Missouri PSC greenlights Ameren's $158M efficiency plan

The utility's last efficiency proposal was rejected by state regulators, but this week they approved a slate of efficiency programs targeting $425 million in customer benefits.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2016

How the US can unlock efficiency's potential to meet energy demand

A new Regulatory Assistance Project study says it will take an "all hands on deck" approach to meet almost a third of energy demand in 2026 through efficiency. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

Pennsylvania utilities prep for time-of-use pilot

Duquesne Light recently received the go-ahead for a time-of-use pricing program that will leverage up to 200,000 smart meters this summer.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2016

Report: Unlocking energy data could help consumers boost efficiency savings

There are more than 50 million smart meters installed in the United States, and if consumers could access the data they collect, it would unlock billions in savings.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 8, 2016

California ISO approves proposals to bolster storage and demand response

The California ISO has approved several proposals aimed at further integrating distributed energy resources into the states's wholesale power market.

By Peter Maloney • Feb. 4, 2016

Massachusetts approves $1.2B National Grid energy efficiency investment

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities approved utility energy efficiency plans through 2018, and the National Grid said its plan will save $3.6 billion over the lifetime of the utility's investments.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

FERC Order 745 ruling a 'good omen' for Clean Power Plan, say legal experts

How much the justices decide to defer to agency interpretation of the law could be a key factor in a future CPP case.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

Clinton campaign targets $70B in annual savings for new efficiency plan

The plan includes ways to unlock private capital for efficiency investments, including grants to support the development of successful financing mechanisms, such as the expansion of Property Assessed Clean Energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2016

What the Supreme Court decision on FERC Order 745 means for demand response and DERs

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold federal authority over demand response in wholesale markets is a return to business as usual for some, but a new opportunity for behind-the-meter service providers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016

NERC: Efficiency helps slash peak demand growth rates to lowest levels ever

Peak demand is growing at less than 1% annually, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which says energy efficiency is partly to credit.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2016

Obama administration to improve building efficiency 20% by 2020

As part of the Better Buildings Program, 18 utilities have agreed to give building owners access to energy usage data in order to improve efficiency.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 1, 2016

PECO: Efficiency programs yield $500M in customer savings

PECO said its Smart Ideas efficiency program is the most successful in Pennsylvania, helping save customers roughly 2.2 million MWh of electricity.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 29, 2016

Ohio Gov. Kasich pledges to reinstate clean energy standards if lawmakers try to cut them

If Ohio lawmakers continue pushing to keep renewables and energy efficiency standards frozen, Gov. John Kasich (R) has said as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination that he will support the original, "unpalatable" goals. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 28, 2016

Addressing DR Duality: Providers seek uniform policies in new strategy report

Just days before the Supreme Court weighed in FERC Order 745, a broad stakeholder group issued a report calling for a better understanding of the load management strategy and a broader integration alongside other distributed resources.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2016

What to expect from California utilities' new aggregated demand response offerings

Under a new auction, California utilities will meet grid demand with traditional demand response, stationary batteries and electric vehicles. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 26, 2016

Updated: Supreme Court upholds FERC Order 745, affirming federal role in demand response

The nation's highest judicial body affirmed the agency's authority to regulate demand response programs in wholesale markets in its decision.

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 25, 2016

Nevada debates efficiency rebates as it looks to lower NV Energy's budget

Nevada regulators cut the energy efficiency budget of NV Energy in an effort to lower the utility's bottom line, but critics say the targeted programs were helping to save consumers money.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2016

Can utilities learn to love distributed solar like central station arrays?

Utility-scale solar has become mainstream among U.S. power providers, but persisting questions around cost and valuation are masking further opportunties in the distributed generation space, analysts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

Appliance standards: The biggest bipartisan energy initiative you've never heard of

From ice makers to washing machines to air conditioners and refrigerators, efficiency standards for appliances could a surprisingly effective demand-side energy policy, especially compared to the scant attention they receive. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

New arrival Spruce ups game for 'trusted energy advisor' role

A new company offering both DER and efficiency financing can be a partner or a competitor to incumbent utilities looking to bolster their customer relationships. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

California regulators approve SCE pilot to build 1,500 EV charging stations

The pilot program calls for the installation of 1,500 stations and could lead to a $333 million, 30,000 station buildout by 2020.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

Chicago expands large building energy benchmarking program five-fold

The scope of Chicago's Energy Benchmarking ordinance may be more important than the results at this point: More than 1,800 buildings — 20% of the city's building energy demand — are now included in the usage survey.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2016

Wait for ruling on FERC Order 745 bodes well for agency, DR backers say

An order vacating FERC's jurisdiction over demand response could have been penned quickly, so demand response advocates say the extended wait for a decision may mean good news is on the way for the agency.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2016

Delaware auditor criticizes energy efficiency program as 'inadequate'

Delaware's state auditor found efficiency upgrades at several government buildings "inadequate," but his report now faces criticism from several parties who claim that the program is working.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2016

'Bring Your Own Thermostat' demand management programs could be a $3B market

We've come a long way from the little beige rectangle stuck to your living room wall. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2016