Utility fund backs big data company AutoGrid in VC round

AutoGrid raises $20 million to deploy software designed to enable a variety of distributed resources.

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2016

SolarCity: Nevada rooftop solar delivers 1.6¢/kWh in net benefits to grid

A new report from the leading rooftop solar installer argues previous analyses of solar's value to the state have been incomplete.

By Gavin Bade • May 24, 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

A grid of DERs: DOE program aims for 100% solar penetration on the distribution system

The new SunShot program will dole out $25M to solutions aimed at integrating truly unprecedented amounts of distributed generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 24, 2016

Thin Film PV Pulls Ahead in Technology Race

Thanks to a focus on R&D for thin film photovoltaic solar, First Solar has increased efficiency and decreased costs for utility-scale systems. 

May 24, 2016

The U.S. needs more transmission. One Midwest project could provide a collaborative model.

A new report outlines how 11 utilities leaped big hurdles to build the 800-mile CapX2020 project.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

Arizona begins hearings on co-op plan for higher fixed charges, lower net metering rates

The Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative rate case request includes a special charge to rooftop solar customers and a cut in net metering rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 23, 2016

New York PSC enacts new revenue models for utilities in REV proceeding

Utilities in the Empire State have new options to earn revenue, though the traditional cost-of-service model was preserved by regulators as well.

By Gavin Bade • May 20, 2016

North Carolina bill would sharply restrict utility-scale renewables siting

The bill would require developers to conceal solar farms and keep the noise from wind facilities to near the volume of a human whisper. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016

DOE releases comprehensive overview of efforts to cut solar costs

The SunShot program is 5 years into its 10 year run and 70% of the way to cutting solar cost to $0.06/kWh.  

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016

Caps raised, New Hampshire turns attention to imminent struggle over solar value

A new law that raised net metering caps also directed state regulators to devise a new solar incentive program within 10 months. Already some innovative proposals are surfacing. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Nevada governor's task force committee recommends grandfathering rooftop solar customers

A group on the energy task force convened by Gov. Brian Sandoval has passed a resolution recommending grandfathering, and it could end up being included in a future energy bill. 

By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016

Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators' action on net metering

National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Sunrun teams with Tesla to install solar+storage for Hawaii's self-supply incentive

Billed at $0.19/kWh, the price of the solar and storage installation comes in well under Hawaii's average retail electric prices for residential customers. 

By Peter Maloney • May 18, 2016

Wind developers eye Hawaii, California coasts for floating turbines

The two states have abundant wind resources, but deep water close to the coasts means that wind turbines fixed to the ocean floor are unfeasible. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

Energy storage bills fail in Hawaii, but could re-appear in next legislative session

Support for storage is widespread in Hawaii, but the state's financial situation makes new incentive funding a challenge.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Yieldco problems: systemic or a speed bump?

With SunEdison's bankruptcy, yieldco shares have taken a hit, raising questions about the viability of the investment vehicle.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

UES Electric drops mandatory demand charge proposal, except for new solar customers

Residential demand charges would still be mandatory for new rooftop solar customers, who would also see higher fixed monthly fees and lower net metering rates under the proposed rate plan.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

SunEdison delays Q1 financials, fires CFO following bankruptcy

Chief Financial Officer Brian Wuebbels had also served as Chief Administration Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Hawaii solar jobs fall 35% after regulators end retail net metering

Solar installation permit numbers have also fallen, suggesting the new options to replace retail rate remuneration aren't as effective. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016