ComEd loses challenge to $1.7B FutureGen clean coal project

The FutureGen 2.0 plant plans to use carbon capture and sequestration technology to reduce emissions.

By Claire Cameron • July 22, 2014

Surprise! 97% of utilities see microgrids as a business opportunity

Think microgrids are an existential threat to the utility business? Think again.

By Davide Savenije • July 22, 2014

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

NY groups appeal decision to keep Cayuga coal plant running

The Sierra Club and the Ratepayers and Community Interveners have appealed a New York Public Service Commission mandate to keep an old coal plant going through 2017.

By Claire Cameron • July 22, 2014

Drought puts California's renewable goals at risk

The continuing California drought is putting a strain on the state's top renewable resource.

By Claire Cameron • July 22, 2014

How Minnesota is becoming an emissions reduction success story

State laws have helped Minnesota reduce its carbon emissions and boost renewable energy over the last ten years and flexibility has been key to keeping the state on target.

By Claire Cameron • July 22, 2014

Florida utilities want big cuts in energy efficiency requirements

Utilities say new natural gas is the way to go; efficiency advocates say it is not.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2014

Local control of electricity gaining momentum in California

Marin Clean Energy seems to be leading a rebellion against IOUs. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2014

Energy storage projects apply for connection with California grid

A call for energy storage projects in California has had more than 2,000 MW of proposal submissions, showing the state's potential to bring 1.3 GW of energy storage into the wholesale market by 2020. 

By Claire Cameron • July 20, 2014

California to put $26.5 million into microgrids

The California Energy Commission has announced $26.5 million in grant money for microgrid projects that primarily use renewable energy and energy storage technology. 

By Claire Cameron • July 20, 2014

NorthWestern Energy asks regulators for $870M to buy new hydro power

Consumer advocates say the deal will benefit the utility, but not ratepayers.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

FERC asks NERC for improvements in physical security standards proposal

The feds want more equipment and facilities protected, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners wants the states to do it.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

Oregon regulators, ratepayer advocates, environmentalists pushing PacifiCorp away from coal

Retrofits are not good enough to meet the new EPA greenhouse gas emissions rule.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 19, 2014

Duke, EPRI execs offer utility solutions for 'the most sweeping changes in 120 years'

The answers are new technologies and new approaches to utility. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 18, 2014

Platte River Power Authority buys more wind, nears renewable mandate

With a portfolio comprised of 9% wind and nearly 30% renewables, the city-owned utility is almost set for Colorado's 2020 renewables incentive.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 18, 2014

Exelon appeals to New York to keep nuclear plant running

Exelon has filed an appeal with the New York State Public Service Commission to create a new power purchase contract to keep its R.E. Ginna plant running for four more years.

By Claire Cameron • July 18, 2014

Report: Utility scale solar to add 3.8 GW by year's end

The U.S. now has more than 7 GW of utility solar installations online, with a further three or more GW due to come online in the next year, according to a new report from GTM Research.

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

What the FERC Order 745 ruling means for demand response

Will the ruling kill demand response in wholesale markets?

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

Texas regulators extend review of grid operator's power reserves

Demand response and efficiencies give the state time to think about power needs.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2014

Top 10 states for clean energy start-ups

What states are the most start-up-friendly for clean energy technology business?

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

New White House proposals could help shore up rural electricity supply

The Obama administration has released a set of initiatives designed to help rural communities keep the lights on during climate change-related events. 

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

NRG joins Japanese firm for carbon capture project

Carbon capture has the potential to cut harmful carbon dioxide emissions at existing coal plants, extending their longevity. 

By Claire Cameron • July 17, 2014

Boulder paying $3M per year in fight with Xcel over power franchise

The utility warns the city that 40% renewables won’t come fast or easy.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2014

What the E3 study of Nevada net energy metering really says

An exclusive statement from NV Energy to Utility Dive suggests a new Nevada law could drive unforeseen changes for renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 16, 2014

Flexibility may not be best for new EPA carbon reduction rules

A panel of industry experts was divided after one economist argued that too much flexibility for states adjusting to new EPA regulations could hurt regional electricity markets.

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014

McCarthy: States should see new EPA rules as 'investment strategy'

The Environmental Protection Agency's Gina McCarthy said states should view the the agency's carbon cutting proposal as a chance for long-term investment in the industry.

By Claire Cameron • July 15, 2014