As CCAs take over utility customers, local renewable generation emerges as the next big growth driver

The demand for customer choice has the potential to quicken the power system's transition toward cheaper, cleaner electricity, and is moving beyond California.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 8, 2019

These trends are defining the future of energy efficiency: Here's how utilities can prepare

Utilities must leverage technology to modernize their business models, maximize program value and maintain relevance in the new, customer-centric environment.

By Michael Mernick • Oct. 8, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Attracting next-gen urban EV consumers will require fancy footwork from charging companies

The environmental and financial rewards are substantial for companies that figure out how to provide reliable, cost-effective charging in public parking garages.

By William Sierzchula • Oct. 7, 2019

NYC picks 9 buildings for 'deep energy retrofits'

The retrofits follow passage of the Climate Mobilization Act, which set a goal to reduce government operation emissions 50% by 2030. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 2, 2019

Maryland sees biggest energy efficiency improvements, Kentucky largest decline: ACEEE

Maryland's EmPOWER program expansion bumped it up three slots in the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's annual state rankings, while Kentucky dropped nine slots.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019

Renewable gas or electrification? Minnesota's high stakes experiment on building decarbonization

CenterPoint Energy proposed a green tariff for renewable natural gas that was rejected by Minnesota regulators, but the utility says the fuel is a viable path to decarbonization.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 1, 2019

Pittsburgh becomes second city in the world to join UN energy efficiency program for buildings

The United Nations and Green Building Alliance signed an agreement with the city to establish an International Center of Excellence on High Performance Buildings in order to cut building emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 30, 2019

Uber, EVgo partner to expand ride-share electrification

The companies signed an MOU to research use of EVs on the platform and assess where more charging infrastructure is needed.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 27, 2019

Northeastern utilities aim to 'crush and flatten' system peaks as DERs boost grid efficiency

DER providers and utilities have found shared market interests in New England, leading to cooperative BYOD programs that provide a range of benefits for customers and the power system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2019

ACEEE: 'Ambitious' energy efficiency could halve US emissions by 2050

If cities are to hit climate goals and remain in step with targets outlined in the Paris climate agreement, they will need to take bold action, a new American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy report finds.

By Chris Teale • Sept. 19, 2019

San Jose becomes largest city requiring all-electric buildings, as local climate actions rise

The new requirements go into effect next year and aim to decrease solar and storage costs, increase the availability of electric vehicle charging and encourage the use of more efficient appliances.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 19, 2019

Trump administration threatens California emissions authority as state continues EV-focus

California passed six EV-related bills this legislative session, but its zero emissions vehicle rebate program could be threatened by EPA's actions.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 19, 2019

Virginia Gov. Northam orders 100% carbon-free power by 2050

The governor's order also calls for the state to reach 30% renewable energy and reduce its power consumption 10% below 2006 levels by 2022.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 18, 2019

Burlington, Vermont's net zero energy roadmap showcases how utilities can lead on climate

The city's goal of eliminating fossil fuel use across the electric, thermal and ground transportation sectors, may be one of the most ambitious local climate goals in the nation, writes Burlington Electric's Darren Springer.

By Darren Springer • Sept. 18, 2019

The value of customer-sited storage: It's about more than demand charges, study finds

Surprise findings in the report from the Department of Energy's Berkeley Lab can help inform new rate structures for customer-sited storage.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 16, 2019

New England grid operator sees potential for year-round power constraints

Despite a tight supply-demand balance, ISO-NE said it expects to operate a reliable and affordable electric grid through transmission investments and a reliance on energy efficiency.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2019

Michigan urges MISO, PJM to improve regional reliability after Consumers compressor station fire

In a letter to the grid operators, the state's governor and head regulator called for quicker interconnection processes to improve regional resource diversity and a reexamination of demand response capabilities.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 12, 2019

City grids risk being overwhelmed by EV growth: Report

Electricity supplies could suffer without partnerships between utilities and city agencies, The Rocky Mountain Institute and Seattle City Light warned. 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 10, 2019

Duke updated IRP projects around 2.2 GW load growth, met with new natural gas

The utility plans to retire around 3.6 GW of coal by 2033, and plans to meet that capacity plus its projected load growth with gas as well as some solar and storage technologies.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 6, 2019

DOE downplays impact of new light bulb rules, but NGOs ready to sue

The U.S. Department of Energy says new standards for general service incandescent lamps are not economically justified. Efficiency advocates say they would save consumers billions. The fight is likely headed to court.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 4, 2019

Pittsburgh mayor introduces energy efficiency legislation

The proposal, requiring that new and upgraded government buildings be net-zero energy efficient, follows the city's first energy benchmarking report.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 4, 2019

Is PREPA ready for hurricane season?

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has "a fragile system," according to the utility's director of project management, and "it still hasn't been elevated to the codes and standards for a Category 4" storm.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 29, 2019

NFI, Penske to deploy electric trucks in Southern California

As carriers bring more electric vehicles into their operations, is it possible for shippers to request their goods be delivered using greener methods?

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 28, 2019

Rocky Mountain Power to operate largest US residential battery demand response project

Sonnen and the utility are partnering to build a virtual power plant at the new 600-unit apartment complex, with 12.6 MWh of energy capacity from a 5.2 MW solar array.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2019

Let's reduce wholesale market costs by tapping the full potential of DERs

"FERC should continue to enable more opportunities for DERs to contribute to the future of the grid ... we must unlock the potential of this fleet to create a more efficient grid for all," writes Sunrun's Chris Rauscher.

By Chris Rauscher • Aug. 27, 2019