Why mandates still matter in the age of cheap renewables

Wind and solar are now competitive with legacy power resources, but analysts expect state RPS laws will continue to drive growth for both renewable leaders and laggards. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 3, 2018

Siemens invests in developer of local blockchain-based energy trading

LO3 Energy, developer of the Brooklyn Microgrid, has closed out its series A funding round with an unspecified commitment from Siemens.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 3, 2018

Energy storage for renewables integration to reach $23B by 2026

Utility-scale and behind-the-meter storage applications are expected to show the strongest growth, with peak shaving and incentive programs driving the latter.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 2, 2018

Hawaii mayors commit to 100% renewable transportation by 2045

The four mayors signed respective proclamations in mid-December, marking Hawaii as the first U.S. state to set such a benchmark. 

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 26, 2017

New utility plan could put the brakes on fossil fuel power in Southern California

But the utility's plan isn't all carbon-free: it would seek bids for gas-fired generation under 55 MW for local reliability needs in Goletta, CA.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2017

Natural gas, water heaters, connected devices and EVs lead DR trends to watch

Peak Load Management Alliance Executive Director Ed Thomas talks about trends in an industry that is being fundamentally changed by energy technology.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2017

Colorado opts in to FirstNet after exploring alternatives

The state had previously considered opting out of the nationwide emergency workers' communications network and using a private provider.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2017

California regulators approve $1B solar rebate plan for low-income residents

Landlords will apply for the SOMAH incentives, which are available on buildings that include at least five subsidized units for low-income residents.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 21, 2017

AT&T kicks off ‘largest’ 5G trial in Waco, TX

The trial will be rolled out at Magnolia Market, a shopping and lifestyle center that attracts 5,000 people daily.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 20, 2017

Austin Energy solar PPA could be lowest-priced in US, analysts say

GTM Research estimates a 150 MW solar contract signed last week could run as cheap as $21/MWh.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2017

EPA seeks comment on replacement for Clean Power Plan

The agency on Monday issued its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how it should replace the Obama-era climate rules. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 18, 2017

How the GOP tax overhaul could affect cities

Congress is expected to pass a tax overhaul this week. Here's a cheat sheet for what it means for cities, construction, energy and more.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 18, 2017

11-hour power outage at Atlanta airport grounds thousands of flights

Georgia Power says an underground fire damaged switching equipment that would normally trigger backup power supplies at the world's busiest airport. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 18, 2017

Energy tax credits appear safe as GOP tax bill speeds toward a vote

Incentives for wind and solar power are likely intact, analysts say, but credits for other energy technologies could end up in a separate bill. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 15, 2017

Path to Zero Carbon: Navigating the urban energy transformation

The emerging Urban Energy Cloud vision is of a smart city that integrates large- and small-scale energy initiatives and solutions, citywide improvements in energy efficiency and low carbon transportation.

By Eric Woods • Dec. 14, 2017

How utilities are coping with 100% renewable energy goals

Where cities take control of their energy choices, utilities face a stark choice: join or die.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 13, 2017

Net neutrality vs. internet freedom: A case for the status quo

At its heart, net neutrality is a system in which companies are not allowed to disrupt the "freewheeling" internet market, including content, applications and services.

By Alex Hickey • Dec. 13, 2017

Pruitt: EPA will replace Clean Power Plan with new regulation

The agency had previously only said it would take comment on how to best alter or repeal the Obama-era regulation.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 11, 2017

The new demand response and the future of the power sector

New reports show system operators and utilities are turning distributed energy resources into demand response and leveraging two-way communications for new levels of price responsiveness.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 11, 2017

Can 3-D printing boost wind turbine tower heights?

RCAM Technologies won a $1.25 million grant to develop and test 3-D printing technology so that ultra-tall concrete turbine towers can be made onsite.

By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 7, 2017

How solar energy will transform in 20 years

Solar power will be cheaper, more ubiquitous and more versatile than ever before.

By Kyle Pennell • Dec. 6, 2017

Cincinnati signs deal to run most facilities on 100% green energy

The move is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the city's utility rates.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 6, 2017

Senate tax bill could have significant impacts on power sector technologies

Clean energy interests will push for removal of the BEAT provision, while coal and nuclear lobbyists are reportedly planning a push to secure billions in tax credits for at-risk plants.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 4, 2017

Volkswagen announces plan to build EVs in the US

VW should be manufacturing the vehicles stateside by 2023. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 4, 2017

Utility of the Year: Austin Energy

The utility has worked to set ambitious clean energy goals, add storage, support distributed generation and EVs, and advance customer service offerings.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 4, 2017