How Opower is pushing behavioral demand response into the mainstream

More than 1.5 million customers will use Opower's platform this summer, and some utilities are engaging it with time-sensitive rates to see better load reductions.

By Robert Walton • May 27, 2015

Report: Demand response could have saved Texas $200 million from 2012-2013

New analysis shows Texas consumers could have saved hundreds of millions by modestly curbing energy use on a few key days.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2015

CPUC approves contentious new 500 MW gas plant for SDG&E

Critics say the utility can get the same generation from renewables and energy efficiency.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 26, 2015

Inside the surprising lessons from PECO's time-of-use rate pilot

Though small in size, the TOU pilot busts some common myths about variable pricing, the utility and its partners say.

By Gavin Bade • May 22, 2015

Democratic US rep. files bill to extend solar ITC for 5 years

The measure elicited support from the Solar Energy Industries Association, which predicted it would boost the economy and help maintain electric reliability.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

Study: Efficiency can drive down costs of Clean Power Plan compliance

A new report examining Clean Power Plan costs finds that many estimates don't plan for efficiency improvements, which could be significant cost savers.

By Robert Walton • May 21, 2015

The future of global demand response markets, explained

A new report from Navigant finds demand response spending is poised to grow to $1.3 billion annually by 2024, spurred by an array of policies and needs, and enabled by technologies allowing faster response to changing market conditions.

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

How utilities can reverse declining customer satisfaction and still make money

“Ultimately, what separates the best from the worst, so to speak, really comes down power reliability."

By Robert Walton • May 20, 2015

What a 50% renewables mandate means for California

A new report says billions of dollars in clean energy development could be unlocked, but it will mean big changes for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2015

Wright-Hennepin: A case study in utility transformation

Solar is helping the small co-op survive amist competition from large IOUs and flat load growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2015

Vermont bill for 55% renewables mandate by 2017 passes initial senate vote

Controversial changes to the legislation are still expected, including a possible deadline delay.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2015

PG&E inks $90M contract with Opower

The signing of Pacific Gas & Electric marks Opower's largest contract to date.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

New Hampshire regulators working to establish efficiency standards

New Hampshire is the only New England state without a formal efficiency target.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

SMUD: Time-of-use is the future of rate design

By 2018, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District hopes to make variable power pricing standard for all customers.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

With new exec committee, VA Gov. McAuliffe looks to accelerate efficiency targets

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is committing the state to faster energy use reductions, including a goal of dropping retail consumption by 10% by 2020.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

As smart meters spread, alternative rate plans gain traction

Time-of-use rates and pre-paid power plans are two innovative offerings Georgia Power has developed for customers.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

Critcs skeptical as Indiana governor signs efficiency law

A new law allowing utilities to set their own energy efficiency targets has environmentalists wary that little good will result.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Report: 'Always-on' devices waste $19B in energy annually

According to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, consumer electronics which never power down consume massive amounts of electricity when not in use.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

How will the EPA's Clean Power Plan affect the economy?

A new independent study predicts job growth from the plan, but the impacts will be localized.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 8, 2015

Maine House approves initial fix to energy efficiency program

Governor Paul LePage (R) has indicated he will veto the bill unless certain amendments are added.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2015

How utilities and policymakers can maintain and boost renewable energy's value

New research puts numbers on the strategies and technologies that best support renewables.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

NC House passes bill to freeze renewable portfolio standard

A last-minute amendment had many renewables advocates worried a key tax provision was about to be rescinded, but it was withdrawn in exchange for other concessions.

By Davide Savenije • May 7, 2015

ICYMI: What to expect when demand response goes before the Supreme Court

Legal battles and market uncertainty are the new status quo until SCOTUS rules. And even then, 'certainty' could take many forms.

By Davide Savenije • May 6, 2015

Report: For CPP compliance in Minnesota, renewables can beat gas on price

Without subsidies, the state’s wind is now economically competitive with natural gas.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 6, 2015

DC Circuit overturns EPA backup generator rule

The decision is a blow to demand response providers; a win for generators. 

By Gavin Bade • May 4, 2015