Washington commits $12.6M to grid modernization effort

The funds will be matched by five utilities and used for projects focused on renewable energy, battery storage and a "shared energy economy." 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

El Paso Electric drops demand charge push as regulators approve solar settlement

El Paso Electric reached a settlement with stakeholders last month to drop a demand charge targeted at rooftop solar users.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 19, 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

So close, so far: Can Maine put its near-agreement on solar net metering back together again?

Supporters of a compromise incentive failed to override Gov. LePage's veto, plunging the state back into a net metering debate and grinding the state's solar sector to a halt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 19, 2016

SolarCity shifts focus to growth, cuts CEO pay to $1, trim severance packages

The move comes after SolarCity suffered $55 million in Q2 losses. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 19, 2016

Nevada report: Rooftop solar customers shift $36M in annual costs to other ratepayers

The report is an update from a 2014 paper that found $36M in annual benefits from rooftop solar on the system. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 18, 2016

As states debate solar, contentious rate cases give way to broader valuation proceedings

Fixed charges and net metering dominated solar debates in the second quarter, but those conversations are increasingly leading to more comprehensive valuation attempts. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2016

Sun burn: Solar tax credits scorch state budgets

States are pulling back on swelling solar tax credit programs, but sector players say well-designed incentives can deliver additional economic benefits. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 17, 2016

PNM, solar developer tussle over right to supply Facebook data center

Los Angeles-based MaxxSolar says it can supply 100% renewable power to the data center at a low price, but it may never get the chance to present its case to regulators. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016

Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

Australia developer moves ahead with 5 MW solar+storage virtual power plant

Australian energy company AGL will install 1,000 batteries in South Australian homes and businesses with a combined 7 MWh of energy delivery.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

Arizona regulator, attorney battle over alleged ties with solar industry

Dueling letters from Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Doug Little and attorney Scott Hempling highlight the level of suspicion in the regulatory body.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 16, 2016

Interior Department announces wind energy lease sale offshore North Carolina

The Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area was outlined two years ago by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and begins about 24 nautical miles offshore and extends in a general southeast direction.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016

Heating up again: Arizona turns to solar valuation after demand charge decision delayed

Regulators want to wait for the conclusion of a value of solar docket to reform incentive policies, but politics remains a constant distraction.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 15, 2016

Montana officials mull expanding rooftop solar size cap

Currently, net metered systems are limited to 50 kW in size but clean energy advocates would like to see that significantly expanded.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

PG&E files joint proposal to close Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

Because it will take time to develop clean energy resources to replace the facility, Pacific Gas & Electric intends to operate Diablo Canyon until its operating licenses expire.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2016

Arizona regulators block political influence investigation, delay solar rate changes

Regulators are saving decisions on solar credits and demand charges until after the conclusion of a cost-benefit analysis of rooftop systems. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 12, 2016

New Mexico settlement blocks solar fees proposed by Xcel Energy

Xcel's Southwestern Public Service Co. had proposed new solar fees that could have increased surcharges by at least 30%.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2016

Smart sharing: Sun-saturated Hawaii debates first TOU community solar proposal

Crediting community solar users depending on time of day could open new markets for storage and help optimize the grid, regulatory staff argue in a recent proposal. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2016

Blackouts looming, California speeds battery deployment after Aliso Canyon gas leak

A new SDG&E storage proposal shows how the natural gas shortage may accelerate the integration of batteries into the bulk power system. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 11, 2016

Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs wind, hydro bill into law

The law calls for long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of wind power and 1,200 MW of hydropower or other renewables.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 10, 2016

NRG bids to acquire 2.1 of GW of renewable projects from bankrupt SunEdison

The carve-up of what was once the world's largest renewable energy developer has begun.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2016

SolarCity backs Arizona utility regulator Robert Burns for upcoming election

The move could mark a return to public political battles over solar policy, most of which had been confined to back rooms this year.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 10, 2016

Bay State storage: New law could give Massachusetts 3rd US energy storage mandate

Massachusetts was already a top state for energy storage. A new law could bolster that position with a mandate and utility ownership.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016

Software-Driven Community Solar

Continued innovation and expanded partnerships are helping the industry bridge the gap to the multi-gigawatt scaling of community solar as projected by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Aug. 9, 2016

Mosaic Energy raises $220 million for solar loans

The loan financing could be another sign the industry is shifting away from the solar leasing model that brought it growth over the past decade. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 9, 2016