Utility Dive

Dive Brief: The COVID-19 pandemic is hurting California’s customer-focused clean energy programs, including efforts to promote behind-the-meter solar and storage, energy efficiency and initiatives targeting low-income customers, industry players told the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at a workshop Thursday. Of the 212 companies polled recently by the … [Read more...] about 'It's really heartbreaking': California's clean energy programs hit hard by COVID-19

Dive Brief: The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved an order on Thursday authorizing a state solicitation of up to 2,500 MW of offshore wind, on a 4-1 commission vote. This is the second solicitation authorized by regulators. In 2019, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) selected two projects of 880 MW and 816 MW … [Read more...] about New York hits the brakes on 2.5 GW solicitation of offshore wind due to COVID-19

Dive Brief: While electric grid operators have so-far managed the COVID-19 pandemic effectively, there are potential reliability issues that "increase industry's risk profile" if the virus impacts extend into the summer demand season, according to a new assessment from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).  Workforce and supply chain … [Read more...] about Electric grid challenges will grow if COVID-19 impacts extend into summer demand season: NERC

The following is a contributed article by Ed Smeloff, Senior Director of Grid Integration at Vote Solar. Community-scale renewable energy projects in California could get a much needed boost as the state’s energy regulator updates its compliance with the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) and considers restarting a long-stalled feed-in tariff … [Read more...] about Community-scale renewables poised for boost as California nears PURPA compliance again

Dive Brief: Pacific Gas & Electric Corp (PG&E Corp) President and CEO Bill Johnson plans to retire soon, the company announced Wednesday, bringing an end to his year-long stint at the bankrupt utility. Stakeholders say his successor will face a litany of challenges Johnson intends to retire June 30, the deadline for PG&E to resolve its wildfire-related liabilities … [Read more...] about Advocates question move to new PG&E CEO amid coronavirus, upcoming wildfire season