Votes nearing, efficiency changes in Exelon Illinois bill draw environmental support

Further changes to Exelon's far-reaching Illinois legislation have won over some green groups, but lawmakers only have through Thursday to pass the bill.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2016

Ohio lawmakers near vote on clean energy standard measures

Measures in both the House and Senate would make renewable and efficiency targets voluntary through 2020.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2016

Illinois lawmakers still shaping Exelon nuclear bill ahead of planned Wednesday vote

The far-reaching legislation has seen a number of controversial provisions stripped from it as lawmakers try to push it through during the shortened session. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 29, 2016

Why demand response providers aren't happy with PJM's capacity market fix

The grid operator says new rules will make it easier for seasonal resources to participate, but DR boosters say they don't go far enough.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 23, 2016

Ameren opposes Exelon's Illinois nuclear energy bill

Ameren is wary of the bill impacts on its 1.2 million customers in southern Illinois, even though some of its coal plants could benefit. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 22, 2016

Ohio weatherization funding could decline under President Trump, hurting efficiency efforts

Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program continues to help low-income residents despite a freeze on efficiency standards, but the new administration could threaten funding. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 22, 2016

Exelon taps ICF to expand C&I efficiency efforts

The $110 million contract highlights Exelon's push to expand their commercial and industrial efficiency programs.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 21, 2016

Inside Exelon's last-minute push to save its nukes and remake the Illinois power sector

The Illinois legislature has a week to decide on a far-reaching energy reform bill that also includes coal subsidies and controversial rate design changes.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 18, 2016

Clean-energy finance company raises $329M in pair of bond offerings

The announcement by Ygrene Energy Fund highlights the growth in Property-Assessed Clean Energy loans.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2016

PJM proposes fix for demand response in seasonal capacity rules

Designed to alleviate concerns over the ability of demand response to compete in PJM capacity markets, the proposal would allow winter-only resources to be matched with with summer resources.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2016

Oregon utility targets energy efficiency, demand response

Portland General Electric is prioritizing demand reductions in its new IRP, while also leaning on gas to replace coal.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2016

Exelon's Illinois energy bill greeted by vociferous opposition

Critics decried the inclusion of capacity payments for coal plants and residential demand charges. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 17, 2016

PJM market monitor pushes capacity market changes to enhance efficiency

Several municipal utilities, environmental groups and rural electric co-ops have questioned PJM's capacity market structure, resulting in new recommendations. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 14, 2016

Energy auditors, federal agencies tackle health benefits of efficiency

Energy efficiency in the home could help save billions in health care costs annually, according to the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2016

New York working group proposes framework for utility efficiency spending

However, the report said it is premature to propose utility-specific performance incentive targets.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2016

ScottMadden: California Duck Curve growing faster than expected

Utility-scale solar is contributing more to lower minimum daily loads than distributed generation, the consultancy said. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 7, 2016

Retooling regulation: a closer look at integrating energy and environmental policy

Now is the time to merge discussions over air, energy, transport and building energy regulations, write RAP's Chris James and Ken Colburn.

By Chris James and Ken Colburn • Nov. 3, 2016

Mercedes-Benz launches new US storage arm with former Sonnen CEO von Bormann

Mercedes takes aim at Tesla with new offerings that will "combine the advantages of electric vehicles and energy solutions into one holistic platform." 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 3, 2016

Utilities, industrials spearhead rate design reform in new efficiency coalition

The Alliance to Save Energy has brought together a diverse coalition to tackle rate design, including PG&E, Exelon, National Grid, Johnson Controls and Lockheed Martin. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2016

One massive merger later, Pepco's CEO eyes 5 rate cases and grid modernization

David Velazquez says his utility is looking at residential demand charges and the future of microgrids.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 3, 2016

Why lower thermostat energy savings may not be such a bad thing

Real-world savings don't match advertised numbers for many smart thermostat vendors, but Navigant's Paige Leuschner writes part of that could come down to their increasing popularity. 

By Paige Leuschner • Nov. 2, 2016

Survey says: Customers want innovation. How can utilities deliver?

Utilities want more flexibility. Customers want new apps. It's a win-win.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 2, 2016

Pennsylvania bill seeks to exempt C&I customers from mandatory efficiency programs

The bill is not expected to pass this legislative session, but could be on tap for next year. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2016

5 unanswered questions after Tesla's big solar roof and battery announcement

As the dust settles, the details of Elon Musk’s new integrated solar-plus-storage offering and its effect on the sector remain unclear.  

By Gavin Bade • Oct. 31, 2016

Ohio businesses call for end of renewables, efficiency freeze

The state put a hold on its efficiency and renewable energy portfolio standards in 2014.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 27, 2016