A new report reveals that the U.S. utility industry cut its emissions of NOx, SO2 and CO2 nationwide, even as electricity generation increased.

In an effort to diversify its energy portfolio, the Atlanta-based utility has also explored wind, solar and hydro.

Black & Veatch finds that utility executives are also keeping a close eye on distributed generation, renewable portfolio standards and smart grid initiatives.

Pat Quinn's veto of S.B.9 is being perceived by some as a blow to grid modernization in Illinois.

Wind and solar will take up the largest shares of new power capacity added in terms of gigawatts by 2030, accounting for 30% and 24%, respectively.