Efficiency & Demand Response

Colorado Gov Polis' first executive order advances transportation electrification

The benefits of vehicle electrification will only increase as the state moves toward establishing a 100% renewable energy mandate, Polis said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 18, 2019

Virginia rejects majority of Dominion's $6B grid modernization plan, smart meter rollout

The State Corporation Commission deemed the proposal as too expensive, approving only $154.5 million of the first phase — originally projected to cost $1.5 billion.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 18, 2019

PGE demand response pilot offers $1/kWh incentive, targets 10X customer participation rate

Portland General Electric proposed the residential demand response program as part of its Smart Grid Test Bed project, which will also test opt-in approaches to direct load control programs offered with different rates.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2019

Maryland scales back EV charger program nearly 80%

The Maryland Public Service Commission approved the deployment of 5,000 EV chargers, a significant drop from the 24,000 envisioned in the original proposal.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 16, 2019

Lowering bills for low-income households with community solar: Partnering on regs, tech

A Minnesota-based non-profit applied its expertise to help shepherd an Energy Assistance provider's 100-kW project in southeast Vermont.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Jan. 15, 2019

Oregon 10-year plan aims to reduce energy burden, improve efficiency

The plan focuses on low-income residents, particularly in rural areas, and includes more than $113 million in annual energy cost savings through projects across the state.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2019

New Flyer wants to help cities, agencies transition to electric bus fleets

The bus manufacturer created a new business unit to offer project management and infrastructure guidance on transitioning to zero-emissions transit fleets.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 14, 2019

PUC order keeps Minnesota ahead of the curve on performance-based rates

The order, the culmination of a process that began in September 2017, establishes procedures and goals for developing metrics for performance-based rates by the fall.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 11, 2019

Shenzhen, China touts nearly all-electric taxi fleet

More than 21,000 of the city’s taxis are battery-powered, with another 1,350 waiting to be put into operation once they are charged.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 09, 2019

Boston transit authority adds to electric bus fleet

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority intends to add nearly 200 New Flyer hybrid buses to replace its aging fleet.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 09, 2019

Pennsylvania commits to 26% GHG reductions amid federal inaction, US emissions increase

Gov. Tom Wolf also pledged that state agencies would reduce overall energy consumption 21% by 2025, relative to 2017 levels.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 09, 2019

Opinion

Unlocking next-level consumer engagement and energy savings with the latest smart technology

Offering a central home energy platform with device control and interoperability will expand the engagement trend and deliver even better efficiency results, writes Google's global director of energy and enterprise partnerships.

By Jeff Hamel

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Our top stories of the year illustrate the decline of coal-fired generation and the numerous policy surprises that came out of the federal government this year.

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 21, 2018

Opinion

California's energy efficiency path: Rebates, third party programs, market transformation

The state is revamping its energy efficiency portfolio, but what’s really exciting are the opportunities for the next generation of programs, Navigant's Kristin Landry writes.

By Kristin Landry

Regional initiative to reduce transportation emissions would mirror RGGI

Nine Northeast and Midatlantic states, as well as the District of Columbia, have agreed to design a policy process to implement emissions caps in one year, which could help incentivize electric vehicle adoption.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2018

NYPA board approves $600M credit line for efficiency projects as utility targets double

The credit facility will be available through January 2022, with two possible one-year extensions, and will focus on projects aimed at the state's largest electricity customers.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 19, 2018

Siemens: Cities are prioritizing electrification, but grid modernization is required

Siemens released a report that used the company's City Performance Tool to assess the status of electrification in 40 global cities.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 17, 2018

California to require all-electric buses by 2040

The rule bars transit agencies from purchasing any new gas-powered buses by 2029 and will require only zero-emission buses by 2040.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 17, 2018