Smart city, smart utility: A formidable union for urban sustainability

In this guest post, officials from Black & Veatch highlight new opportunities for power sector players in building sustainable cities. 

By Jennifer James and Mike Bossom • Dec. 2, 2015

5 drivers making 100% renewables possible

A new paper offers companies and governments a toolkit to implement five transformative opportunities and reach big renewables targets.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

Consumers advocates protest Indiana utilities pushing fixed charge increases

The Northern Indiana Public Service Company wants a nearly 100% increase in monthly fixed charges for residential customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

New trouble for NextEra merger as regulators slam Hawaiian Electric power supply plan

Unless NextEra offers a better plan, and fast, observers say the takeover bid could be in jeopardy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

Report: Energy efficiency could slash $250B annually from decarbonization costs

A report focused on energy programs in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Mexico, and the United States found energy efficiency could eliminate the costs associated with limiting global warming.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2015

How much energy does it take to roast a turkey?

Your burning utility sector Thanksgiving questions, answered. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 25, 2015

Penn. regulators mull allowing large customers to opt out of efficiency program

Large power users say the efficiency program does little for their businesses, but regulators fear allowing them to opt out will gut its efficacy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 25, 2015

12 charts that show the state of the US clean energy revolution

A new DOE report highlights deployment and price trends for five key technologies in the clean energy revolution.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 24, 2015

Despite green outcry, CPUC approves SoCal Edison gas & storage plans

The California Public Utilities Commission approves 57 of 63 of controversial SoCal Ed procurement contracts, but sees room for improvment in the "all-source RFO process."

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 24, 2015

Siemens, RWE team up to develop mass-market virtual power plant

The two companies will expand on a 2010 virtual power plant pilot, which included combined heat and power systems, hydro units and backup power, to include a wider range of resources. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 24, 2015

Mass. AG: New England should opt for efficiency, DR over new gas pipelines

There is no need for additional gas capacity in New England through 2030, according to a new report released by the Massachusetts Attorney General, which finds efficiency and conservation can help meet power demands.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2015

Wisconsin utility rolls out plan for 30% renewables by 2030

The Wisconsin-based Madison Gas and Electric Co. plans to supply 30% of its retail power sales with renewable energy by 2030. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2015

The future of rate design: Why the utility industry may shift away from fixed charges

A focus on fixed charges is giving way to more comprehensive rate structures for utilities, but big questions loom on the horizon for regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2015

The future of behavioral demand response: Utilities warm to a bullish new market

A growing body of analysis shows behavioral demand management programs return consistent, reliable results and are easy to implement. But a number of pitfalls dog the nascent sector.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

United Illuminating plans 2.2 MW microgrid for Connecticut town

The 2.2 MW microgrid project will complete the utility's commitment to build 10 MW of renewable generation under Connecticut’s Renewable Connections Program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

In a bid to reimagine power delivery, TFC Utilities buys GridPoint

Formed earlier this year, Twenty First Century Utilities LLC wants to transform regulated utilities through the mass adoption of clean, low cost energy technologies. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015

DC project could pave way for PACE funding to flow to affordable, public housing

The District of Columbia will fund a renovation of the Phyllis Wheatley Young Women’s Christian Association, including efficiency and solar investments, in a new use of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015

ISO-NE seeks delay of demand response integration over FERC Order 745 legal worries

The grid operator cited concerns that the U.S. Supreme Court's review of FERC Order 745 could mean demand response participation in energy markets is unlawful.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015

Why clean energy advocates are challenging SCE's historic storage buy

Southern California Edison's award for new capacity resources has drawn criticism from intervenors who think it relies too much on gas and not enough on alternative resources. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2015

Comcast launches energy offerings in 4th state, with more to come

The company, in partnership with Crius Energy, is on track with plans to enter the Texas market next month.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 16, 2015

Pot power: How utilities and regulators are dealing with the budding marijuana industry

Growing marijuana requires so much power that electric utilities across the nation are taking notice, but federal law limits how much they can do.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 13, 2015

How California is bringing DER aggregation to wholesale markets

San Diego Gas & Electric was hoping to receive 2 MW of bids in a recent demand response pilot auction, and wound up with more than three times that.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 11, 2015

Dealing with stagnant load growth, ISO-New England turns to gas, efficiency and DERs

The region expects to lean heavily on energy efficiency and distributed resources to meet demand across the next decade.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 11, 2015

Trade groups SEPA and ADS are merging to focus on DERs

Industry trade groups Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Association for Demand Response and Smart Grid (ADS) join up to expand SEPA's focus to include other smart-grid technologies. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 10, 2015

What do utility customers want? There's an app for that

The energy app landscape is expanding fast as more vendors and utilities tackle energy efficiency and customer relationships via the mobile device. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 9, 2015