Leading by example: Lawmakers should step up performance contracts on federal buildings

Bills introduced by four members of Congress could send a powerful pro-energy efficiency message across the country.

By Charles Hernick • Aug. 8, 2019

What's the best role for utilities as EVs proliferate? With Pepco, DC aims to find the right balance

A Public Service Commission order raises questions about how and if third-party charging companies should be regulated.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 7, 2019

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AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

Are codes and standards the missing pieces to drive DR market transformation?

Codifying demand response-ready technologies will help increase their market penetration, reduce implementation costs for DR programs, and provide vendors with clear and standardized technology requirements.

By Lucas Schroyer • Aug. 7, 2019

California opens $1B in efficiency funding to electrification

The California Public Utilities Commission used to discourage substituting electricity for gas. Now, advocates say that's exactly what the state must do.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 2, 2019

Utilities' embrace of DER technologies previews the coming decade of DSM

The utility of the future must actively engage customers through demand side management initiatives, according to Navigant, which identified eight key drivers for evolving energy efficiency and demand response programs.

By Jessie Mehrhoff • July 31, 2019

Senate committee unanimously approves $1 billion for EV, natural gas and hydrogen fuel infrastructure

President Trump tweeted support for the bill Tuesday morning, saying "it will have BIG IMPACT on our highways and roads all across our Nation."

By Max Witynski • July 31, 2019

Senators propose national efficiency standard to save 22% of electric utility energy by 2035

The measure could generate $150 billion in net savings by 2030, according to efficiency advocates.

By Robert Walton • July 26, 2019

Bipartisan efficiency legislation targets buildings, industry and federal government

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, have introduced efficiency legislation together for years with little success. Advocates say the new bill is the best yet, but it faces builder opposition.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2019

Cincinnati to add more EVs to its city fleet

The city is also engaging in programs to increase citizens' awareness of and exposure to EVs through partnerships with local and regional bodies.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 18, 2019

Rockefeller grant to tackle 'energy poverty' in emerging economies

Four universities split the $3.8 million grant to use data to predict electricity demand in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

By Jason Plautz • July 17, 2019

Colorado regulators cancel Black Hills Energy TOU pilot amid concerns for low-income customers

The PUC chairman suggested combining TOU with demand side management could better empower low income customers to take control of their bills.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 17, 2019

Toyota to partner with world's largest electric car battery supplier

The partnership will help Toyota secure supply in an increasingly competitive race to scale up EV production in the next five to 10 years.

By Morgan Forde • July 17, 2019

Tendril targets utility customer care trend, merges into a new platform

The company shifted its strategy from acquiring market leaders to providing end-to-end service to customers through a more integrated load management platform.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 16, 2019

VW and Ford expand partnership on EVs, AVs

Volkswagen will invest $2.6 billion in Argo AI, signaling the latest collaboration between major automakers adapting to new mobility trends. 

By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2019

Arizona's new EV growth plan could save customers billions, groups say

State regulators on Thursday approved guidelines for electric vehicle pilot programs that include a focus on infrastructure, education and outreach as well as an analysis of where to locate charging stations.

By Robert Walton • July 12, 2019

US Green Building Council seeks proposals to strengthen new LEED standard

The council wants input on how to shape the next version of its rating system following the April release of v4.1. 

By Kim Slowey • July 12, 2019

Home Energy Reports: Still the 'biggest, baddest way' to drive customer behavior

Tweaking customer behavior is becoming more imperative and a combination of solutions basically tells customers, "You suck at using energy. Come buy a smart thermostat."

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2019

National parks get EV chargers through BMW partnership

One hundred EV chargers are being installed at parks across the country with industry-standard plugs for use across different brands.

By Jason Plautz • July 10, 2019

Demand response is dead. Long live Flexiwatts!

Load-shifting demand response is available to help with California's renewable integration, and can effectively mitigate the Duck Curve, but first it needs to be rebranded.

By Lillian Mirviss • July 10, 2019

Report: Volkswagen pursues joint ventures with suppliers to secure EV production

Automakers looking to transition to electric vehicles face challenges sourcing the lithium and cobalt they need to produce a sufficient quantity of batteries.

By Morgan Forde • July 9, 2019

Siemens finds 75% carbon emissions reduction potential for Pittsburgh by 2030

The company's City Performance Tool found the city could exceed its climate goals by expanding district heating systems and implementing electric buses and car-sharing, among other initiatives.

By Cailin Crowe • July 9, 2019

DOE gas furnace, water heater efficiency proposal will cost consumers billions, NGOs warn

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to issue an "interpretive rule" that opponents say will freeze standards for residential furnaces and commercial water heaters that use natural gas or propane.

By Robert Walton • July 8, 2019

US mayors recognized for climate protection efforts focused on EVs, renewables

Los Angeles and Fayetteville, Arkansas took home top awards related to support for electric vehicles and solar power, respectively, while 10 other cities received honorable mentions at the 13th Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards.

By Jason Plautz • July 3, 2019

Xcel, Minnesota Power propose subscription services, lower demand charges to propel EV growth

Adoption of electric vehicles has been relatively modest in Minnesota so far, but sales grew by 103% in the state from 2017 to 2018.

By Robert Walton • July 3, 2019

Market transformation: Moving beyond traditional energy efficiency programs to cement change

Energy efficiency programs have been operating in various markets for more than 30 years, but their energy savings potential is shrinking, Navigant's Jan Harris writes.

By Jan Harris • July 3, 2019