The biggest takeaway from 2013 was that utilities face disruptive challenges on a wide range of issues. The ongoing shift in policy towards a clean, efficient and sustainable energy future forced utilities to rethink their strategies for the future. Meanwhile, innovations like SolarCity's distributed solar battery bundle threatened the conventional utility business model.
As the year draws to a close, we wanted to provide you with one last snapshot of 2013. These are Utility Dive's 25 most read stories of the year.
- 8 disruptive companies that utilities should watch in 2014: These companies are leading the way on DSM, renewables, storage and lighting.
- NRG CEO thinks Google can replace utilities: Utilities are going to be "totally unhappy" when they see David Crane's vision for the future.
- The four greatest challenges utilities face in 2014: Low demand growth and power plant retirements are top issues.
- The 10 greatest challenges the utility industry faces today: Panelists at this year's National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid shared opinions on everything from dynamic pricing to the evolution of the utility business model.
- The 10 biggest U.S. electric utilities visualized: Two of the three largest electric utilities right now gained their status after recent mergers.
- Check out the trailer for 'Storm Soldiers'—the lives of linemen exposed: After hundreds of interviews and hours of editing, Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.’s new linemen documentary is ready to hit select theaters.
- FERC chairman explains why utilities must adapt or die: Jon Wellinghoff spoke of the need to integrate energy efficiency onto the grid at a conference in Washington, D.C.
- Federal agents make arrest in Ark. grid attacks: The suspect could face up to 20 years in prison.
- How 5 billionaires are betting on electricity: Traditional power plays and green energy offered equal appeal to some of the richest men in America.
- How Britain's new royal baby caused an 800MW demand drop: National Grid explained why Prince George's arrival turned out to be so significant.
- The solar stats that will strike fear into utilities' hearts: The future looks bright for solar and these numbers and graphs show why.
- What the utility industry will look like in 10 years: 6 predictions: Panelists at the National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid were asked what the utilities might look like in 10 years—in just one sentence.
- California enacts first energy storage mandate in U.S.: The mandate calls for 1.3 GW of storage by 2020.
- What the U.S. government shutdown means for the energy sector: From data models to nuclear inspections, Utility Dive breaks down the shutdown's implications.
- Arizona sets first rooftop solar fee in U.S.: Arizona Public Service says the action "falls well short" of what's needed.
- Google invests in energy management startup Building Robotics: Human input is the key to its first energy efficiency program.
- Opower plans IPO: It's not yet clear what the energy efficiency firm's valuation will be.
- This microgrid infographic shows who is using them and where: The numbers don't lie, and the consensus about the biggest adoption is easy to see.
- Fake SoCal Edison commercial mocks utilities' rooftop solar hatred: The "Save Rooftop Solar" campaign is getting aggressive—and going viral—with its latest tactic.
- The anti-smart meter movement now has a movie: It's called "Take Back Your Power." Here's the trailer.
- 10 energy numbers to remember from 2013: Opower's Barry Fischer looks back at the most eye-popping energy stats of 2013.
- Who cares about residential demand response?: Residential demand outweighs both commercial and industrial demand. So why aren't there very many residential demand response programs?
- The graph that will scare the utility industry: The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected growth of electricity demand—and it's not a pretty picture.
- This is how you get consumers to do demand response: Davide Savenije looks at what it really takes to convince energy consumers to participate in demand response.
- Career advice: 12 professionals explain how to make it energy: A talent shortage may be looming in the energy sector, so we asked 12 energy professionals to pass on what they've learned.