Cheap natural gas pushes utilities toward more sophisticated demand-side management

Idaho Power and SoCal Edison are among utilities testing new tactics to prevent customers leaving demand response programs. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

PJM capacity auction: 2 Exelon nukes fail to clear as DR reels from new performance rules

New capacity performance standards helped push demand response offerings down 17%. Meanwhile, the Quad Cities and Three Mile Island plants continue to struggle. 

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2017

The state of US wholesale power markets: Is reliability at risk from low prices?

Robbie Orvis from Energy Innovation explores why generator revenues are shrinking and how the decline isn't a problem for reliability. 

By Robbie Orvis • May 22, 2017

How Indiana Michigan Power helps C&I customers bring their flexibility to market

Key to the continued success of the utility's emergency DR program will be adapting to coming changes in PJM capacity auctions.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

Electric vehicles can be grid assets or liabilities. How utilities plan will decide.

New communications protocols and time-varying rates are needed to help utilities managing EV charging, a new SEPA paper argues.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2017

ACEEE: 32 cities improve energy efficiency score, Boston tops list

Boston, New York and Seattle topped the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's biannual scorecard that ranks 51 U.S. cities on energy-saving efforts.

By Kristin Musulin , Jackie Snow • May 16, 2017

National Grid taps AutoGrid to manage DR, DER projects in Northeast territory

The partnership is expected to enroll over 400 MW of demand response and distributed energy resource programs over three years.

By Peter Maloney • May 12, 2017

Hawaii PUC nixes Hawaiian Electric bid to purchase oil power plant

Hawaii regulators said the benefit to ratepayers was "marginal," particularly since the utility has to hit 100% renewables by 2045.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 10, 2017

Michigan regulators to decide fate of Palisades nuclear contract by August

The Michigan Public Service commission held public meetings this week focusing on a plan to terminate a nuclear power purchase agreement between Consumers Energy and plant operator Entergy.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 10, 2017

In Massachusetts, utilities take a collaborative approach to EV infrastructure

The state wants to see a 50-fold increase in electric vehicles, prompting a novel charging buildout approach from utilities.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2017

Xcel strikes grid modernization settlement with Colorado stakeholders

The utility submitted a $562 million proposal last year to upgrade its grid system and security efforts.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 10, 2017

Virginia governor signs 11 energy bills, including solar, pumped hydro proposals

A slew of energy bills landed on the desk of Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), including measures on community solar pilot projects, green development zones and rate approval for new pumped storage projects.  

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 9, 2017

Study: Storage, renewables could replace New York's Indian Point nuke

A new study shows replacing lost capacity from Indian Point with storage and clean energy could save state ratepayers $315 million over a 5-year span. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 9, 2017

Itron acquires demand response provider Comverge for $100M

Integration with the AMI giant will allow Comverge to develop a "more compelling offer that leverages data and analytics to optimize the management of distributed energy resources."

By Gavin Bade • May 8, 2017

Boulder plans to double EV charging ports by summer

The progressive Colorado city wants to use a $100,000 grant from a nonprofit to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 8, 2017

As utilities embrace DERs, pilot projects emerge as key element of compromise

Utility DER pilots are helping build familiarity with new technologies and resolve sector disputes over distributed energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017

Demand response startup Voltus launches with 400 MW of contracts

The commercial and industrial demand response provider launched with nearly 600 sites participating across all major electricity markets.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 2017

Thousands of businesses, groups lobby for defense of EPA Energy Star program

Organized by the Alliance to Save Energy, the groups argue the voluntary efficiency program is among the most successful public-private partnerships in U.S. history.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

Pepco proposes off-peak charging rate for EV drivers in DC

The program would build on lessons in neighboring Maryland, where the utility found drivers readily changed charging behavior in reaction to rate design. 

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

Nevada Senate clears trio of energy bills on storage, efficiency, utility planning

One measure would direct state regulators to consider requiring utilities to purchase energy storage, while another would establish annual efficiency goals.

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2017

Proposed Massachusetts efficiency, clean energy programs shoot for low-income access

The six new programs are the final component of the state's $15 million initiative to boost access to affordable clean energy.

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

Comverge brings BYOD demand response pilot to Arkansas

The Bring-Your-Own-Device program for Entergy Arkansas will run alongside the the utility's Summer Advantage residential demand response program. 

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

Report: New York Gov. Cuomo taps NYSERDA CEO John Rhodes to chair PSC

Rhodes will take the spot vacated by former PSC Chair Audrey Zibleman, who left for one of Australia's grid operators. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 24, 2017

As funding slows, DOE touts 38 awards for small business research collaboration

Funding for cutting-edge energy projects has slowed since the Obama administration, but DOE still used Earth Day to highlight new collaborations at the national labs. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

PECO Energy taps CPower for C&I demand response program

The program will run during summer months until 2020 and allows enrollment in addition to existing PJM programs. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017