California AG: PG&E could be prosecuted for murder

Any charges would need to be filed by local officials, but if PG&E's equipment was operated in a reckless manner and is found responsible for sparking wildfires, the utility could face criminal prosecution.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2019

As California considers breaking up PG&E, utility 'open to a range of solutions'

The Friday before Christmas, state regulators said they would evaluate whether to split Pacific Gas & Electric's natural gas and electricity divisions into separate companies.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 28, 2018

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

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

Climate adaptation plan for Columbus, OH includes improved grid resiliency, efficiency

The document contains 43 action items to boost the city's resilience to the effects of climate change, divided into categories: necessary and aspirational.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2018

In major restructuring, ABB shifts from heavy electrical manufacturing to distributed energy

ABB is turning to distributed generation in Europe, stepping back from the Asian market for heavy electric equipment through the sale of its power transmission business to Hitachi.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 20, 2018

Massachusetts imposes gas safety protocols on National Grid following overpressurization incident

The company's error had a relatively minor impact on customers, but happened soon after a series of explosions on the Columbia Gas system that killed one and injured 10 while setting fire to 70 homes.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2018

As grid mod accelerates and regulators push back, Duke and others retool proposals

Within this whirlwind of activity, some utilities are responding well and some are struggling to meet pressure from regulators and stakeholders to justify spending proposals.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 20, 2018

NY's energy storage target: It's the journey, not the destination, stakeholders say

Many pieces still need to come together to create a truly viable energy storage market in New York State, but analysts see the PSC's energy storage target as a good first step.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

Capacity pricing changes: How each power market plans to account for resource adequacy

While PJM's capacity market reform plans dominate headlines, all grid operators are facing the need for greater flexibility as renewables increasingly enter their system.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 18, 2018

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020

Tax cuts are eating into utility cash flows, but are not deterring investments in capital spending.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 18, 2018

As California looks to power shut-offs to prevent fires, Sunrun touts microgrids

As utilities are being directed to cut off power during high wind and dry conditions to prevent the start of deadly wildfires, state regulators opened a proceeding to look at unintended effects.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 17, 2018

New York approves 'innovative' Con Edison pricing pilot with dual recruitment strategies

With some small commercial customers, the utility will use an opt-out strategy to enroll participants, which it says will provide results that are more representative of the customer population in general.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 17, 2018

Mountain Valley Pipeline sued, Atlantic Coast Pipeline halted

Virginia alleged the $4.6 billion Mountain Valley project repeatedly violated environmental laws and permit talks for the $7 billion Atlantic Coast line stalled.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 12, 2018

PG&E details power line damage near ignition of Camp Fire

While state officials have not made a final determination on the cause, PG&E's Tuesday letter offers the clearest detail yet on how its power lines may have started the blaze.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 12, 2018

With US EV sales forecast to explode, Southern says grid will be prepared

A November power industry report projects a rise from 1 million EVs on U.S. roads now to 18.7 million by 2030, resulting in only about a 2% increase in energy sales.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 12, 2018

Utilities cheer as EPA moves to roll back Obama-era water rules

The newly proposed rule won praise from utilities, but just which waterways would be covered under a new definition of "Waters of the United States" remains unclear. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 12, 2018

US unprepared for 'catastrophic' power outage, presidential advisory report finds

Securing the nation's power system will require billions in investment, begging the eternal question: Who pays?

By Robert Walton • Dec. 12, 2018

Ameren's latest drone use demonstrates future of transmission line monitoring

Ameren, Black & Veatch and Collins Aerospace last month conducted a Beyond Visual Line of Sight 60-mile drone flight to inspect transmission lines, likely setting a record for commercial unmanned flights in the United States.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 11, 2018

California sees rule potential to de-energize power lines in wildfire conditions

Pacific Gas & Electric cut off electricity service to nearly 60,000 this fall, but regulators want tighter rules on the practice as California wildfires worsen.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 10, 2018

In first, Virginia regulators reject Dominion Integrated Resource Plan

Regulators said Dominion's power demand forecasts are unrealistically high, which could raise questions about a number of infrastructure investments, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 

By Gavin Bade • Updated Dec. 10, 2018

Washington rejects Hydro One's acquisition of Avista, pointing to political, financial risks

The regulators' decision followed the dismissal of Hydro One's CEO and entire board, leading state regulators to conclude the merger would not protect customers from political turmoil in Ontario.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2018

Electric power outages in 2017 doubled in duration: EIA faults large storms

The new analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration does not include Puerto Rico's massive, sustained outage following Hurricane Maria.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2018

CEO of the Year: Jim Robo, NextEra Energy

As the largest provider of wind and solar power in the world, NextEra's executive team, particularly CEO Jim Robo, has guided the company's steady, disciplined growth.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

Policymaker of the Year: Kevin McIntyre, FERC

The work that McIntyre started during his tenure as FERC chairman will define the legacy of the commission under this administration.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 3, 2018

The Utility Dive Awards for 2018

The awards recognize the utility industry's top disruptors and innovators. These executives and companies are key leaders in the sector's pivotal transition.

By Utility Dive Team • Dec. 3, 2018