Honeywell launches plug load management solution to cut US energy waste

The Connected Power system can monitor, manage and automate outlets, reducing wasted energy on idle appliances, the company says. 

By Joe Burns • June 21, 2024

DOE, conservation groups defend furnace efficiency rule, technology requirement

Condensing technology does not alter furnace installation requirements and “has only a limited effect on installation costs,” the U.S. Department of Energy told a federal appeals court.

By Robert Walton • June 20, 2024

Residential DERs could compensate for rise in peak energy demand by 2035: Deloitte

Most utilities, however, will need to increase coordination with residential customers to maximize the potential of distributed energy resources, according to Deloitte.

By Emma Penrod • June 12, 2024

As NVIDIA, IBM and others apply AI to boost utilities, regulatory and data privacy obstacles abound

The “move fast and break things” business model of the technology sector is meeting the regulated spending and reliability imperatives of the utility sector.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 11, 2024

$45M available for energy efficiency retrofits: DOE

Washington, D.C., and five states are receiving funds for revolving loan programs that can be tapped for energy audits, upgrades and retrofits, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

By Nish Amarnath • June 10, 2024

Utilities breaking barriers to connecting with multicultural customers

By adopting best practices, utilities can ensure that their services are inclusive, respectful and responsive to the needs of all customers.

June 10, 2024

DOE releases zero-emissions building definition, part 1

The definition will bring clarity to support decarbonization efforts and enable clean energy technologies that can make U.S. buildings more comfortable, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

By Nish Amarnath • June 7, 2024

PJM market monitor challenges energy efficiency payments to Exelon utilities, FirstEnergy, others

In a complaint filed with FERC, Monitoring Analytics said Public Service Electric & Gas, CPower Energy and other companies failed to show they are eligible for $128 million from PJM’s capacity market.

By Ethan Howland • June 4, 2024

New York is 1st state to launch IRA-funded home energy rebate program

Seventeen states have applied to the U.S. Department of Energy for $8.8 billion available for home energy rebate programs. “We're very, very close” to announcing additional awards, a senior DOE official said.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2024

Schneider Electric, Capgemini unified energy management platform aims to boost efficiency

The Energy Command Center combines AI, machine learning and IoT to optimize building assets consuming energy and help organizations accelerate their sustainability efforts, the companies say.

By Joe Burns • May 29, 2024

Fermata, Xcel Energy launch ‘transformative’ V2X bidirectional charging pilot in Colorado

The EV charging pilot will provide insights into “resiliency and technology deployment strategies in areas at highest risk of prolonged outages due to natural disaster or emergency events,” Xcel said.

By Robert Walton • May 29, 2024

Top cities for certified energy-efficient buildings announced by EPA

Los Angeles has dominated the rankings for Energy Star-certified buildings year after year. The U.S. EPA has some ideas on why. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • May 28, 2024

Honeywell, Enel aim to boost energy savings with automated demand response

Automating demand-response processes can boost reliability and lower energy consumption during peak periods, easing the process of coordinating manual adjustments, said Craig Henry, a Honeywell executive.

By S.L. Fuller • May 28, 2024

EPA launches new Energy Star residential standard

The Energy Star NextGen Certification for New Homes and Apartments builds on the foundation set by the existing program.

By Mary Salmonsen • May 22, 2024

3 Senate Democrats join Republicans in rejecting DOE’s gas furnace efficiency rule

The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who called on the House of Representatives to take up the measure "expeditiously."

By Robert Walton • May 22, 2024

Requiem for a DRAM: Charting the future of demand response in California

The current situation is anathema to California’s long-running efforts to build a balanced and open market for demand response, one in which utilities and third-party providers compete on a level playing field.

By Collin Smith • May 14, 2024

Virtual power plants, DERs and home electrification get boost from trio of new Maryland laws

The laws could help Maryland meet its goals to generate 14.5% of electricity from solar by 2028, achieve a 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and install 3 GW of energy storage by 2033.

By Brian Martucci • May 13, 2024

Google’s Nest Renew, OhmConnect combine with goal of managing 50 GW of residential demand by 2030

The new entity, Renew Home, says it is “North America’s largest residential virtual power plant” and can help to support the electric grid and manage home energy costs.

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2024

BMW’s future EVs will support bidirectional charging

BMW joins General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen in the development of vehicle-to-home charging technology to help homeowners reduce energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions from power generation.

By Eric Walz • May 8, 2024

Achieving greater reliability: How utilities can overcome budget and climate challenges

Utilities need new and innovative ways to manage their operations, and advanced remote sensing technologies hold the key.

May 6, 2024

New water heater efficiency standards will create largest-ever energy savings from one rule: DOE

The final rule will generate more than 17.6 quadrillion British thermal units of energy savings over 30 years, the Department of Energy said.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 2024

DOE announces $27M in grants to install batteries, EV chargers, efficiency retrofits

More than three dozen state and local governments will receive funds, including $2.2 million for Chicago to launch a building electrification campaign, install EV chargers and other projects.

By Robert Walton • May 1, 2024

Data center demand drives growth in Schneider Electric’s energy management segment

Energy management revenue in North America grew 10.2% organically to almost $2.8 billion in Q1, the company said last week.

By Nish Amarnath • April 30, 2024

Energy Department finalizes rule to phase out fossil fuels in federal buildings

In a push for net-zero emissions from federal facilities by 2045, the new rule mandates a 90% reduction in on-site fossil fuel use by 2029 and complete elimination after 2030.

By Nish Amarnath • April 29, 2024

Is your utility’s online marketplace operating at full power? It might be time for a reboot.

Such marketplaces have raised awareness of energy efficiency and sustainability. But as technologies like LED bulbs and smart thermostats have become commonplace, sales have slowed and traffic has dropped.

By Mark Wilkinson • April 29, 2024