Load Management, Efficiency & Demand Response

DOE finalizes rules to phase out older light bulbs, estimates consumers will save $3B annually

The ban on older bulbs will take more than a year to fully implement. Manufacturers say they appreciate the flexibility, while efficiency advocates want retailers to act more quickly.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2022

Global corporate funding for storage rises to $12.9B despite supply chain squeeze: Mercom

Potentially higher interest rates, as well as the Department of Commerce's anti-dumping circumvention investigation into solar cells, could have implications for the industry down the road, however, Mercom's CEO said.

By Kavya Balaraman • April 19, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Electrification and EVs

The trend toward increased electrification in transportation, buildings and other sectors continued to increase in 2021, but while momentum is growing, various challenges lie ahead.

By Utility Dive staff

New Hampshire regulators approve new EV charging rates for Unitil, Liberty and cut demand charges in half

Advocates for electric vehicle infrastructure are split on whether the lower demand charge will help to expand public charging stations in the state.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2022

For the Building Performance Standards Coalition to be effective, the White House must think bigger

The former head of the U.S. Green Building Council weighs in on how federal, state and local government partners can go beyond just reducing building emissions as they pursue decarbonization.

By Mahesh Ramanujam • April 11, 2022

House climate committee hearing on efficiency delves into pipeline policy, gas bans, China and Putin

At a Thursday hearing, efficiency advocates pressed lawmakers for additional support to reduce energy use while Republicans turned their attention to domestic gas pipelines and global affairs.

By Robert Walton • April 8, 2022

UN highlights potential of broad electrification as it stresses the role of cities in tackling climate change

Cities must push harder to decarbonize buildings and transform transportation norms, the report suggests, as the next three years are critical if the world is to change the course of global warming.

By Maria Rachal • April 6, 2022

DOE unveils new efficiency standards for federal buildings

Major retrofits and new buildings constructed by the federal government must meet the standards beginning next April, which the Department of Energy estimates will save $4.2 million in operating costs in the first year.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 30, 2022

New best practices are unlocking demand-side management value in utility online marketplaces

Utility marketplaces are expanding their contribution to distributed energy resource adoption and diversified utility revenue streams, according to a Guidehouse Insights analyst.

By Daniel Talero • March 29, 2022

Maryland lawmakers set low-income energy savings target in 'crucial' equity, efficiency legislation

Maryland's EmPOWER program has been improving the state's energy efficiency for more than a decade, but it has underinvested in low-income communities, say critics.

By Robert Walton • March 23, 2022

Consumers Energy to expand low-income efficiency programs under Michigan-approved agreement

The expanded gas and electric efficiency programs are "a critical step towards fighting energy inequality" in the state, Earthjustice Senior Attorney Chinyere Osuala said.

By Robert Walton • March 21, 2022

Fullerton, California, to fund smart city projects with energy savings

The $8.4 million energy efficiency project is expected to save the city $12.1 million and support the implementation of technology like LED streetlights. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 8, 2022

Itron, Utilismart tackle metering, data gaps for small utilities with commercial, industrial customers

There are thousands of utilities with a range of metering and data needs. Itron has joined with Utilismart to help smaller power companies manage their "high-value" customers.

By Robert Walton • March 8, 2022

Bitcoin mining as a grid resource? 'It's complicated.'

Up to 10% of a cryptocurrency mine's revenues can come from grid services and demand flexibility. Is this new breed of data center making communities more resilient — or is it just contributing to the electric grid's problems, as some critics claim?

By Robert Walton • Feb. 17, 2022

Integrating efficiency into demand-side management portfolios may introduce equity risks: analysts

Energy efficiency programs that stand apart from broader demand-side management strategies may not reach their full potential, but combining them has risks, according to panelists at the NARUC Winter Policy Summit.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 17, 2022

Dozens of lawmakers press Biden to prioritize appliance efficiency standard updates

There were 28 standards in need of review when President Joe Biden took office, and more deadlines are approaching. "The scale of the rulemaking task ahead is challenging," warned more than 50 lawmakers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 15, 2022

New Hampshire PUC restores energy efficiency funding, but advocates say uncertainty remains

"We've stopped the bleeding," said one energy efficiency advocate, but court challenges and legislative fixes may still be needed.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 11, 2022

The number of natural gas customers will continue to rise, even as US decarbonizes: AGA report

Efficient gas appliances are one key to ensuring an equitable transition to a net-zero carbon economy, according to the American Gas Association.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2022

Massachusetts approves $4B efficiency plan. Is it 'transformational' or a 'missed opportunity' on equity?

The Mass Save budget recognizes efficiency as a key to meeting the state's carbon reduction goals, but regulators declined to approve some provisions focused on energy equity.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 4, 2022

States are accelerating efficiency, electrification efforts in wake of pandemic disruption: ACEEE

Employment and energy savings in the efficiency sector have taken a hit from COVID-19, but last year a dozen states passed new clean energy legislation to aid the sector's recovery and fight climate change.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 2, 2022

Green Mountain Power's bid to extend home storage programs meets tax credit snafu

A popular program giving Vermont customers incentives for home storage systems has cut peak load, but maximizing it could inadvertently reduce customer benefits, some experts warn.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 31, 2022

Turning commercial buildings into financial assets with smart energy use

While wariness about change is a common challenge, the truth is that food retailers are uniquely positioned to take steps that simultaneously deliver financial benefits, move them more quickly toward their sustainability goals and also provide critical flexibility and support to a changing power grid. 

Jan. 31, 2022

DTE to expand energy efficiency in underserved communities, develop 'geographic targeting' approach

Focusing efforts in particular neighborhoods could help to engage more customers and become a model for other areas with high energy burdens, say consumer advocates.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2022

Battery-electric vs. hydrogen trucks: The debate heads into 2022

As fleets eye a future with zero emissions, industry remains undecided whether battery electric vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles will come out ahead.

By Jim Stinson • Jan. 26, 2022

White House forms coalition with local governments to pursue building performance policies

In a federal show of support for locally led decarbonization and retrofitting efforts, the coalition will cover nearly 20% of the U.S. building footprint and aims to advance legislation or regulation over the next two years.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 25, 2022

2022 Utility Dive Outlook

Utility Dive examines priorities, expectations and trends for three key subjects — FERC, rate design and renewable energy — along with a broader roundup of some of the U.S. power sector trends to watch in the year ahead.

Jan. 24, 2022