Are rooftop solar installers fleecing customers? The industry responds

Utilities and some lawmakers are worried about improper cost and energy saving claims.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

Large energy customers in New York want Ginna nuke plant deal revoked

The group said customers will be saddled with millions of dollars in unnecessary costs.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Environmental groups urge N.C. regulators to reject utility smart grid plans

Utility smart grid plans lack sufficient detail on how customer data will be handled, say two consumer groups.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Would Iowa legislation make rooftop solar safer, or just block its growth?

An Iowa lawmaker has proposed requiring safety measures solar proponents say are expensive and unnecessary.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Exelon, Pepco strike merger settlement with crucial Maryland counties

The deal includes $50 million to stimulate investment in solar, energy storage and other distributed generation.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

West Virginia bill to study, cap net metering signed into law

The GOP governor had vetoed a nearly identical bill two weeks before.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2015

CPUC head proposes tougher penalties for PG&E's San Bruno pipeline explosion

Michael Picker wants $200 million more from the utility and a new focus on pipeline safety.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2015

EIA: Residential electric price growth highest in 6 years, expected to slow

2014 saw the steepest electric price increases since 2008, according to the Energy Information Administration.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

Dominion warns of blackouts if controversial line not approved

The utility warned residents could face serious reliability issues by 2017 without a transmission line across the James River.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

Michigan's crisis: Can the coal-heavy state embrace renewables and efficiency?

Michigan faces a looming 3-GW energy shortfall that is predicted to get worse over the next several years.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

PG&E reports Diablo Canyon safe against once-in-10,000 year earthquake

The nuclear facility is secure even if the Richter Scale hits 8, the utility told federal nuclear regulators.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2015

PSEG and SEPA CEOs: Why utilities are critical to cleaner, smarter energy future

Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm argue that the 'solar vs. utilities' narrative only tells one side of the story. 

By Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm • March 16, 2015

Michigan energy plan calls for up to 40% clean energy, waste reduction

The governor has proposed some changes to the state's retail choice program, but has suggested keeping a 10% cap in place.

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2015

How wind can become America's biggest single energy source by mid-century

A U.S. Department of Energy study shows wind will soon be competitive with the cheapest generating resources, with or without subsidies.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2015

Texas lawmakers introduce bill to unlock demand response market

Demand response currently shaves only about 4% of energy use during peak demand periods in Texas.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Eversource Energy to sell all of its power plants in New Hampshire

The deal is expected to save consumers $300 million.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Iowa Governor appoints new chair amid shakeup at state utility board

Some wonder if the shakeup is related to a recent MidAmerican Energy wind project decision.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

DOE may stockpile large transformers to thwart grid threats

The Department of Energy has begun studying the need to stockpile spare transformers to guard against the threat of extended, widespread blackouts.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Colorado bill calls for 'alternative utility revenue models'

HB 1250 would reform utilities to better serve distributed generation, customer choice.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Why SRP's controversial demand charge unlocks a huge opportunity for solar-plus-storage

The utility wants customers to help with peak demand but they may buy batteries instead of more SRP electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

In New York, utility of the future will be 'air traffic controller'

The REV's perscription for problems at the grid edge: Have utilities develop and operate DER markets.

By Davide Savenije • March 12, 2015

Opinion: How solar advocates are overvaluing DG solar

Ashley Brown, executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, argues that rooftop solar is valuable, but should not be paid at full retail value. 

By Ashley Brown • March 12, 2015

Report: CPUC's Peevey improperly negotiated SDG&E power deal

A 2003 power plant sale hinged on SDG&E's willingness to buy power from a Calpine plant, according to testimony from a former Sempra Energy attorney. 

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

Worried by slow coal deliveries, municipal utilities seek rail reform

Municipal utilities want Congress to take a closer look at coal deliveries that come by railway.

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015

North Carolina fines Duke Energy $25M over coal ash spill

It is the largest-ever environmental fine levied by the state.

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2015