Report: Efficiency efforts cut New England winter power prices 24%

Acadia Center's analysis also showed demand would have been 14% higher without the region's efficiency efforts.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2015

New Hampshire lawmakers nix utility solar ownership bill, approve decoupling study

A proposed legislative study would find ways to fund utilities’ pursuit of energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 17, 2015

Oncor microgrid gives a peek into the future of distributed energy

The utility's new microgrid can power one of its essential control centers "nearly indefinitely."

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2015

New polls: Americans love solar more than any other type of energy

Support for a future based on renewable energy generation and enhanced efficiency cuts across generations and demographic divides.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 15, 2015

Why utilities need to change the way consumers think about efficiency

Research is showing that customers want to make efficiency investments, but they need a little bit of pushing to choose it over other spending options.

By Robert Walton • April 14, 2015

SolarCity partners with Google's Nest to integrate smart thermostats with rooftop solar

A pilot project of 10,000 Learning Thermostats will show how homes with 'brains' can use solar most efficiently.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 13, 2015

Uncertainty is the new constant for demand response markets

Federal regulators rejected a stop-gap proposal to allow demand response to participate in PJM's upcoming auction, meaning the industry is still unsure of which and how providers will be allowed to participate.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2015

Report: Global demand response market to grow over 20% annually thru 2025

The global smart demand response market could be valued in excess of $50 billion by 2025, the report found.  

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2015

Illinois Gov. signs law extending smart grid cost recovery

The law allows Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to continue recovering costs associated with grid improvements through 2019 without regulatory approval.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2015

What's next in the energy storage boom, and what utilities need to know

Storage is growing fast, but where and how depends on the right mix of regulations and utility involvement.

By Gavin Bade • April 2, 2015

PJM may consider hourly pricing as generators lobby for market changes

PJM Interconnection is the only major market to not allow hourly pricing of physical generation.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

Maine lawmakers debating fix for mistaken efficiency funding cut

The word "and," inadvertently left out of a 2013 Maine energy bill, could cost ratepayers $38 million.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2015

Opower research: By leveraging 'moments that matter' utilities can drive satisfaction and savings

Power customers don't want to spend more time dealing with their utility. So utilities must take advantage of customer interaction that can be leveraged to bring about change, according to new research.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

FERC rejects PJM's 'stop-gap' plan for demand response

The uncertainty continues over demand response's role in wholesale markets. 

By Davide Savenije • April 1, 2015

Texas debates bill to eliminate utility fees for low demand customers

Electric companies say minimum use fees are vital to their rate structure and are clearly disclosed.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

Measure to preserve large water heaters for demand response clears Senate

A measure pushed by electric cooperatives would ensure large-volume water heaters continue to be used in demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2015

Long-delayed national energy efficiency measure passes Senate

The measure passed during a late-night session last week, ultimately seeing a vote around 4 a.m.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2015

Wisconsin regulators approve Xcel-ATC line to deliver wind to MISO

The $580MIL, 180 mile Badger-Coulee line is scheduled to be in service by 2020.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 30, 2015

Popular Oncor efficiency programs suffer big budget cuts

Oncor's energy efficiency programs have had funding reduced by $2.6 million.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2015

Minnesota regulators approve Xcel rate hike, order revenue decoupling

The decoupling pilot will be the first of its kind in the state.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2015

Indiana Senate passes efficiency bill

But the measure, which would replace an efficiency program defunded last year, faces skeptics in the Indiana House.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2015

How customer empowerment is helping utilities cut 'energy fat'

A partnership between PG&E and Bidgely hints at what's next for demand side management. 

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2015

ComEd anticipates 200,000 MWh savings annually with Opower partnership

The program will be rolled out to 1.5 million customers.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2015

Co-ops plead with Congress to save water heaters used for demand response

More than 250 electric cooperatives use large water heaters as energy storage devices for demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015

How California regulators are reforming energy markets to boost demand response

Third party vendors will soon be able to directly provide demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015