Western RTO could save California $1.5B per year by 2030, report says

A full regional power market could create jobs and boost renewables, but some California stakeholders worry about impacts on the state's leading environmental policies.

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2018

NERC to beef up, prioritize cyber incident reporting under new rule

Current rules only require a cyber incident report if one or more reliability tasks have been disrupted or compromised. FERC directed the reliability nonprofit to expand reporting requirements under significantly broader scenarios.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 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

Peak Reliability to call it quits in 2019

The reliability coordinator for the majority of the Western Interconnection will begin to wind down after a year of providing services.

By Robert Walton • July 20, 2018

How can utilities prepare for the approaching electric vehicle boom?

An electric vehicle boom is coming to the U.S., are you ready?

By Glenn R. George, Ph.D. • July 20, 2018

FERC approves gas pipelines as Powelson eyes exit

Chairman Kevin McIntyre says he doesn't expect a "raft of 2-2 votes" that could deadlock the agency until Powelson's replacement is confirmed. 

By Gavin Bade • July 19, 2018

Missouri Supreme Court gives new life to $2B Grain Belt Express transmission project

The state Public Service Commission rejected Clean Line Energy Partner's transmission line last year, but due to a series of court victories, the project is heading back to the PSC for additional review.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2018

As technology upends grid fundamentals, is load forecasting a crapshoot?

Systemic changes to the electricity system make load predictions more difficult, but may also lessen the impacts of mistakes.

By Robert Walton • July 18, 2018

LaFleur: FERC unlikely to act on pipeline review before Powelson exit

Failure to rule on the docket before Powelson leaves could empower the two Democrats on the commission, who could deadlock FERC votes until a replacement is confirmed. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 18, 2018

FERC climate policy faces new challenge at DC Circuit Court

Earlier this year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission narrowly voted to restrict the consideration of climate change impacts in its review of pipeline projects.

By Robert Walton • July 18, 2018

PLMA's leadership in sharing load management expertise

Member and industry partner collaboration creates a strong connection between load management strategy and implementation.

July 18, 2018

Duke nixes 500 MW wind buy over transmission cost concerns

A request for proposals for wind projects capable of supplying energy for 20 years has been abandoned, said Duke, after proposals came in at too high a cost.

By Robert Walton • July 17, 2018

Has FERC's landmark transmission planning effort made transmission building harder?

An Obama-era rule to grow transmission for the power system’s transition to renewable resources has been called into question.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2018

New York regulators approve higher crypto mining rates for municipal utility

The Public Service Commission has ruled on cryptocurrency rates for the second time, as miners moved operations in the upstate region to take advantage of cheap hydropower.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018

Duke's Piedmont plans new $250M LNG storage facility

The company announced a new liquefied natural gas facility to serve its customers in times of high natural gas demand.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 16, 2018

Hydro One turmoil prompts new look at Avista merger by Washington regulators

Ontario's new premier has pushed out Hydro One's CEO and board, sowing uncertainty for Washington's Utilities and Transportation Commission on Hydro One's merger with the small investor-owned utility.

By Peter Maloney • July 16, 2018

Former FERC Chair Kelliher questions need for more New England pipelines

The NextEra Energy executive's comments run against the conventional wisdom among pipeline builders that the region is in dire need of more transport capacity.

By Gavin Bade • July 13, 2018

Kavanaugh pick threatens EPA policies, FERC authority, lawyers say

The Supreme Court nominee has a track record of curtailing federal regulations and has questioned the constitutionality of independent agencies like FERC.

By Gavin Bade • July 11, 2018

Ohio regulator defines grid mod success through customer-side service

PUCO Chair Asim Haque supports greater transparency and data-access to really add value to customer services.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 11, 2018

NYPA applies predictive monitoring strategy to transmission assets

The power authority uses the same software on its generation assets, and has saved up to $3 million in emergent maintenance costs, demonstrating another way utilities can leverage technology to generate savings.

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2018

EVs could drive 38% rise in US electricity demand, DOE lab finds

Increasing demand could lead to sustained absolute growth of 80 terawatt-hours per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2018

FERC allows Valley Lateral Pipeline to commence service

New York had sought to block the pipeline, and developers hope the decision means FERC is prepared to overrule the state on other, larger projects. 

By Gavin Bade • July 10, 2018

Heat wave cuts power to over 80K around Los Angeles

High power demand stressed utility distribution systems, causing widespread and recurring outages throughout the weekend. 

By Gavin Bade • July 9, 2018

California court clears PG&E of liability in 2015 fire

The Sacramento Superior court's opinion could provide a legal precedent regarding California utilities' liability for wildfires.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 9, 2018

Exploding transmission costs are the missing story in California's regionalization debate

A debate is raging in California about whether the risks of a new western RTO outweigh the benefits claimed by transmission proponents. The answer is a resounding no, Clean Coalition's Doug Karpa writes.

By Doug Karpa • July 5, 2018

Surging heat fuels power demand records in 3 US markets

PJM, NYISO and ERCOT hit July power demand records in the past week, but the real test for the Texas operator will come later in the summer, when demand is forecast to approach its reserve margin. 

By Gavin Bade • July 5, 2018