California utilities tap 40 MW in auction for demand response capacity

The state's IOUs unveiled their first awards under the Demand Response Auction Mechanism, designed to allow more customer-sited resources to participate in wholesale markets. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2016

Florida cities rank low on ACEEE energy efficiency scorecard

Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Orlando all scored poorly in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy city scorecard last year.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2016

Ontario power providers tap Opower for efficiency, DSM offerings

Perhaps best known for its work in behavioral demand response, Opower's work in Ontario will focus on tweaking customers' energy efficiency habits.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2016

Using weather forecasts to manage power demand? There's an app for that

With thousands of weather sensors all across the United States, Earth Networks – best known for the popular WeatherBug app – believes it can use that data to help utilities manage demand.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2016

Indiana regulators order NIPSCO to resubmit energy efficiency plan

The ruling is seen as support for Governor Mike Pence’s proposed efficiency bill, which 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 6, 2016

Passage of omnibus spending bill means enhanced efficiency rebates, funding

The bill provided for energy efficiency rebates to homes and businesses, as well as allowing a tax deduction to encourage efficiency upgrades of commercial buildings.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2016

The Year of the Customer: 5 demand management trends to watch in 2016

If 2015 was the year technology began to transform demand management, 2016 will see those concepts expand and begin to truly empower customers.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2016

ComEd pilot targets power savings through enhanced customer access to usage data

The utility has teamed up with startup MeterGenius to provide thousands of customers with enhanced access and insight into their energy usage.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2016

DERs in 2016: What experts expect for a booming sector

With the market for distributed energy resources set to blossom thanks to the extensions of vital tax credits, solar especially is primed to grow, experts predict. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2016

2015: The year technology transformed demand management

Energy efficiency and demand response have long been two sides of the same coin, but advancements in communications, technology and data analysis are bringing them even closer together.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2015

Report: FERC finds a mixed bag for demand response despite AMI expansion

Demand response resources are growing, but so is peak demand, resulting in little net change from DR's participation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2015

DOE touts new efficiency standards for commercial AC, furnaces as largest in history

The U.S. Department of Energy announced new efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners and furnaces, which are expected to save businesses $167 billion on their utility bills over the next three decades.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2015

Report: Energy efficiency can meet Pacific Northwest demand through 2035

In more than 90% of scenarios, energy efficiency can meet the region's demand for the next 20 years, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2015

San Diego City Council approves 100% renewables by 2035 Climate Action Plan

The mandate is expected to cut city emissions 50% and grow the economy, lawmakers said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 17, 2015

Energy efficiency in 2015: Major wins and a holiday wish list

The holidays are always a time to take stock, and 2015 was a big year for energy efficiency as witnessed by federal regulations like the Clean Power Plan. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015

Supreme Court likely to defer rule on FERC Order 745 to next year

A decision on FERC's authority over demand response markets is unlikely to arrive in the waning days of 2015, but come mid January all eyes will be on the high court.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015

Grand Rapids, Michigan to slash building energy use 50% by 2030

Grand Rapids, Michigan is the latest city to join the 2030 District movement, partnering real estate developers and public officials in a bid to reduce energy use and emissions. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015

Michigan utilities continue efficiency programs despite delay in energy bill

The state will not pass energy legislation this year, but Michigan utilities are extending efficiency programs for at least two years.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2015

New thermostat offerings highlight growing home energy management market

A pair of announcements last week highlight new thermostat offerings in the growing trend of home energy management devices. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2015

How smart meters are changing energy efficiency in California

The state has aggressive energy efficiency goals and is looking to leverage the proliferation of advanced metering infrastructure as a way to expand the resource. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2015

Vermont utility teams with Tesla to offer home battery installment plan

The system will cost $6,500 but the expense can be decreased by sharing the storage capacity with Green Mountain Power, the utility said.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2015

San Diego City Council readies 100% renewables mandate for approval

Under the city's proposed Climate Action Plan, community choice aggregation could take the place of utility power procurement.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 4, 2015

Report: Mass. utilities target over $20B in efficiency savings in a decade

A new report from Acadia Center credits Massachusetts utilities with developing the most aggressive efficiency plans in the nation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2015

Pennsylvania utilities target big savings in energy efficiency plans

Over the next five years, Pennsylvanua regulators plan to slash 376 MW from the state's peak demand.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2015

Report: Power-hungry data centers have big potential for efficiency

As the energy requirements for internet and cloud applications grow, utilities are increasingly focused on efficiency at power-hungry data centers.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2015