Colorado clean energy: 4 reasons the future is bright despite Trump

Earthjustice's Michael Hiatt says renewables and efficiency will continue growing in the state, regardless of federal policy.

By Michael Hiatt • July 21, 2017

5 new strategies to design more effective utility DER pilots

A new RMI report uses insights from utility pilots and demonstration projects to form a roadmap for the energy transition.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Electricity Supply and Demand

After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

By Utility Dive staff

Straight Outta BQDM: Consolidated Edison looks to expand its non-wires approach

After state officials extended the utility's initial demand management project, Consolidated Edison is considering expanding its grid-edge strategy.

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2017

House Appropriations Committee votes to cut Energy Star funding 40%

The White House originally proposed axing the program entirely, but the introduced 2018 spending bill keeps the Energy Star program alive, though at a reduced level. 

By Robert Walton • July 19, 2017

Beyond TOU: Is more dynamic pricing the future of rate design?

Analysts say sending stronger price signals to residential ratepayers could help reduce peak demand, but consumer advocates are leery.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 17, 2017

Strategic review leads to management shakeup at Edison International consultancy

Edison launched its "energy-as-a-service" company last year as a way to help large corporate consumers lower power bills. 

By Robert Walton • July 13, 2017

Competitive electricity retailing: Why restructuring must go on

Power consultant Erik Desrosiers offers five steps regulators can take to get electricity deregulation back on track.

By Erik Desrosiers • July 11, 2017

Hawaiian Electric proposes new, cheaper grid modernization plan

A previous grid modernization plan was rejected in December for being too costly.

By Peter Maloney • July 6, 2017

Shell wades into the power sector with bid for Texas retail provider MP2 Energy

The retail power supplier boasts a diverse energy portfolio, including wind, solar and gas, as well as 550 MW of demand response capacity in Texas.

By Robert Walton • July 6, 2017

How New York City expects to save 75 MW this summer through demand response

The city's complex demand management program just registered its 400th facility and it's looking to expand further.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

Kansas regulators nix bulk of KCP&L efficiency proposal

Kansas City Power & Light wanted to develop efficiency programs similar to what it has been running in its Missouri service territory for years, but Kansas regulators balked at the cost.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

Report: Large commercial building controls could cut energy use 30%

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory examined 34 different energy efficiency measures, most of which rely on various building controls

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

Southern Co. unit forms alliance with Advanced Microgrid Solutions

Southern will bring its experience at designing and building distributed generation solutions, mostly to commercial and industrial customers, to the partnership.

By Peter Maloney • June 28, 2017

As gas plants struggle, California seeks new flexible capacity strategies

With up to 6 GW of gas plants at risk of closure in the coming years, energy stakeholders are scrambling for new compensation techniques and zero-carbon alternatives. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 27, 2017

US mayors pass resolution to target 100% renewable energy by 2035

Leaders of more than 250 U.S. cities said they are committed to holding up their end of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trump's decision to withdraw from the pact. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

Italian company Enel makes $300M bid for EnerNOC

Enel Green Power North America will purchase the demand response company for $7.67/share in an all-cash deal.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2017

DC Court of Appeals rejects challenges to PJM capacity rules

Nine groups had challenged the new PJM rules, which require resources to be available year-round.

By Robert Walton • June 23, 2017

Arizona business groups clamor for efficiency funding after TEP pulls commercial program

Last month, Tucson Electric Power halted its commercial energy-efficiency programs for the rest of the year after running out of funds.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017

Utility customer engagement goes digital

Utilities find the best engagement experience involves meeting customers where they are — online and on mobile devices. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 19, 2017

CAISO finalizes proposed storage, DR rules

The goal is to lower barriers to energy storage and distributed resources participating in the California ISO market.

By Robert Walton • June 16, 2017

SMUD's holistic DER planning process could set new standard for utilities

Even solar advocates are praising the distributed resource planning done by Sacramento's municipal utility.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 16, 2017

Heat waves: Demand response's time to shine

Efficiency and demand response can keep hot weather from turning into a price spike for individual customers and the larger grid. 

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2017

Massachusetts bill would compel utilities to consider non-wires alternatives

Under H. 1725, utilities would have to submit any plans for system upgrades to a newly created Grid Modernization Board, which would evaluate the viability of NWAs.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • June 14, 2017

2017 Utility Customer Study: Evaluating the reliability of utility providers

Reliability has been a table stake for utilities for decades, but being ‘out of sight’ has led to being ‘out of mind’ among many utility customers. 

June 13, 2017