Tong and Wellinghoff: Are fixed charges a curse in disguise for investor-owned utilities?

The push for fixed charges won't benefit shareholders in the end, James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff argue in an opinion piece.

By James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff • March 25, 2015

A basic primer on capital investment financing for regulated investor owned utilities

James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff explain how utilities make capital investments — and earn revenue.

By James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff • March 25, 2015

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

Duke will appeal record North Carolina fine for coal ash violations

Duke is preparing to challenge a $25.1 million fine for coal ash contamination.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015

D.C. bill would shield solar owners from new development blocking their panels

Legislation proposed in the nation's capital would protect the value of a homeowner's solar panels should their neighbor block out the sun.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015

Hawaii lawmakers consider bills to check NextEra-HECO merger

Sentiment is rising in favor of exploring a cooperative publicly-owned Hawaiian utility.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2015

California becomes first state to generate 5% of electricity from utility-scale solar

The state nearly tripled its utility-scale solar generation in 2014, the EIA says. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2015

Environmental groups sue Dominion Virginia for coal ash leaks

The alleged Clean Water Act violations include leakage of arsenic into groundwater and the Elizabeth River.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2015

New Jersey makes first awards in energy storage program to boost grid resiliency

13 behind-the-meter storage projects with nearly 9 MWs of capacity get funding from the state's energy storage program.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2015

North Carolina: The next big utility-solar showdown?

Popular and business community support for renewables could be about to take some political leverage back from North Carolina utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2015

Preview: Supreme Court prepares to hear MATS oral arguments

More than 20 states allege the EPA should have considered the cost to comply with mercury rules before requiring emissions reductions.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2015

Texas weighs bill to end renewable energy incentives for utilities

Lawmakers on the Lone Star state are considering ending support for Texas' wind producers.

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2015

Kansas lawmakers debate axing wind energy tax exemptions to fill budget hole

The state's budget shortfall has legislators looking to renewable energy to raise revenues. 

By Robert Walton • March 24, 2015

Illinois investigates mismanagement at target of We Energies merger bid

The investigation is not expected to slow down Wisconsin Energy's bid to purchase Integrys, the parent company of Peoples Gas.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2015

CAISO, FERC working together on imbalance market volatility

Last week FERC rejected the grid oeprator's bid for a waiver of some market rules.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2015

5 charts that explain U.S. electricity prices

What customers pay really depends on where they are.

By Gavin Bade • March 23, 2015

AEP prepares to shutter 3 West Virginia coal plants

Plant employees received notices the facilities are preparing to close.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2015

Lawmaker calls on CA regulators to reopen San Onfre closure cost settlement

Unethical meetings between discredited CPUC president Peevey and SCE employees raise doubts about the deal.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2015

South Carolina utilities and solar advocates finalize net metering at full retail value

The Act 236 agreement also settles rules for legal solar leasing.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 23, 2015

PG&E proposes rebates for customers who buy electric cars

Rewards are to be funded through Low Carbon Fuel Standard credit sales to oil companies.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 2015

SCE wants to upgrade substation to offset SONGS closure

New transmission capabilities will let the utility offset the generation loss without building new plants.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 20, 2015

EPSA urges Supreme Court not to reconsider FERC Order 745 invalidation

The group of competitive power suppliers said the D.C. Circuit Court ruled correctly when it struck down FERC's jurisdiction over demand response.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

ComEd backs sweeping Illinois clean energy bill

The utility is supporting a measure that would call for development of six microgrids and broad support for clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

California ballot initiative would create statewide public utility district

The new entity would have eminent domain over the state’s IOUs.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

Senate hearing confronts the costs and benefits of distributed generation

Witnesses highlight the challenges and rewards of renewables and grid integration.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

Opinion: A view from Wisconsin on fixed charges and utility-solar troubles

The following is an opinion piece written by Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein. Huebner is the executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a renewable advocacy organization in the state. Klein is a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center, an environmental advocacy organization in the...

By Tyler Huebner and Brad Klein • March 19, 2015