NREL: Eastern Interconnect can handle 30% renewable energy

A new study says the Eastern U.S. grid could add another 400 GW of wind and solar power using existing technologies and grid management practices.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 1, 2016

Oregon regulators delay report outlining major changes to solar policies

A draft report issued by the Public Utilities Commission last month recommended ending net metering, among other issues. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2016

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

Mutual needs, mutual challenges: How corporate PPAs are remaking the renewables sector

Large companies want renewables and developers are eager to sell. The consequences for utilities could be immense.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 1, 2016

Florida votes to strike property taxes on solar panels

The measure had overwhelming support from lawmakers and voters, but another measure on the ballot in November will be much more contentious.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2016

Despite funding, 1st US freshwater offshore wind farm is far from construction

The  Lake Erie Energy Development Co Icebreaker project has received $40 million in support from the federal government -- unusual for a project so far from breaking ground, say critics.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2016

Solar groups pour money into Arizona utility regulatory election

Solar power funds are pouring into the five-way race for three seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, with SolarCity leading the pack.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016

German researchers to test new underwater energy storage devices

The Fraunhofer Institute in Germany is developing an underwater storage system that works like a pumped storage plant.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 30, 2016

Public purpose microgrids: Mixed-ownership models spur utility investment in growing sector

Thinking of microgrids as public infrastructure — and financing them like it — could point the industry to new growth.  

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 30, 2016

Iowa regulators sign off on MidAmerican's 2 GW wind project

The 1,000-turbine installation is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 30, 2016

Maryland co-op challenges state's new community solar program

The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative has petitioned FERC to over Maryland's community solar program, saying regulators violated federal law by making them purchase excess energy at a retail rate. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 29, 2016

EIA: Utility-scale solar capacity to grow 8 GW in 2016

In May, renewable energy made up 12% of the nation's total energy consumption.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 29, 2016

California solar project shot down after clearing federal environmental permits

A 287-MW solar project on the edge of the Mojave Desert won all federal permits, but was voted down by county supervisors over concerns about the impact to the bighorn sheep habitat. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

EIA: Monthly renewable generation beat levels from previous years

But other renewables, such as wind and solar, have exceeded hydro generation each month since February as the West recovers from a historic drought.  

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Headwinds ahead: Solar companies trim deployment expectations ahead of possible slowdown

A glut of modules and the ITC extension could temper the solar sector's rapid growth. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Report: Only a fraction of proposed New York community solar to be built

According to GTM Research, New York has 1.8 GW of proposed community solar capacity but none operating so far.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2016

Hawaii utilities hit rooftop solar caps for grid supply tariff on Maui, Big Island

Less than a year after implementing new rooftop solar tariffs, two utilities have hit their caps on one of the tariffs, which were designed to replace the retail rate net metering program.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

Walking a tightrope: ACC Chair Doug Little looks for balance in Arizona's solar debate

Arizona's head utility regulator says the state's ongoing value of solar docket will be key in informing future rate design.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

As manufacturers ramp up production, solar industry could face a panel glut

Manufacturers increased their capacity by up to 18% this year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 25, 2016

California lawmakers vote to extend greenhouse gas goals

California's Legislature passed two bills extending the climate change goals and legislative oversight of the California Air Resources Board yesterday. Both now await the governor's signature. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2016

EIA: North Carolina top state for PURPA-qualified solar projects

North Carolina has the second most independent power producer (IPP) solar plants and the most PURPA solar plants, according to the EIA.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 24, 2016

Obama proposes new rule to speed renewable development on public lands

The new rule would more closely mirror how the federal government leases oil and gas development sites.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

Arizona regulator proposes doubling renewables standard to 30% by 2030

But the proposal will likely draw controversy, as it would also eliminate carve-outs for distributed resources.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

The Road to Renewables is Paved with Reliability

As demand for solar continues to grow, utilities are looking for ways to provide reliable power. To achieve that, utilities need solid partnerships to help them keep the solar facility up and running with little to no disruption.

Aug. 23, 2016

Global utility M&A up 105% in Q2 amid rush to renewables, regulated assets

Deal value hit $43 billion in the second quarter of 2016, with North American companies leading the way.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2016

Rocky Mountain compromise: Inside Xcel's landmark Colorado solar settlement

In a summer of solar contention, Colorado stakeholders chose a path of less-resistance. Their deal could be a model for more than just rate design.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2016