New resource library helps cities boost buildings' energy efficiency

The scalable guidelines from the Institute for Market Transformation and the Natural Resources Defense Council are based on results from strategies tested in 20 U.S. cities.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 5, 2019

4 things businesses need from their energy provider

Retail energy providers are uniquely positioned to offer industry innovation. Here’s what businesses should look for in 2019.

Feb. 28, 2019

How new ideas of mobility will shape public EV charging infrastructure

The future of mobility will be autonomous and electric, with more people opting not to own a vehicle. That means ride- and car-sharing services will need to play a role in helping utilities roll out charging infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 27, 2019

TVA staff sees no need to add solar capacity until 2023

"There was a strategy in the draft IRP to promote efficient load shape and it emphasized energy efficiency, demand response, electrification and storage," said Jane Elliott, part of TVA's enterprise planning group.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 27, 2019

SEU 2019 survey: Uncertainty mounts in the clean energy transition

Utilities are still moving to a cleaner, more distributed power system, but our annual survey shows they are increasingly unsure about what types of regulation and market structures they want to foster the transition.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 26, 2019

Maine settlement could pave way for Canadian hydro in New England

The New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line faces a challenging road to approval, despite the support of Maine Gov. Janet Mills.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 22, 2019

Seattle mayor proposes EV readiness requirement for all new buildings

Jenny Durkan said they should be equipped for EV charging, and a certain number of new parking spaces must have the wiring and outlets to be ready for chargers.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 21, 2019

Brattle study shows utilities could save billions through competition on transmission revamps

Only 2% of transmission infrastructure projects went through a competitive process, but higher savings could be achieved.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated March 1, 2019

Storage + efficiency for C&I demand management

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) adds 26% efficiency and sheds 300-500 kW for 13 hours/day in commercial & industrial facilities.

Feb. 21, 2019

Iowa regulators OK significant cuts in MidAmerican efficiency spending

The Iowa Utilities Board approved a $256 million, five-year plan — less than half the amount approved for MidAmerican in 2013 — following passage of a law last year that capped utility efficiency spending.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 20, 2019

Senate bill targets significant savings from gas demand response amid supply challenges

The legislation, introduced by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Angus King, I-Maine, includes $10 million for pilot programs aimed at reducing market price volatility.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2019

DOE proposal to change how it sets efficiency standards creates new hurdles, advocates say

Updates to the Process Rule would give manufacturers a "carte blanche to write the rules for how efficiency is measured," according to Appliance Standards Awareness Project's Andrew deLaski.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2019

Ameren files $6.3B grid transformation plan with Missouri regulators

The largest line item in the proposal is a $1.9 billion investment in "smart, reliable grid operations," which covers a wide range of initiatives, including distributed solar and energy storage.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 19, 2019

New England efficiency advocates raise alarm over potential capacity market changes

According to a filing by Advanced Energy Economy, the grid operator for New England is considering making changes to how energy efficiency providers measure their capacity.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 15, 2019

Take control of your peak load energy costs

Peak load usage has a considerable influence on your energy bill. Learn how you can manage it.

Feb. 15, 2019

Minnesota's case study: Investing in utility upgrades to boost energy efficiency

The state's Department of Commerce worked with stakeholders to better understand how to encourage over 100 utilities to take advantage of an energy efficiency incentive.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 11, 2019

Oklahoma's energy efficiency incentives give utilities a business reason to save customers money

The traditional cost-of-service revenue model disincentivizes utilities from delivering robust energy efficiency programs. But Oklahoma demonstrates two ways to help utilities embrace such efforts, AEE writes.

By Coley Girouard • Feb. 11, 2019

Why cheap electricity doesn't necessarily result in lower bills

Wholesale power prices continue to fall. Why aren’t commercial energy bills?

Feb. 8, 2019

Lyft introduces 'Green Mode' to put riders in EVs, hybrids

The platform, which is now live in Seattle, is part of the company's goal to get a billion rides per year in electric cars by 2025.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 8, 2019

DOE targets growing cyber threats to more efficient manufacturing

New sensor and control technologies can improve manufacturing efficiency, but "present cyber vulnerabilities that must be addressed," said Daniel Simmons, DOE's head for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 7, 2019

DOE move to weaken light bulb efficiency standards could cost consumers $12B

The department's proposal to prevent billions of bulbs from being subject to stricter efficiency standards starting in 2020 is unnecessary and possibly illegal, environmental and energy efficiency advocates said.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 7, 2019

Want better grid mod proceedings? Exelon official says involve stakeholders earlier

To reduce tension between power companies and other stakeholders, the grid mod process could include more opportunities for public input, the company's director of utility initiatives told a crowd of state energy regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 7, 2019

Despite failures, ConEd targets more energy savings from non-wires pioneer BQDM

Though difficulties arose with demand response and commercial refrigeration, Con Edison projects 55 MW of peak load reduction for its Brooklyn-Queens Demand Management Program by summer 2022.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 6, 2019

Puerto Rico proposes largest solar, storage buildout in US with 20-year draft resource plan

Adding over 2,220 MW of solar and 1,080 MW of battery storage over the next two decades, PREPA would also phase out its use of coal and bunker oil, expensive energy fuels the island imports.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Feb. 6, 2019

Volkswagen proposes 'paradigm shift' by opening EV platform to competitors

The company's chief strategist said it wants to standardize its Modular Electrification Toolkit platform, and is already in advanced talks with interested parties.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 4, 2019