3 steps to increasing reliability by scaling demand response programs

Utilities can engage a larger pool of participants in demand response programs with three steps gleaned from an innovative pilot program.

Feb. 21, 2023

Amid high energy prices, SCE VP, other experts push to reduce California’s reliance on natural gas

The push follows a recent report that found the California Independent System Operator’s energy market saw additional wholesale costs of $3 billion in December.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 16, 2023

Proposed distribution transformer standards ‘could significantly impact’ grid reliability, utilities warn DOE

The sole domestic manufacturer of amorphous steel cores for distribution transformers says it could quickly scale up production to meet U.S. demand if new energy efficiency standards are adopted.

By Robert Walton • Updated Feb. 17, 2023

CPower, Voltus see thaw in MISO state opposition to aggregated demand response

Bundling DR in wholesale markets could ease capacity shortfalls, reduce the chance of grid emergencies and help states lower carbon emissions, proponents say.

By Ethan Howland • Feb. 15, 2023

To protect families from surging energy bills, stop the foot-dragging on energy efficiency for furnaces

Wasting less energy to heat our homes can protect millions of Americans, especially lower-income households, against surging fossil fuel costs that will burst budgets for many families over the coming months.

By Richard Eckman • Feb. 14, 2023

DOE proposes new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, clothes washers to save consumers billions

Energy efficiency standards for the residential appliances have not been updated in over a decade.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 13, 2023

How inverter design contributes to long-term profitability of solar and storage

Attention is turning to lifetime system costs and how they affect the long-term profitability of large-scale DERs.

Feb. 6, 2023

‘No regrets’ approach to big batteries, green hydrogen and grid reliability urgently needed, analysts say

Advanced batteries and green hydrogen promise long-duration energy storage solutions for “net zero” system reliability, but only regulatory policy and market support can fulfill that promise, industry stakeholders say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 31, 2023

3 big advances coming as distributed energy resources take newer, bigger roles in 2023

Analysts foresee DER growth in 2023 at the wholesale market and retail distribution system levels as communities and local leaders demand more reliability and resilience.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 23, 2023

Louisiana, North Carolina, Colorado would benefit most from stronger building energy codes: ACEEE

Updated building codes could cut energy costs in new homes by at least 20% in 16 states, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2023

RMI partners with General Motors, Google Nest for initiative to promote and support virtual power plants

A coalition launched Tuesday aims to spur broader adoption of the virtual power plant concept by bringing together distributed energy industry stakeholders and policymakers.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 11, 2023

Samsung’s home energy management system is 1st mass-market offering to receive ENERGY STAR certification

Smart energy management systems will allow homeowners to “track and automate everything from their lighting to their thermostat use to optimize for energy savings,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2023

DOE proposes new efficiency rules for distribution transformers, potentially saving consumers $15B

Because so much electricity passes through transformers, experts say that even small efficiency improvements can significantly reduce emissions and create savings.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 4, 2023

The hidden barrier to V2X: How states and utilities can open the floodgates for bidirectional EV charging

Avoid reinventing the wheel, minimize unnecessary review, and provide flexible service connection and interconnection options.

By Ed Burgess and Dan Bowerson • Dec. 22, 2022

US smart meter penetration continues steady growth, tops 100M in operation: FERC

Growth in smart meter penetration means utilities will likely continue to increase enrollments in demand response and dynamic pricing programs.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2022

Sens. Shaheen, Portman urge Biden administration to update efficiency standards for federally-backed homes

“It makes no sense for the federal government to continue supporting the construction of unsustainable, inefficient housing,” said Elizabeth Beardsley, senior policy counsel for the U.S. Green Building Council.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2022

Prioritizing energy efficiency to combat the climate crisis

The lack of focus on energy efficiency as a solution is not new but is becoming increasingly problematic, writes Metrus Energy CEO Bob Hinkle.

By Bob Hinkle • Dec. 20, 2022

Department of Energy proposes 120 lumens/watt standard for general service light bulbs

Consumers would save up to $20 billion across a 30-year span if the rule is finalized, DOE estimated.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2022

EPA proposes rule to cut HFC use, speed transition to efficient heating and cooling technologies

The cost savings “largely result from improved energy efficiency and lower cost refrigerants,” EPA said.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2022

ILLUME Report: Behavioral programs provide enduring decarbonization results

What really influences behavioral performance success at scale? Illume has answers.

By Paul McDonald, Senior Director for Product Strategy, Oracle Energy and Water • Dec. 10, 2022

Florida PSC approves Duke’s fixed bill offering with demand response component

To participate, customers must have “a load profile that can be modeled with reasonable predictability,” the Public Service Commission said, along with meeting other requirements.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2022

California tops ACEEE’s energy efficiency scorecard as states shift focus to equity, decarbonization

States falling behind in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s annual rankings are not increasing their energy savings annually and do not have a strong focus on energy equity.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 6, 2022

SCE mismanaged energy efficiency program, California regulators find, ordering $76M customer rebate

The California Public Utilities Commission concluded that the utility “failed to ensure that efficient light bulbs were tracked and sold as intended by the program design.”

By Kavya Balaraman • Dec. 2, 2022

Biden administration makes $80M available to lower energy consumption of public schools

The initial round of funding by the $500 million Renew America’s Schools grant program is available to the “highest-need K-12 districts across the country,” the U.S. Department of Energy said.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2022

New York and 4 other US cities target building energy use, emissions with fines, Moody’s reports

San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston and St. Louis are also poised to implement penalties to curb building-level greenhouse gas emissions or energy use.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Nov. 30, 2022