How utilities can thrive through the 'all-encompassing evolution' of the grid

Over the next two decades, Navigant Research believes the global power distribution system will be fundamentally changed in ways that require utilities to re-examine their traditional business models.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Utilities claim MISO charges millions in unjustified transmission fees

Southern Co. and three utilities located in Missouri claim the Midcontinent ISO has been overcharhing them by millions to bring power across the Entergy grid which the regional operator began managing in 2013.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Grid Resiliency

Utilities and grid operators are facing increasing threats from climate change as well as cyber and physical attacks, and are deploying a variety of responses to meet the rising challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

New York funds 7 energy storage projects for REV initiative

New York continues to transform its utility industry through its Reforming the Energy Vision intiaitive.

By Robert Walton • June 2, 2015

Texas renewables mandate repeal bill flounders in state House

Sen. Troy Fraser's SB 931 to end the Texas renewables mandate and defund a transmission build out is going nowhere.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 1, 2015

NRG, ITC partner in proposed $3.5B bailout Puerto Rico's troubled utility

The two companies have reportedly partnered with a private investment firm in a $3.5 billion deal to assist the island's ailing utility.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2015

How climate change threatens the Western grid, and what to do about it

Current estimates of reserve margins could be as much as 25% off, according to new research.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 29, 2015

How new transmission is unlocking wind power's potential in Michigan's Thumb

Michigan’s comprehensive transmission planning previews what is possible for the Clean Power Plan.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

Xcel approved to fly drones to monitor transmission, gas assets

Xcel joins a growing number of utilities authorized to operate unmanned aircraft to survey their assets.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

Arizona Public Service will join California Energy Imbalance Market

The Phoenix-based utility expects to begin participating in California's new Energy Imbalance Market beginning in the fall of 2016.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

Duke will shutter Asheville coal plant, replace it with 650 MW of natural gas

The $1.1B build-out will include new transmission infrastructure and a solar array.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2015

How utilities can reverse declining customer satisfaction and still make money

“Ultimately, what separates the best from the worst, so to speak, really comes down power reliability."

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

Indianapolis Power & Light to invest $25M in storage facility

The batteries could improve frequency modulation on IPL's system, though the final location will likely come down to real estate taxes.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

New MN line will allow Manitoba hydro to provide storage for Midwest renewables

Minnesota regulators unanimously approved the Great Northern Transmission line last week.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2015

Invenergy bringing over 60 MW of storage online for PJM frequency regulation

Two 31.5 MW storage facilities will take PJM’s storage pipeline to well over 150 MW.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

What a 50% renewables mandate means for California

A new report says billions of dollars in clean energy development could be unlocked, but it will mean big changes for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

Wright-Hennepin: A case study in utility transformation

Solar is helping the small co-op survive amist competition from large IOUs and flat load growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Utilities can rate base EV charging stations under new Washington law

Observers hope that eager utilities and Washington’s emissions-free hydro electricity will power EV growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

NEC Energy Solutions plans 60MW of storage for PJM market

The A123 battery owner joins SunEdison’s Solar Grid Storage, Alevo, and AES Energy Storage in providing frequency regulation for PJM.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 15, 2015

MISO, SPP settling spats, working together on 4 new transmission projects

The transmission projects could help paper over recent disputes over Entergy and MISO's use of SPP infrastructure.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Report: Iowa wind can help nearby states meet EPA emissions standards

Iowa wind’s capacity factor makes wind cheap enough to serve Illinois, Indiana, and other points to the east.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

17 utilities partner with DOE to boost climate resiliency on the grid

Climate change will make severe weather even more of a threat to the grid, and the DOE is trying to help power companies prepare.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2015

CenterPoint files to build $300M transmission line to serve Houston

State utility regulators will decide within 180 days whether to approve the project, which ERCOT has already backed. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

Duke moves further into natural gas with stake in $3B pipeline

Electric utilities are increasingly getting into the gas production and delivery business to hedge against price spikes.

By Gavin Bade • May 6, 2015

How utilities can leverage their grids to integrate solar faster and cheaper

Clean Coalition’s Solar Siting Survey is a first step toward DER optimization at the community and utility levels.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2015

3 serious failures in transmission planning and how to fix them

Why regulators and policymakers must see not just the cost of new transmission but the costs of not having it, too.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2015