Rhode Island takes comment on initial grid modernization proposals

One proposal suggests a hosting capacity heat map to help determine the maximum amount of distributed resources a substation feeder can support without additional upgrades.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2017

Midcontinent ISO to study renewable energy integration

The technical impact assessment will look for "integration inflection points" for carbon-free energy.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2017

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

Grid modernization efforts heat up in Q2, but more are on the way

The latest quarterly report from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center sheds light on policy debates surrounding efforts to boost grid reliability and new technologies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2017

Missouri rejects Grain Belt Express transmission project — again

Clean Line President Michael Skelly says the rejection of the line, intended to bring Kansas wind power to Missouri, means the state is not open to new infrastructure projects.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2017

Trump rolls out executive order to speed infrastructure permitting, approval

President Donald Trump's executive order fulfills campaign promises to streamline permitting and approval processes for major infrastructure projects.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2017

The electric industry is prepared for next week's eclipse. But what about the one in 2024?

Utilities most impacted by the total eclipse say they have lined up alternate power supplies for when solar goes dark.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2017

New FERC quorum faces hefty backlog as market issues loom

The commission is expected to move quickly to clear hundreds of project applications, while nuclear subsidies could wait for a full bench. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2017

ESNA 2017: How storage enables SCE to avoid siting new gas plants

Southern California Edison President Ron Nichols says battery advancements are reshaping how the utility thinks about generating resources new and old. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 10, 2017

APS to deploy 8 MWh of battery storage to defer transmission investment

The utility says the project demonstrates how batteries can offset the need for costly, long-term infrastructure projects. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 9, 2017

Oregon lawmakers clear bill to study how grid modernization trends impact utilities

The measure cleared both legislative houses and awaits Gov. Kate Brown's signature. If signed, regulators could overhaul the state's regulatory system and incentives.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 9, 2017

California regulators propose shifting peak period for SDG&E TOU rates

Solar advocates say the change appears to contradict the California Public Utilities Commission's own rules and would hurt customers with rooftop panels.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 8, 2017

DOE funds transmission research to reduce grid risks

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing almost $900,000 in early stage research on wholesale markets and transmission design.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 8, 2017

Oncor drops proposed minimum charge for DER customers

The proposed fee would have applied to customers with self-generating resources of 2 kW or greater, impacting rooftop solar consumers the most.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2017

Report: Talen Energy to halt retail offerings for residential, small business customers

The company plans to focus on its core business of merchant generation while keeping retail options for large businesses and industrial customers. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2017

Senate committee sets hearing for FERC nominees Glick, McIntyre in September

The Senate confirmed FERC nominees Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson on Thursday, restoring the quorum. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 4, 2017

What's missing from the 100% renewable energy debate

Media coverage of a scholarly feud over power mix transition misses the broader implications of cross-sector decarbonization. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 3, 2017

Heat wave triggers maintenance warning in California, sets new demand record in Texas

Peak demand in Texas last month topped last year's record five times.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2017

Deepwater, Tesla to pair offshore wind farm with 40 MWh battery storage system

The 144 MW Revolution Wind project would help Massachusetts meet its 1,200 MW target for new renewable energy. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 1, 2017

FERC staff gives Columbia pipelines environmental clearance despite 'significant' impacts

Agency staff outlined more than 30 mitigation measures Columbia Gas Transmission could take to reduce ecological impacts from its proposed Montaineer and Gulf XPress pipelines.

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 31, 2017

5 companies propose transmission projects for Massachusetts clean energy RFP

The proposed transmission projects would help the state meet its goal of 1,200 MW of renewable energy. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • July 31, 2017

Connecticut's energy strategy update focuses on renewables, grid modernization

The draft plan would increase the state's renewables goal to 30% by 2030.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2017

PwC: North American power and utility deal value fell 77% in Q2

While deal value decreased in Q2, the number of deals increased, driven by renewable deal activity.

By Peter Maloney • July 28, 2017

Lawsuit challenges Mountain Valley Pipeline, FERC's eminent domain authority

The lawsuit claims the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's power of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act is overly broad and unconstitutional.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2017

EIA: US residential power sales in decline since 2010

Since 2010, residential power sales dropped in both absolute and per capita terms, with only nine states exceeding their 2010 levels of per capita sales since then. 

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2017

Southwest Power Pool, NERC agree to eliminate regional entity

The Southwest Power Pool will focus on core functions of reliability coordination, wholesale market operations and transmission planning.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2017