra-Hawaiian Electric merger in doubt as regulators near decision time

NextEra's bid to buy Hawaiian Electric has failed to inspire state energy stakeholders, but the merger proceeding isn't a popularity contest.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

Missouri lawmakers skeptical of Ameren plan to overhaul rate cases

Residential customers could see rates rise more than 60% over the next 10 years, according to one official from the Missouri Public Service Commission.

By Robert Walton • April 6, 2016

New Arizona law delays solar installation 60 days, drawing ire from advcates

SB 1417 also imposes new disclosure burdens on installers which they say aim to slow solar growth

By Herman K. Trabish • April 6, 2016

As RPS importance declines, 3 factors help drive growth for utility-scale solar

For the first time, most utility-scale solar development this year won't be driven by renewable portfolio standards. Instead, voluntary utility procurement, PURPA contracts and corporate interest are boosting the market, along with some nascent activity in the merchant generation space.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2016

Wisconsin governor lifts new nuclear moratorium

The new law allows utility regulators to approve nuclear power plants ahead of “nonrenewable combustible energy resources”

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2016

DOE's partnership with CLEP to advance a transmission project could spread to others

The Department of Energy's decision to exercise its eminent domain authority to help advance one tranmission project could have implications for the similarly embattled Grain Belt Express line. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2016

Report: SunEdison plans to file for bankruptcy

SunEdison is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it also faces an investigation from the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 4, 2016

How DOE is leveraging federal authority to ease transmission development

The Dept. of Energy is exercising powers that allow it to speed siting and construction of interstate transmission, but not everyone is pleased.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2016

Xcel Wisconsin requests another rate increase to cover clean energy, infrastructure investments

This request marks the 12th straight year that Xcel Energy's Wisconsin arm requested a rate increase. 

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2016

New Arizona utility regulator intends to run for open seat despite conflict of interest

Former State Rep. Andy Tobin, now serving on the Arizona Corporation Commission, has announced he will run for an open seat on the commission regardless of how lawmakers handle his potential conflict of interest.

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2016