Interest grows for pumped hydro storage options in Hawaii

At least one utility, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, has opted against battery storage and is exploring a 25 MW pumped hydro facility.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 2015

Why the future of microgrids won't look like the past

Microgrid capacity is expected to double in the next five years, but the new wave of small grids won't look much like the old.

By Robert Walton • July 29, 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

SolarCity eyes 'neglected' small commercial market with new solar product

The product will only be available in California now, with plans to expand to the east coast and other states in early 2016.

By Davide Savenije • July 28, 2015

First U.S. offshore wind project gets steel in the water

The start of construction for Deepwater Wind’s 30 MW Block Island facility is a landmark for an industry that's long lagged behind its European counterparts.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 28, 2015

NRG Energy moves into community shared solar

With the debut of a new project in Massachusetts, NRG becomes community shared solar's first vertically integrated developer.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 28, 2015

SoCal Edison seeks renewables, 'just-in-time' battery solutions in RFPs

The is pressing for vendors to develop smaller plug-and-play battery systems which can be installed within a matter of months.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2015

Hillary Clinton reveals energy policy: 33% renewables by 2027

The Democratic frontrunner wants the U.S. to have 140 GW of cumulative solar power by the beginning of the next decade, but is it realistic?

By Gavin Bade • July 27, 2015

Iowa co-op proposes one of the highest fixed solar charges in nation

Owner-members with DG say the $85 per month violate Iowa law against “discriminatory rates or charges."

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

Mass. senate passes increased net metering cap on bipartisan voice vote

The provision would double the limit on net metered solar and kick start solar planning among state regulators.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 27, 2015

Hawaii regulators pushed to consider co-op as alternative to HECO merger

The filing marks the first time regulators have formally been asked to consider a co-op as an alternative to the sale of Hawaii's dominant electric provider.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 24, 2015

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

The bill calls for more energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's electric system, diversifying resource supply and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

By Robert Walton • July 24, 2015

Utility-scale solar is significantly cheaper than rooftop. Does that make it better?

The cost numbers don't lie, but critics say they don't tell the whole story of rooftop solar's value.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Report: Wait times for rooftop solar interconnection jumped 68% 2013-2014

And as more regulations govern distributed resources, the time needed to interconnect systems will likely increase, absent rules to streamline the process.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Key senate committee approves wind tax credit extension

After approval from the Finance Committee, the tax package must win support from the full congress. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Ohio efficiency, renewables mandates may return after last year's freeze

But lawmakers are currently debating the appropriate levels, and some elected officials want to do away with the targets entirely.  

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

Assessing the costs and benefits of distributed energy to the grid of the future

The Electric Power Research Institute is working to perfect a method to calculate distribute energy’s costs and benefits for all stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 23, 2015

Renewables account for 70% of generation adds in first 6 months of 2015

18 new wind projects and more than 500 MW of large solar meant renewables outpaced gas additions.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2015

New Murkowski bill aims to boost microgrid development for remote communities

The legislation could also help communities in Hawaii and U.S. territories diversify their energy source.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2015

Why utility ownership of rooftop solar should be explored

Lon Huber argues a dogmatic approach to utility ownership conversations papers over real benefits the model offers.

By Lon Huber • July 21, 2015

SC regulators approve final deal between Duke, solar installers

Duke will begin expanding its South Carolina solar portfolio with a 53 MW RFP.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

SunEdison moves into rooftop solar with Vivint acquisition

The move aims to make the vertically integrated developer competitive with installers like SolarCity.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

Inside Hawaii's landmark regulatory proceeding to value distributed resources

Phase 1 of the tumultuous proceeding has brought only 'general disagreement' among stakeholders.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 21, 2015

Study: States can use 'green banks' to boost renewables, efficiency investments

Innovative and low-cost capital solutions will be required to meet new greenhouse gas emissions mandates, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2015

MDU proposal for 21% rate jump, new solar fees faces close scrutiny

Solar advocates say changes to the utility's net metering rules could stifle renewables growth.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2015

HECO launches community solar pilot project

Subscribers are expected to cut bills by 45% and HECO guarantees 80% of the savings.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2015