As utilities embrace DERs, pilot projects emerge as key element of compromise

Utility DER pilots are helping build familiarity with new technologies and resolve sector disputes over distributed energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 4, 2017

Demand response startup Voltus launches with 400 MW of contracts

The commercial and industrial demand response provider launched with nearly 600 sites participating across all major electricity markets.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 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

Thousands of businesses, groups lobby for defense of EPA Energy Star program

Organized by the Alliance to Save Energy, the groups argue the voluntary efficiency program is among the most successful public-private partnerships in U.S. history.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

Pepco proposes off-peak charging rate for EV drivers in DC

The program would build on lessons in neighboring Maryland, where the utility found drivers readily changed charging behavior in reaction to rate design. 

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

Nevada Senate clears trio of energy bills on storage, efficiency, utility planning

One measure would direct state regulators to consider requiring utilities to purchase energy storage, while another would establish annual efficiency goals.

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2017

Proposed Massachusetts efficiency, clean energy programs shoot for low-income access

The six new programs are the final component of the state's $15 million initiative to boost access to affordable clean energy.

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

Comverge brings BYOD demand response pilot to Arkansas

The Bring-Your-Own-Device program for Entergy Arkansas will run alongside the the utility's Summer Advantage residential demand response program. 

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

Report: New York Gov. Cuomo taps NYSERDA CEO John Rhodes to chair PSC

Rhodes will take the spot vacated by former PSC Chair Audrey Zibleman, who left for one of Australia's grid operators. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 24, 2017

As funding slows, DOE touts 38 awards for small business research collaboration

Funding for cutting-edge energy projects has slowed since the Obama administration, but DOE still used Earth Day to highlight new collaborations at the national labs. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

PECO Energy taps CPower for C&I demand response program

The program will run during summer months until 2020 and allows enrollment in addition to existing PJM programs. 

By Robert Walton • April 24, 2017

The new all-of-the above: HECO looks to wind, solar and beyond for 100% renewables mandate

Hawaiian Electric Co.'s roadmap to a 100% renewables grid will rely on EVs and DERs alongside established central-station renewables.

By Robert Walton • April 20, 2017

Coming soon to a data center near you: Energy efficiency

Nearly a decade ago, the tech industry received an energy wake-up call. Today, data centers are doing more with less energy and a smaller carbon footprint.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • April 20, 2017

Wal-Mart taps AMS to install 40 MWh of energy storage at California stores

Advanced Microgrid Solutions will put batteries at 27 of the retail giant's locations, helping reduce peak demand and providing grid services to Southern California Edison. 

By Peter Maloney • April 13, 2017

Is utility rate design the key to widespread electric vehicle adoption?

Electricity rate structure can make or break the business case for independent charging stations essential to spur EV uptake. 

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2017

'Enabler of the smart city': CPS Energy's CEO on democratizing distributed energy

Electric utilities have a central role to play in spreading the energy technologies that make smart cities possible, Paula Gold-Williams, CEO of San Antonio's municipal utility, told Utility Dive. 

By Gavin Bade • April 11, 2017

New gas build, coal retirements could make PJM next market with distressed power prices

A flood of new, efficient gas-fired plants is set to put downward pressure on PJM power prices, Moody's says, pushing more coal plants to the brink.

By Peter Maloney • April 7, 2017

Maryland Gov. Hogan allows efficiency expansion to go into effect

Maryland utilities will need to reduce electricity usage 2% annually by 2020, after Gov. Larry Hogan declined to veto a bill to expand energy efficiency goals.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2017

Study: Demand response could offset 2 GW of summer peak demand growth in Michigan

A combination of demand management strategies save the state $10 billion over a decade by avoiding investment in new infrastructure, according to Advanced Energy Economy.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2017

PacifiCorp long-term plan includes 3 GW of renewable energy

The six-state, $3.5 billion plan also predicts efficiency will offset 88% of forecasted demand growth over the next decade.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2017

Report: Efficiency, demand response spending continues to rise, nears $9B

Spending on demand side management programs in the United States and Canada grew 1% in 2015, according to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency.

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2017

PNM taps Comverge to manage 60 MW smart thermostat demand response program

The agreement, which could begin next year, would target commercial and residential customers using both direct installations of smart thermostats and a bring-your-own-device approach. 

By Robert Walton • April 5, 2017

States, green groups threaten lawsuit if Trump doesn't finalize efficiency standards

A dozen state and city governments informed the White House they will file a lawsuit unless the Department of Energy moves to finalize efficiency regulations covering commercial and consumer products.

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2017

Failed bipartisan energy bill could get second life as Senate committee advances provisions

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced 65 bills last week, many of which were a part of last year's energy package that stalled in conference committee. 

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2017

Primer: Technology, consumer sentiment push utilities to new business models

The move to a cleaner, more distributed energy system is pushing wholesale changes to how utilities make money and plan their power grids. 

By Robert Walton • April 3, 2017

The top 5 states for utility grid modernization and business model reform

From expansive sector redesigns to step-by-step DER dockets, states across the nation are rethinking the grid and how utilities make money off it. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • April 3, 2017