Grand Rapids, Michigan to slash building energy use 50% by 2030

Grand Rapids, Michigan is the latest city to join the 2030 District movement, partnering real estate developers and public officials in a bid to reduce energy use and emissions. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2015

Michigan utilities continue efficiency programs despite delay in energy bill

The state will not pass energy legislation this year, but Michigan utilities are extending efficiency programs for at least two years.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2015

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

New thermostat offerings highlight growing home energy management market

A pair of announcements last week highlight new thermostat offerings in the growing trend of home energy management devices. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2015

How smart meters are changing energy efficiency in California

The state has aggressive energy efficiency goals and is looking to leverage the proliferation of advanced metering infrastructure as a way to expand the resource. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2015

Vermont utility teams with Tesla to offer home battery installment plan

The system will cost $6,500 but the expense can be decreased by sharing the storage capacity with Green Mountain Power, the utility said.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 7, 2015

San Diego City Council readies 100% renewables mandate for approval

Under the city's proposed Climate Action Plan, community choice aggregation could take the place of utility power procurement.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 4, 2015

Report: Mass. utilities target over $20B in efficiency savings in a decade

A new report from Acadia Center credits Massachusetts utilities with developing the most aggressive efficiency plans in the nation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2015

Pennsylvania utilities target big savings in energy efficiency plans

Over the next five years, Pennsylvanua regulators plan to slash 376 MW from the state's peak demand.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2015

Report: Power-hungry data centers have big potential for efficiency

As the energy requirements for internet and cloud applications grow, utilities are increasingly focused on efficiency at power-hungry data centers.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 3, 2015

Smart city, smart utility: A formidable union for urban sustainability

In this guest post, officials from Black & Veatch highlight new opportunities for power sector players in building sustainable cities. 

By Jennifer James and Mike Bossom • Dec. 2, 2015

5 drivers making 100% renewables possible

A new paper offers companies and governments a toolkit to implement five transformative opportunities and reach big renewables targets.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 2, 2015

Consumers advocates protest Indiana utilities pushing fixed charge increases

The Northern Indiana Public Service Company wants a nearly 100% increase in monthly fixed charges for residential customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

New trouble for NextEra merger as regulators slam Hawaiian Electric power supply plan

Unless NextEra offers a better plan, and fast, observers say the takeover bid could be in jeopardy.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 1, 2015

Report: Energy efficiency could slash $250B annually from decarbonization costs

A report focused on energy programs in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Mexico, and the United States found energy efficiency could eliminate the costs associated with limiting global warming.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 30, 2015

How much energy does it take to roast a turkey?

Your burning utility sector Thanksgiving questions, answered. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 25, 2015

Penn. regulators mull allowing large customers to opt out of efficiency program

Large power users say the efficiency program does little for their businesses, but regulators fear allowing them to opt out will gut its efficacy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 25, 2015

12 charts that show the state of the US clean energy revolution

A new DOE report highlights deployment and price trends for five key technologies in the clean energy revolution.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 24, 2015

Despite green outcry, CPUC approves SoCal Edison gas & storage plans

The California Public Utilities Commission approves 57 of 63 of controversial SoCal Ed procurement contracts, but sees room for improvment in the "all-source RFO process."

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 24, 2015

Siemens, RWE team up to develop mass-market virtual power plant

The two companies will expand on a 2010 virtual power plant pilot, which included combined heat and power systems, hydro units and backup power, to include a wider range of resources. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 24, 2015

Mass. AG: New England should opt for efficiency, DR over new gas pipelines

There is no need for additional gas capacity in New England through 2030, according to a new report released by the Massachusetts Attorney General, which finds efficiency and conservation can help meet power demands.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2015

Wisconsin utility rolls out plan for 30% renewables by 2030

The Wisconsin-based Madison Gas and Electric Co. plans to supply 30% of its retail power sales with renewable energy by 2030. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2015

The future of rate design: Why the utility industry may shift away from fixed charges

A focus on fixed charges is giving way to more comprehensive rate structures for utilities, but big questions loom on the horizon for regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2015

The future of behavioral demand response: Utilities warm to a bullish new market

A growing body of analysis shows behavioral demand management programs return consistent, reliable results and are easy to implement. But a number of pitfalls dog the nascent sector.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

United Illuminating plans 2.2 MW microgrid for Connecticut town

The 2.2 MW microgrid project will complete the utility's commitment to build 10 MW of renewable generation under Connecticut’s Renewable Connections Program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2015

In a bid to reimagine power delivery, TFC Utilities buys GridPoint

Formed earlier this year, Twenty First Century Utilities LLC wants to transform regulated utilities through the mass adoption of clean, low cost energy technologies. 

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2015