Efficiency & Demand Response: Page 2

Advocates warn New Jersey solar market could collapse again

New Jersey regulators this summer moved to shut down the current solar incentive program, and experts say if a replacement isn't developed soon it will cost the state jobs and clean energy opportunities.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 22, 2018

Even in Indiana, new renewables are cheaper than existing coal plants

Eliminating coal generation by 2028, and replacing it with renewables, storage and demand management, will be cheaper than keeping the plants online or converting them to gas, says Northern Indiana Public Service Co.

By Gavin Bade • UPDATED: Oct. 25, 2018 at 3:24 p.m.

As Dominion plans 3 GW of new wind and solar, it surveys customer renewables goals

The utility issued a request for information on its nonresidential customers' clean energy goals weeks after Virginia released its 10-year energy plan. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 19, 2018

Opinion

Vehicle emissions rollback shouldn't stop utilities from investing in electric vehicles

The expanding electric vehicle market has created new revenue opportunities for electricity generators and utilities, but the Trump administration's recent attempt to roll back fuel efficiency standards creates new uncertainty. 

By Sarah A. W. Fitts and Caitlin M. Ajax

Portland General Electric to develop 'smart grids' in 3 Oregon towns

The trio of smart grids will serve 20,000 customers, allowing them to respond to demand management signals and maximize renewable energy consumption.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2018

AEE keeps tabs on gubernatorial candidates in key energy states

The cleantech trade group published scorecards for candidates from states with open seats and strong market opportunities for clean energy.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 16, 2018

Nevada considers blockchain to track renewable credits

While some of the interest in blockchain technology is driven by a wider fad, the utility sector is considering using the distributed ledger technology to track renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2018

Opinion

Energy efficiency helps housing affordability, especially for low-income families

Left unchecked, rising energy costs can compromise the quality and long-term affordability of rental homes for low-income Californians, Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister and NRDC's Maria Stamas write.

By Maria Stamas and Andrew McAllister

DOE: Efficiency partnership with US manufacturers is saving billions

The Trump administration has not always shown enthusiasm when it comes to energy efficiency, but its "Better Plants" partnership with the manufacturing sector is showing results.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 13, 2018

Northwest utilities return to normal gas service after Enbridge pipeline rupture

The incident in British Columbia reduced natural gas supply to generators operated by Puget Sound Energy and Avista, as well as residential and commercial customers. 

By Iulia Gheorghiu • UPDATED: Oct. 12, 2018 at 8:50 a.m.

DC's aggressive clean energy bill gets initial hearing

The bill would require the District to use 100% renewable energy by 2032. Currently, the city is on track to get 50% of its energy from renewable sources in that time.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 11, 2018

Opinion

As companies like Lyft and UPS electrify fleets, local incentives can play a key role

Chicago’s Drive Clean Truck Program is a great example of an innovative incentive for alternative fuel and electric vehicles, Illinois Commerce Commissioner Anastasia Palivos writes.

By Anastasia Palivos, Ritta Merza and Emily Brumit

Regulators trim Kentucky Utilities' demand management programs

While the Public Service Commission's decision will allow Kentucky Utilities to extend many energy efficiency programs, regulators found some not pulling their weight.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 09, 2018

Q&A

How Coral Gables, FL uses smart tech to prepare for hurricane season

As Florida braces for Hurricane Michael, the city will rely on a "well-planned and engineered network" to maintain critical communications and boost resiliency. 

By Chris Teale • Oct. 09, 2018

Arizona regulator wants to adopt 80% clean energy plan before gas moratorium ends

Commissioner Andy Tobin wants to have the Arizona Energy Modernization Plan adopted as a final rule by the middle of February — significantly faster than typical rulemaking proceedings.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 08, 2018

States spent $400M more last year on energy efficiency, ACEEE finds

New Jersey improved the most while Iowa fell farthest in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's annual state energy efficiency ranking.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 05, 2018

Duke to install 530 EV chargers in Florida, study grid integration

The utility will focus EV charging infrastructure efforts on public spaces, making 10% of the installations in lower-income communities.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 04, 2018

Coal lobby pleased as Trump nominates ally McNamee to FERC

The Department of Energy official is expected to align closer with White House priorities than former Commissioner Robert Powelson, who stepped down in August. 

By Gavin Bade • UPDATED: Oct. 4, 2018 at 9:40 a.m.

9 solar and storage executives share utility wish lists

From sharing system data to opening grid plans to DERs, distributed energy vendors have a long list of priorities for utilities to address.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 02, 2018

Opinion

When PJM's capacity market stops working for consumers is it time to leave?

Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Brien Sheahan urges states with renewable energy mandates or nuclear subsidies to reevaluate their participation in the largest U.S. electricity market.

By Brien J. Sheahan​

New solar hybrid combines energy storage with record system efficiency

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Saudi Arabia say they have developed a device that could help electrify remote areas.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 01, 2018