FERC rejects PJM's 'stop-gap' plan for demand response

The uncertainty continues over demand response's role in wholesale markets. 

By Davide Savenije • April 1, 2015

Texas debates bill to eliminate utility fees for low demand customers

Electric companies say minimum use fees are vital to their rate structure and are clearly disclosed.

By Robert Walton • April 1, 2015

Measure to preserve large water heaters for demand response clears Senate

A measure pushed by electric cooperatives would ensure large-volume water heaters continue to be used in demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2015

Long-delayed national energy efficiency measure passes Senate

The measure passed during a late-night session last week, ultimately seeing a vote around 4 a.m.

By Robert Walton • March 31, 2015

Wisconsin regulators approve Xcel-ATC line to deliver wind to MISO

The $580MIL, 180 mile Badger-Coulee line is scheduled to be in service by 2020.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 30, 2015

Popular Oncor efficiency programs suffer big budget cuts

Oncor's energy efficiency programs have had funding reduced by $2.6 million.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2015

Minnesota regulators approve Xcel rate hike, order revenue decoupling

The decoupling pilot will be the first of its kind in the state.

By Robert Walton • March 30, 2015

Indiana Senate passes efficiency bill

But the measure, which would replace an efficiency program defunded last year, faces skeptics in the Indiana House.

By Robert Walton • March 27, 2015

How customer empowerment is helping utilities cut 'energy fat'

A partnership between PG&E and Bidgely hints at what's next for demand side management. 

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2015

ComEd anticipates 200,000 MWh savings annually with Opower partnership

The program will be rolled out to 1.5 million customers.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2015

Co-ops plead with Congress to save water heaters used for demand response

More than 250 electric cooperatives use large water heaters as energy storage devices for demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015

How California regulators are reforming energy markets to boost demand response

Third party vendors will soon be able to directly provide demand response programs.

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2015

EPSA urges Supreme Court not to reconsider FERC Order 745 invalidation

The group of competitive power suppliers said the D.C. Circuit Court ruled correctly when it struck down FERC's jurisdiction over demand response.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

Idaho Power tops efficiency, demand response targets

The utility reported a 33% increase in energy savings by customers participating in 2014 efficiency programs and activities.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

ComEd backs sweeping Illinois clean energy bill

The utility is supporting a measure that would call for development of six microgrids and broad support for clean energy.

By Robert Walton • March 20, 2015

Maine regulators cut efficiency spending from $60M to $22M

Critics say regulators have cut efficiency spending below the state legislature's intent.

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

Minnesota lawmakers consider bills on RPS, efficiency, CPP compliance

The state's political climate makes it tough to handicap bills aimed at boosting renewables, efficiency and giving lawmakers more control over Clean Power Plan compliance.

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2015

Going small: Microgrids are good for reliability, but are they good business?

Navigant Research weighs in on the challenges and opportunities for the global microgrid market.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

SolarCity moves to 'run the grid' with new microgrid service

The nation's largest solar installer launches a "microgrid-as-a-service" product to enhance reliability.

By Gavin Bade • March 16, 2015

Texas lawmakers introduce bill to unlock demand response market

Demand response currently shaves only about 4% of energy use during peak demand periods in Texas.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

Coming soon to Texas: Demand response growth?

A bill has been introduced that calls for the state's demand response market to be more fully developed.

By Robert Walton • March 11, 2015

TVA's plan for future: Less coal, more gas and efficiency

The biggest U.S. public utility filed its 20-year integrated resource plan, which does not call for any new base load generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 10, 2015

Los Angeles adopts financing program for home efficiency projects

The program has helped to fund more than 26,500 residential projects, totaling more than $514 million in financing. 

By Robert Walton • March 9, 2015

Why it's so hard to monetize the distribution grid

Utilities and regulators must move quickly to set up markets beyond the substation.

By Gavin Bade • March 6, 2015

PSE&G nears agreement on $95 million efficiency program

The investment would target hospitals, government buildings and multi-family dwellings.

By Robert Walton • March 5, 2015