District of Columbia launches low-income solar installation program

Solar Works DC will train more than 200 residents in the solar industry and will install solar systems on up to 300 low-income residences.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2017

Heat wave sets new power demand records across Arizona

Temperatures of nearly 120°F pushed demand to new heights at three Arizona utilities, while California power providers called for customer cutbacks. 

By Peter Maloney • June 26, 2017

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

DC Court of Appeals rejects challenges to PJM capacity rules

Nine groups had challenged the new PJM rules, which require resources to be available year-round.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2017

Maine lawmakers gear up for net metering vote

Lawmakers are considering two pieces of legislation to preserve retail rate net metering following a decision by regulators to reduce compensation for new rooftop solar customers. 

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2017

Hold 'em or fold 'em: New nuclear build permits hold 'option value' for 5 utilities

Market conditions aren't conducive for new nuclear today, but companies see value in completing construction permits for future reactors.

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Maui company aims for Hawaii's self-supply market with all-day storage option

HiVE Energy says its residential and commercial batteries can provide a full day of storage, making them appealing for Hawaii's non-export solar tariff. 

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Report: Renewable energy is no threat to power reliability

The research, performed by Analysis Group, attempts to mirror a study of the United States power grid ordered by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2017

Utility planning: Integrating distributed energy resources for a more robust future

Developing more comprehensive planning activities that accurately assess the role of DERs allows utilities to get out in front of business challenges, empowering them to capitalize on opportunity.

June 20, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017

California will allow small utilities to aggregate bills for net metering

More notably, the California Public Utilities Commission determined unifying multiple meters would not raise costs for non-net metered customers.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2017

Updated: Rocky Mountain Power proposes cuts to PURPA rates for smaller Wyoming QFs

The PacifiCorp subsidiary told regulators its avoided costs had fallen due to lower wholesale energy prices and cheap natural gas.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2017

Does the PJM capacity auction mark the end of the new-build generation cycle?

Analysts say low capacity prices could indicate the end of a plant-building boom, but there are still pockets of opportunity for generators. 

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2017

New PJM white papers aim to integrate state power policies into wholesale markets

The grid operator is floating carbon pricing and two-part capacity auctions to help mitigate for the market impacts of renewable energy mandates and nuclear subsidies. 

By Gavin Bade , Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

New England, California could see tight spots with reliability this summer, says FERC

The agency's annual summer reliability report highlighted possible reliability concerns in regions such as California, New England and Texas. 

By Peter Maloney • June 19, 2017

Nevada governor vetoes popular RPS, community solar bills

The renewable portfolio standard would have mandated 40% renewables by 2030 and included a carveout for energy storage. 

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

Nevada governor signs net metering bill

The bill restores net metering rates close to retail for rooftop solar customers, and three major solar developers will resume sales after pulling out last year. 

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

BNEF: More than 70% of global power investment will target renewables

Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s analysis of the power sector predicts $10.2 trillion to be invested globally in new generation capacity.

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

Apple issues $1 billion in green bonds in wake of US exiting Paris climate accord

The company said the second bond issuance affirms its commitment to sustainable projects and the Paris climate accord. 

By Peter Maloney • June 16, 2017

Utility CEOs to DOE: Hands off state energy policies, grid planning

Members of EEI's board say they want the DOE's baseload review to embrace the power mix transformation, not inhibit it.

By Gavin Bade • June 15, 2017

A new study defends ARPA-E in wake of Trump's proposed budget cuts

A congressionally mandated study found the Department of Energy's APRA-E secured $1.25 billion in private funding and 74 patents so far. 

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2017

EIA: Wind, solar composed 10% of March generation

Wind and solar made up 7% of the country's generation last year. It could reach almost 10% annually by 2018.

By Robert Walton • June 15, 2017

Will California's 100% renewables goal survive the political process?

With current clean energy goals in sight, liberal lawmakers are pushing the state to ratchet up its ambitions. But utility companies could prove a powerful roadblock.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 14, 2017

BP: Global coal consumption drops to lowest level since 2004

Wind and solar power, on the other hand, accounted for nearly one-third of the increase in primary energy use last year.

By Peter Maloney • June 14, 2017

SaltX, Aalborg team up to develop CSP project with storage

A prototype using SaltX’s EnerStore technology is scheduled to be built later this year with the aim of securing a commercial pilot plant in 2018.

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2017

EEI 2017: The utility sector's business case for deep decarbonization

Utility executives have discovered that cleaning up their power mixes and electrifying other sectors is their best chance at strong growth. But it's easier said than done. 

By Gavin Bade • June 13, 2017