NextEra promises grid upgrades, commitment to 100% renewables in HEI merger filing

The utility made 50 new promises to Hawaiians, saying its deal to buy Hawaiian Electric will save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 2, 2015

Alliant will test various solar, storage techs with demo project at Wisc. headquarters

The $5 million project located at the company's Madison offices will examine how new solar technologies work in Wisconsin's climate.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2015

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

Plans to join PacifiCorp with CAISO grid move closer to reality

A joint system would expand renewables use and reduce coal use across six Western states.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

AZ regulators call for formal policy to prevent utility donations in commission elections

The letter from two ACC commissioners aims to prevent a repeat of 2014, when allegations of dark money donations from APS clouded the regulatory election.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

How a green business group is transforming the way utilities sell renewables

The Corporate Renewables Partnership helps connect the nation's biggest companies with utilities and IPPs that can satisfy their huge demand for renewable resources. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 1, 2015

As regulators act, Nevada net metering debate takes center stage at Las Vegas conference

Nevada regulators called for a deep dive into NEM policy last week as national leaders converged on Vegas for a clean energy summit. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

CPUC turns down SDG&E proposal for new peak pricing periods

Time varying rates are coming and defining when demand is peaking will be crucial in identifying consumer costs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Iowa co-op withdraws proposed $57.50 fixed fee for solar owners

Pressured by customer advocates, the co-op takes back a controversial cost of service study.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 31, 2015

Energy Storage Assn: Renewable tax breaks not optimal, but necessary

Until the U.S. market properly values clean energy and renewable generation then some subsidies will be required, according to the head of the Energy Storage Association.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 28, 2015

Is variable pricing the way out of Hawaii's solar wars?

Rates that vary with the grid’s needs may change customer behaviors, but will they settle the cost shift question?

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 27, 2015

Colorado PUC ruling maintains retail rate net metering 'status quo'

The PUC rejected Xcel's request to reduce the rate at which they pay solar customers for energy they generate.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 27, 2015

SolarCity wants to help utilities plan better for distributed resources

The leading national solar installer has a new, innovative framework to modernize utilities’ interconnection, planning, procurement, and data sharing practices.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 27, 2015

Favorable weather helps SDG&E and CAISO both set renewables records

Bright sun and strong wind on August 19 meant SDG&E could generate more renewable power than ever before.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2015

Nevada regulators vote to keep retail rate net metering through end of year

Nevada has hit its 235-MW cap on net metering, but regulators this week voted to allow current rates to continue through the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2015

Michigan Tea Party lawmaker looks to incentivize solar, restructure energy choice

Green advocates in Michigan may have found an unlikely ally in Tea Party Republican state Rep. Gary Glenn.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2015

Siemens to construct islanding microgrid on northern California reservation

The microgrid, designed for the Blue Lake Rancheria reservation, will test microgrid management software to predict power needs and control the grid without an operator present.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

How will utilities profit in the future? New York's REV initiative is trying to figure it out

The Empire State is remaking its utility industry, but one key piece – where the money comes from – remains elusive, and regulators are taking a fairly hands-off approach to finding the answer.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

How demand flexibility is about to transform electricity delivery

For utilties, when consumers use energy could become just as important to their bottom lines as if they generate it themselves.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2015

485 MW Blythe Mesa solar project step closer to construction with BLM approval

Proposed by RRG Renewables, the project is the 57th renewable energy development the Bureau of Land Management has approved since 2009.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2015

President Obama unveils executive actions to drive distributed energy growth

New loan programs and changes to the PACE program aim to help the nation meet the administration's goals of cutting carbon 32% by 2030.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 25, 2015

President Obama calls for clean energy revolution: 'There is something big happening in America'

President Obama shows renewed passion in his legacy fights against climate change and for renewable energy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 25, 2015

NY Sen. Schumer pushes extension, changes for federal solar tax credit

The proposal would extend the tax credit beyond 2016 and would allow it to kick in once a project has begun, rather than been completed.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

Iowa regulators approve settlement for MidAmerican's 552 MW 'Wind X' project

Regulators have approved a settlement allowing the 552-MW wind facility to move ahead, if MidAmerican accepts the terms.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

Idaho regulators reduce PURPA contracts from 20 to 2 years

The decision, a victory for the state's major electric utilities, is designed to keep customers from paying high costs for renewable generation, critics say.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2015

How Warren Buffett's bet on an Energy Imbalance Market in the West is paying off

NV Energy is in, Arizona Public Service and Puget Sound Energy are coming next year, and others want to know more.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 24, 2015