Unleashing the demand-side revolution: The case for a unified VPP platform

Consumer low-carbon device spending is soaring, but utilities struggle with siloed management. Unified VPPs can unlock flexible capacity for a decarbonized grid.

By Jake Varsano, Senior Manager, Markets and Commercial • June 12, 2025

Using energy-as-a-service to lower costs, add predictability

The model can work on a per-therm basis as much as a per-kilowatt-hour basis for companies that generate a lot of waste heat, says Charlie Lord of Renew Energy Partners.  

By Robert Freedman • June 12, 2025

Supercharging America’s power grid from the demand side

Microgrids with continuous AI-powered monitoring can significantly reduce the need for costly grid upgrades and lower the risk of power failures.

By James Richmond • June 11, 2025

New York demand response capacity up 16% this summer: ISO

New York’s grid needs more transmission, generation and flexibility in the face of declining reliability margins and sharp load increases, according to the state’s independent system operator.

By Robert Walton • June 11, 2025

Utility demand-response phone messages do not need additional customer consent: FCC

“When a consumer gives a utility their phone number they give their prior express consent to receive non-telemarketing demand response calls and texts,” the Federal Communications Commission said Monday.

By Robert Walton • June 10, 2025

Amazon, Google exploring all options for meeting growing power needs

“I think we have to be careful that we don't over-generalize the solution to the growth question,” said Will Conkling, Google’s head of data center energy, Americas.

By Diana DiGangi • June 4, 2025

Electricity consumer groups urge FERC to improve load forecasts

Load forecasts, which are surging, can affect wholesale electricity prices and resources adequacy, but they are rife with uncertainty and lack transparency, the groups said.

By Ethan Howland • June 4, 2025

Amid rising energy prices, senators call for EPA to maintain Energy Star

Every dollar spent on the Energy Star program has resulted in nearly $350 in energy cost savings for business and households, according to Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2025

Port of Los Angeles presses ahead with EV transition amid regulation changes

The port will use Clean Truck Fund revenue to finance charging infrastructure and truck purchase vouchers.

By Alejandra Carranza • June 2, 2025

Congress votes to rescind California vehicle emissions waiver

Clean vehicle advocates say air quality and public health will suffer; auto and petroleum industry lobbyists supported the move to end California’s authority under the Clean Air Act.

By Dan Zukowski • May 29, 2025

AI and microgrids: Moving toward seamless, resilient energy solutions

By continuously analyzing current and projected energy production and demand, AI can optimize energy flows to ensure that power is distributed efficiently and at the lowest possible cost.

By Brad Meissner • May 28, 2025

ICF sees 25% load growth by 2030, up to 40% price increase

Demand-side management can handle 10% of U.S. load in 2030, but annual generation deployments need to double to keep pace with expected longer-term demand, the consulting firm said.

By Brian Martucci • May 21, 2025

Technology helps utilities serve their most vulnerable customers

Digital tools are underutilized in identifying and enrolling low-income customers in assistance programs.

By Lauren Gritzke, Senior Principal Advisor, Energy Equity, Oracle Utilities • May 19, 2025

Thermal energy networks need municipal participation: report

Cities and other entities can develop neighborhood-scale thermal networks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy consultants say.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 16, 2025

A fraction of proposed data centers will get built. Utilities are wising up.

One expert estimated that speculative interconnection requests were five to 10 times more than the number of actual data centers, but the scale of the problem remains elusive.

By Brian Martucci • May 15, 2025

IFMA adds its name to Energy Star fight

Facility managers rely on the program for making informed decisions about commercial appliances and building systems, the group says.

By Robert Freedman • May 14, 2025

Amid record demand rise, efficiency and demand response can lower Texas power bills: Aurora

Adding 7.7 GW of demand-side response capacity to the ERCOT grid could eliminate the need for about 1 GW of gas-fired peaking capacity, according to the report.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2025

Trump rolls back Biden-era efficiency rules

The standards covered tankless natural gas water heaters and commercial refrigeration equipment. A fourth resolution nixed certification requirements for a range of products.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2025

Electricity prices are rising. EV managed charging can help everyone.

Managed charging isn't just about EVs. It unlocks affordability for every customer on the grid.

May 12, 2025

Why surging demand and grid transformation will define the utility sector in 2025

The utilities that succeed will be the ones that can manage today’s operational stress while preparing for tomorrow’s energy ecosystem.

By Kyle Jones • May 9, 2025

ISO New England prepares for 11% rise in annual electricity consumption

The increase over the next decade will primarily come from heating electrification and growing adoption of electric vehicles, the grid operator said.

By Robert Walton • May 7, 2025

Navigating 4 key trends and challenges shaping the power industry

2025 will be pivotal in how utilities handle workforce shortages, the energy transition and a range of grid reliability and resilience issues.

By Matt Carrara • May 7, 2025

Trump administration plans to end popular Energy Star program

The program has helped consumers save more than $500 billion in energy costs and 5 trillion kWh since it launched in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush.

By Robert Walton • May 7, 2025

‘Sustainable AI’ requires close collaboration between data centers, grid stakeholders: Schneider Electric

Without effective planning, the expected surge in AI power demand could curtail the industry’s growth, hamper other sectors’ electrification efforts and possibly precipitate an energy crisis, a new report says.

By Brian Martucci • May 2, 2025

Why customer engagement is the key to VPP success

What if one of the most powerful tools for strengthening the grid is already in customers’ garages, basements, driveways and businesses?

By Hannah Bascom • April 30, 2025