New Mexico efficiency bill ensures utilities don't take hit from lower energy use

The bill, signed into law Thursday, also boosts energy efficiency funding 67% and is expected to save customers $500 million over the next decade.

By Catherine Morehouse • April 5, 2019

States can grow battery resources with 'one simple step,' report finds

Citing Massachusetts as an example, Clean Energy Group recommends states redefine energy efficiency to include peak demand reduction, which could spur energy storage via access to additional incentives.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2019

Will FERC trample state and local authorities in DER rulemaking?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may soon upset a long-standing balance among local, state and federal decision-making as it considers aggregating distributed energy resources in a way that eliminates local jurisdiction.

By Jim Matheson • April 5, 2019

Welcoming the next generation: Residential demand response 3.0

Utilities and third parties are beginning to explore how smarter home energy ecosystems can support grid reliability while earning extra income for residential consumers, according to Navigant Research.

By Jessie Mehrhoff • April 3, 2019

All-electric Gig Car Share launching in Sacramento, CA

President Jason Haight said the 260-vehicle fleet of Chevy Bolts will be the largest electric shared fleet in the country.

By Jason Plautz • April 2, 2019

Dominion reverses on counting lost revenue as part of $870M Virginia efficiency spend

Following outrage over the utility's actions, Gov. Ralph Northam pressed Dominion to fully live up to its commitments, while Delegate Jennifer Foy said the attempt to spend less than the full amount could lead to greater oversight.

By Robert Walton • March 29, 2019

Target to focus on wind, solar, energy efficiency with new climate goals

The retailer pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2017 levels by 2023 and is requiring 80% of its suppliers to set science-based reduction targets by 2023.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 29, 2019

Iowa approves Alliant's scaled-back efficiency program in wake of 2018 law

The Iowa Utilities Board approved the utility's $237.6 million plan, which one environmental group estimated would yield 25% less electric savings and 75% less gas savings compared to 2017.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2019

ISO-NE files short-term fuel security plan to relieve gas constraints

The ISO's proposed Inventoried Energy Program would provide higher payments for resources that can store fuel onsite in the winters of 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

By Gavin Bade • March 27, 2019

ChargeWheel nets funding for mobile EV and scooter charging trailers

The company will deploy fleets of solar-powered trailers that are capable of simultaneously charging up to four EVs or 400 electric bikes and scooters.

By Jason Plautz • March 27, 2019

New York rejects NYSEG, RG&E approach to peak shaving program as too severe

The utilities proposed changes to their Commercial System Relief Programs that regulators concluded were "too aggressive" for the extent of the issue — making demand response a predictable and stable resource.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2019

The biggest numbers game in the power sector: Data analytics and the utility community of the future

Data analytics are helping utilities improve operations and customer engagement, but a decentralized transactive energy network is in the works and will require additional computing advances.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 25, 2019

Oslo, Norway to install wireless electric chargers for taxi fleet

It is poised to become the first city in the world with such infrastructure, as part of an effort to deploy only electric taxis by 2023.

By Jason Plautz • March 25, 2019

Rocky Mountain Power proposes 600-battery apartment building among trio of Utah DSM projects

In a filing with state regulators earlier this month, the utility also proposed an intermodal charging station that would meet the needs of light rail, bus, passenger, truck and ride hailing services.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2019

What happened to agricultural demand response?

Agricultural loads, with their potential flexibility, can help improve grid stability and reduce costs for utilities and ratepayers as energy markets move into a future of increasingly distributed, 100% renewable energy generation.

By Arian Aghajanzadeh • March 20, 2019

Kansas regulators reject mandating smart meter opt-out programs

The State Corporation Commission also determined the use of smart meters "cannot pose a threat to a customer's personally identifiable information," and would not create health risks or fire hazards. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 19, 2019

EPS Ep. 9: DOE renewables chief vows support for office amid proposed budget cuts

Assistant Secretary Dan Simmons used to work for an organization that advocated the elimination of the office he currently heads. Now he says he supports DOE's renewable energy mission.

By Gavin Bade • March 19, 2019

Smart Electric Power Alliance launches EV research program

Members of the Transportation Electrification program will work to ensure EVs' long-term success, with the likes of Ford involved in the effort.

By Chris Teale • March 13, 2019

Trump budget again seeks deep cuts to EPA, DOE renewables research

The budget would eliminate ARPA-E and cut the DOE energy efficiency and renewables office by more than two-thirds — proposals Congress has already twice rejected.

By Gavin Bade • March 11, 2019

BQDM program demonstrates benefits of non-traditional utility investments

Con Edison's Brooklyn Queens Demand Management project creates a win-win-win scenario for the utility, third-party companies and customers, highlighting advantages of non-traditional solutions.

By Coley Girouard • March 11, 2019

Michigan ALJ proposes solar compromise in DTE rate case

The administrative law judge recommended eliminating the fee requested by the utility for solar users while lowering the compensation rate for rooftop solar.

By Robert Walton • March 11, 2019

DOE plans to complete 13 of 16 delayed efficiency standards in 'coming months'

A spokesperson said the standards include rules for clothes dryers, cooking products and electric motors, but did not provide further details.

By Gavin Bade • March 7, 2019

DER integration to fuel energy efficiency growth, reports find

Growing synergies between distributed energy resources and efficiency programs will drive spending, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 4.6% over the next decade, according to new research from Navigant.

By Robert Walton • March 6, 2019

ERCOT sees increased chance for emergency capacity with record demand forecast this summer

The grid operator's preliminary summer analysis of extreme scenarios indicates ERCOT may need to issue energy alerts, but does not expect to use rolling brownouts.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • March 6, 2019

AEP launches electric utility tech accelerator to identify 'compelling' startups

American Electric Power's initiative with innovation specialist L Marks will be a 10-week bootcamp-style energy summit focused on accelerating the development of grid solutions.

By Robert Walton • March 5, 2019