‘Needs more work’: Solar industry remains skeptical of California PUC’s new net energy metering proposal

One initial analysis suggests the proposal, if approved, would cut the average export rate in California from 30 cents per kilowatt to 8 cents per kilowatt effective April 2023. 

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 11, 2022

DOE touts nuclear-powered hydrogen production projects with Xcel, Constellation, 4 other partners

The clean hydrogen demonstration projects also involve Bloom Energy, Energy Harbor, Arizona Public Service and PNW Hydrogen and will take place at four nuclear plants around the country.

By Rod Kuckro • Nov. 10, 2022

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

Vistra’s coal-to-battery storage projects receive FERC waiver from MISO interconnection transfer rules

The agency should reconsider “nonsensical” limits on a generator’s ability to transfer interconnection rights, which are a roadblock for new generation at power plant sites, Commissioner Allison Clements said.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 10, 2022

Californians reject tax on millionaires intended to raise up to $4B a year for vehicle electrification

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, criticized the ballot measure as an attempt by Lyft to get its drivers’ EVs subsidized.

By Elizabeth McCarthy • Nov. 9, 2022

With control of Congress unknown, clean energy advocates cheer state wins and press for climate action

So far, it appears Republicans failed to pull off an anticipated “red wave” and Democrats outperformed expectations, analysts say.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2022

Putin-focused and other hacks of charging stations drive new cybersecurity steps for an EV boom

A broad utility-to-charger attack surface will require smarter protection strategies and tools for cyber threats as transportation electrification and vehicle-to-grid integration expand, analysts said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 8, 2022

Avangrid, Eversource call for more efficiency, DR to avoid New England outages amid potential fuel crunch

ISO New England’s upcoming capacity auctions should be delayed to better reflect the region’s wintertime needs, the grid operator’s market monitor said.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 8, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act adds fuel to RTO reform imperative, generator interconnection backlog

The new law also puts transmission planning and permitting on center stage while increasing the need for on-demand generation.

By Tony Clark • Nov. 8, 2022

Climate action ballot initiatives for Election Day 2022

Spending for transportation decarbonization, wildfire prevention, storm resilience and more are up for a vote in some states.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 7, 2022

As FERC’s transmission proposal sparks clashes, potential solutions emerge from MISO, elsewhere

Federal transmission planning reforms must decide who builds and where, who benefits and pays, who balances state and national interests, and who enforces the rules, stakeholders said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 7, 2022

FERC interconnection reform proposal poses a barrier to Colorado joining an RTO: PUC Chair Blank

“I'm really concerned that this [proposal] would undermine our transition, and the effective working of our resource planning and acquisition process,” Colorado PUC Chair Eric Blank said.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 7, 2022

IRA sets the stage for US energy storage to thrive

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law in August significantly improves the economics for large-scale battery storage projects in the U.S. For the first time, standalone storage systems will be eligible for a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) — and up to 70 percent with additional incentives.

Nov. 7, 2022

The utility of now: How utilities can maximize IIJA and IRA benefits

IIJA and IRA presents utilities with a historic opportunity that should not be missed out on.

Nov. 7, 2022

More than 90% of US coal-fired power plants are leaking toxic metals into groundwater, NGO report finds

The Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice report claims utilities are manipulating monitoring data to make coal ash sites appear cleaner, a claim one utility group calls a "gross mischaracterization."

By Stephen Singer • Nov. 3, 2022

Massachusetts OKs over $450M in grid modernization spending by Eversource, National Grid, Unitil

Eversource, National Grid and Unitil will expand technologies for grid monitoring, advanced communications and automation.

By Stephen Singer • Nov. 3, 2022

As Memphis Light, Gas and Water weighs an exit, is TVA headed for a renewable energy sea change?

TVA could soon be facing a widespread defection of other local power companies, opening the field to an increasingly renewable future for its customers, the author writes.

By Gaby Sarri-Tobar • Nov. 3, 2022

Connecticut regulators fine Avangrid’s gas, electric utilities $4.5M over COVID-19 payment program

Avangrid customers were subjected to wage garnishments and bill collection in violation of COVID-19 rules, according to the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

By Stephen Singer • Nov. 2, 2022

PJM capacity market flaws reduced latest auction revenue by $706M, or nearly 25%: market monitor

In a change from previous reports, the PJM Interconnection’s market monitor found the last auction was competitive, driven by a revised offer seller cap rule that is being challenged in court.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 1, 2022

Over AEP, Xcel objections, FERC OKs SPP transmission cost allocation process affecting wind-heavy areas

Commissioners James Danly and Mark Christie voted against the plan, citing a lack of broad state support.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 31, 2022

2 NEVI hurdles: Uptime and bottlenecks

The electric vehicle (EV) charging industry will need to overcome two challenges — one set by legislators and another inherent to the market.

Oct. 31, 2022

Electric utilities aren’t doing enough to address inequities in today’s power system, advocates say

How are companies, regulators, NGOs and others ensuring that the energy transition is equitable?

By Robert Walton • Oct. 28, 2022

Bringing equity to electricity service through home, power sector and regulatory innovation

Individual homes can be upgraded, community solar can help to lower bills and regulators can broaden the public engagement process to be more inclusive, consumer advocates say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 27, 2022

Equity framework online tool to help guide investments in line with Justice40, UM researchers say

The framework is intended to help utilities, governments, regulators and community groups gauge equity in clean energy programs and investments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 27, 2022

Clean energy supply bottlenecks hit overburdened communities the hardest, utilities and advocates say

The Inflation Reduction Act and an equity focus should help reverse the trend, however.

By Elizabeth McCarthy • Oct. 27, 2022

FirstEnergy subsidiary JCP&L and Shell-EDF tapped for New Jersey’s transmission-first offshore wind plan

The New Jersey Bureau of Public Utilities is preparing to follow up its novel $1.1 billion offshore wind transmission blueprint with another planning effort.

By Ethan Howland • Oct. 27, 2022