Savings inside the meter: Real-time embedded software could save utilities over $1 billion annually

Access to real-time data leads to major cost savings. The annual conservation benefit derived from Sense-enabled smart meters (before the implementation of any load flexibility programs) could exceed $1.3 billion annually by the end of the decade.

Sept. 18, 2023

Manufacturers, efficiency advocates reach agreement on rules for refrigerators, other appliances

The joint support “clears the path ahead” for new standards, said Appliance Standards Awareness Project Executive Director Andrew deLaski.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2023

As grids struggle, is it time to revisit our approach to residential demand response?

With a warming climate and an evolving energy system, energy grids are facing new challenges to reliability. A more dynamic and performance-based approach to load flexibility could help.

By Essie Snell • Sept. 11, 2023

How utilities are partnering with GM, BMW, Lyft and others in the auto sector to accelerate EV adoption

Automakers and utilities “are now partners until the end of time, whether they like it or not,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 6, 2023

Big River Steel to pay $22M for receiving MISO demand response payments without cutting load

Entergy Arkansas agreed to return $8.2 million to its customers via bill credits, according to a FERC-approved agreement.

By Ethan Howland • Aug. 28, 2023

Utility efficiency spending falls, leading to 5.4% drop in energy savings: ACEEE

In a bright spot, utility spending on low-income energy efficiency programs has risen over the last three years, though advocates say it is “still too low.”

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2023

2 Tesla virtual power plants cleared to provide energy to Texas electric grid

The pair of aggregated Powerwalls are the first of eight virtual power plants participating in an Electric Reliability Council of Texas pilot project.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2023

Texas grid weathers steamy week, 2 calls for conservation, as experts urge more efficiency investment

Efficiency advocates say Texas continues to underinvest in demand-side solutions that could help to reduce grid stress and lower monthly power bills.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2023

Virtual power plants: Resource adequacy without interconnection delays

VPPs can be implemented today, but much more needs to happen to accelerate this transition at scale.

By Ryan Hledik, Kala Viswanathan and Kate Peters • Aug. 17, 2023

For stretch energy codes, Massachusetts gets nearly $4M DOE grant

The grant will provide field-based training to local building code officials and help communities share regional best practices.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 16, 2023

Heat pumps can decarbonize food and beverage processing, but report warns of bottlenecks

Regulators will need to develop new rates for processing facilities, address difficulties created by demand charges and encourage demand response, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2023

US virtual power plants expected to proliferate as reliability needs rise with increasing renewables

Battery storage and smart appliances make virtual power plants a viable option to address the intermittency of renewable energy.

By Patrick Cooley • Aug. 14, 2023

How utilities are improving residential customer satisfaction

Energy providers ranked highest in customer satisfaction share the best practices behind their success.

Aug. 14, 2023

Department of Energy earmarks $46M to reduce energy waste in buildings

The Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers and Innovation Technologies funding will be channeled toward 29 projects across 15 states.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 10, 2023

New York offers $12M for innovations in EV deployment, load management

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority says the state will need to “rapidly electrify” medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to meet its climate goals.

By Diana DiGangi • Aug. 9, 2023

GM’s future Ultium-based EVs will support vehicle-to-home charging

The bidirectional charging technology uses a GM vehicle’s battery as a backup power source in the event of a power outage.

By Eric Walz • Aug. 8, 2023

Insights that energy customers seek: Differences between US and UK energy providers offer learnings for regional markets

In a new global survey, energy providers made it clear that providing advanced energy usage reporting and analytics are valuable insights for their C&I customers.

Aug. 7, 2023

Democratic senators urge DOE to finalize new rules for distribution transformers despite shortages

“We are working with our colleagues in Congress to find ways to increase the availability of transformers,” the lawmakers wrote.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 3, 2023

ESG platform leverages smart meters to cut building utility costs up to 15%, Redaptive says

“Thirty percent [of energy] is wasted because spaces are being lit, heated or cooled when no one is occupying them. Redaptive One [revolves] around identifying where that wastage occurs,” CEO Arvin Vohra said.

By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 2, 2023

DOE finalizes efficiency standards for pool pumps and commercial water heaters, proposes boiler rules

The three efficiency rules could save consumers more than $1 billion in utility bills every year, the agency said.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 1, 2023

DOE opens up $8.5B to states, territories for home efficiency, electrification rebate programs

The programs require minimum allocations for low-income households, which experts say will help ensure underserved communities benefit from the “unprecedented opportunity.”

By Robert Walton • July 31, 2023

The business of energy providers and suppliers: Today’s pressures, tomorrow’s optimism

Energy providers worldwide are operating in a constantly evolving marketplace, and these changing conditions present both challenges and opportunities.

July 31, 2023

Energy-efficient buildings save lives during extreme weather events: Department of Energy

Meeting or exceeding current codes can improve habitability by up to 140% during extreme heat events, a report found.

By Joe Burns • July 26, 2023

DOE commits $150M to contractor-training grants, expanding residential energy efficiency efforts

The program will attract new workers to the energy efficiency industry, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2023

$90M for greener building energy codes awarded by DOE

“Modernizing energy codes is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses and make communities more resilient to extreme weather events,” the Energy Department said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • July 17, 2023