Nevada debates efficiency rebates as it looks to lower NV Energy's budget

Nevada regulators cut the energy efficiency budget of NV Energy in an effort to lower the utility's bottom line, but critics say the targeted programs were helping to save consumers money.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2016

Can utilities learn to love distributed solar like central station arrays?

Utility-scale solar has become mainstream among U.S. power providers, but persisting questions around cost and valuation are masking further opportunties in the distributed generation space, analysts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

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

Appliance standards: The biggest bipartisan energy initiative you've never heard of

From ice makers to washing machines to air conditioners and refrigerators, efficiency standards for appliances could a surprisingly effective demand-side energy policy, especially compared to the scant attention they receive. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

New arrival Spruce ups game for 'trusted energy advisor' role

A new company offering both DER and efficiency financing can be a partner or a competitor to incumbent utilities looking to bolster their customer relationships. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

California regulators approve SCE pilot to build 1,500 EV charging stations

The pilot program calls for the installation of 1,500 stations and could lead to a $333 million, 30,000 station buildout by 2020.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

Chicago expands large building energy benchmarking program five-fold

The scope of Chicago's Energy Benchmarking ordinance may be more important than the results at this point: More than 1,800 buildings — 20% of the city's building energy demand — are now included in the usage survey.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2016

Wait for ruling on FERC Order 745 bodes well for agency, DR backers say

An order vacating FERC's jurisdiction over demand response could have been penned quickly, so demand response advocates say the extended wait for a decision may mean good news is on the way for the agency.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2016

Delaware auditor criticizes energy efficiency program as 'inadequate'

Delaware's state auditor found efficiency upgrades at several government buildings "inadequate," but his report now faces criticism from several parties who claim that the program is working.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2016

'Bring Your Own Thermostat' demand management programs could be a $3B market

We've come a long way from the little beige rectangle stuck to your living room wall. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2016

California utilities tap 40 MW in auction for demand response capacity

The state's IOUs unveiled their first awards under the Demand Response Auction Mechanism, designed to allow more customer-sited resources to participate in wholesale markets. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 13, 2016

Florida cities rank low on ACEEE energy efficiency scorecard

Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Orlando all scored poorly in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy city scorecard last year.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2016

Ontario power providers tap Opower for efficiency, DSM offerings

Perhaps best known for its work in behavioral demand response, Opower's work in Ontario will focus on tweaking customers' energy efficiency habits.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2016

Using weather forecasts to manage power demand? There's an app for that

With thousands of weather sensors all across the United States, Earth Networks – best known for the popular WeatherBug app – believes it can use that data to help utilities manage demand.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2016

Indiana regulators order NIPSCO to resubmit energy efficiency plan

The ruling is seen as support for Governor Mike Pence’s proposed efficiency bill, which 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 6, 2016

Passage of omnibus spending bill means enhanced efficiency rebates, funding

The bill provided for energy efficiency rebates to homes and businesses, as well as allowing a tax deduction to encourage efficiency upgrades of commercial buildings.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2016

The Year of the Customer: 5 demand management trends to watch in 2016

If 2015 was the year technology began to transform demand management, 2016 will see those concepts expand and begin to truly empower customers.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2016

ComEd pilot targets power savings through enhanced customer access to usage data

The utility has teamed up with startup MeterGenius to provide thousands of customers with enhanced access and insight into their energy usage.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 5, 2016

DERs in 2016: What experts expect for a booming sector

With the market for distributed energy resources set to blossom thanks to the extensions of vital tax credits, solar especially is primed to grow, experts predict. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2016

2015: The year technology transformed demand management

Energy efficiency and demand response have long been two sides of the same coin, but advancements in communications, technology and data analysis are bringing them even closer together.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2015

Report: FERC finds a mixed bag for demand response despite AMI expansion

Demand response resources are growing, but so is peak demand, resulting in little net change from DR's participation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 23, 2015

DOE touts new efficiency standards for commercial AC, furnaces as largest in history

The U.S. Department of Energy announced new efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners and furnaces, which are expected to save businesses $167 billion on their utility bills over the next three decades.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2015

Report: Energy efficiency can meet Pacific Northwest demand through 2035

In more than 90% of scenarios, energy efficiency can meet the region's demand for the next 20 years, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2015

San Diego City Council approves 100% renewables by 2035 Climate Action Plan

The mandate is expected to cut city emissions 50% and grow the economy, lawmakers said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 17, 2015

Energy efficiency in 2015: Major wins and a holiday wish list

The holidays are always a time to take stock, and 2015 was a big year for energy efficiency as witnessed by federal regulations like the Clean Power Plan. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015

Supreme Court likely to defer rule on FERC Order 745 to next year

A decision on FERC's authority over demand response markets is unlikely to arrive in the waning days of 2015, but come mid January all eyes will be on the high court.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015