Utility Dive Top Stories Oct 1

Top Stories

FAA authorizes utility drone test in California The drones will be used by San Diego Gas & Electric to survey a remote section of transmission lines.

APS, ratepayer advocate strike major deal on alternative procurement The deal opens the door for price-competitive storage, efficiency, renewables, and demand response

California real-time market opens to outside systems The new market will help cut costs and integrate renewable resources

Duke Florida under increasing pressure from lawmakers in crucial week Florida legislators want to make Duke refund $54 million to consumers, investigate its ties with PSC

NERC finds grid peformed reasonably well during polar vortex Communication and demand response helped the grid through record cold last winter, but improvements are needed, the report said.

Exelon to add 2,000 megawatts of natural gas generation New GE combined cycle turbines will save $8 million and cut water waste.

Other News

EPA signs off on revised plan for San Juan Generating Station

Natural gas storage injections typically continue beyond the end of October

Montana PSC approves sale of hydroelectric power plant for $900mn

PW Power Systems completes testing of aeroderivative natural gas-fired turbine

DOE begins second phase of WIPP recovery

No more renewable mandates for New York? (Or energy efficiency either?)

DOE standards for smart grid data privacy open for comment, but time's running out

Research budgets favor nuclear; investments go to renewables

Market research update: What the analysts expect for smart grid sectors

Vivint Solar Prices IPO at $16 per Share and Aims for SolarCity-Style Ride