Calendar of Events

2013 Deloitte Energy Conference
May 21, 2013 to May 22, 2013 | Washington, DC
Distribution Automation & Grid Modernization
May 21, 2013 to May 22, 2013 | Charlotte, North Carolina
5th Annual Managing Regulatory Compliance for Electric Utilities
May 21, 2013 to May 23, 2013 | Atlanta, GA
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Public Utilities Reports

PUR Guide 2012 Fully Updated Version

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PUR Guide

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Smart Grid

Economy of Small

How DG and microgrids change the game for utilities.

Michael T. Burr

Energy microgrids have emerged as more than just a curiosity. The technology is improving, costs are falling, and developers are lining up to build projects. How will microgrids overcome the substantial challenges that stand in their way?

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Energy Efficiency's False Hope

Only behavioral change will reduce energy consumption.

Andrew Rudin

Standards and technology don't reduce energy consumption, despite the claims of efficiency zealots. Real energy savings only come through behavioral change.

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Smaller, Cheaper, and More Resilient

The rationale for microgrids.

Edward N. Krapels and Clarke Bruno

Despite an array of challenges, microgrids are becoming a force in the market. Innovative projects bring greater efficiency and resilience.

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The Law of Unintended Consequences

The transition to distributed generation calls for a new regulatory model.

Robert E. Curry Jr.

With the best of intentions, policymakers have encouraged the proliferation of distributed generation (DG) in various forms. Now, however, the trend toward DG is accelerating more rapidly than traditional utility ratemaking and business models are capable of managing. Failure to rationalize the regulatory framework will bring serious and costly disruption.

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Peaceful Coexistence

Independent microgrids are coming. Will franchised utilities fight them or foster them?

Sara C. Bronin and Paul R. McCary

Despite offering a range of benefits, microgrids are proving to be controversial—especially when non-utility owned microgrids seek to serve multiple customers. The biggest battles are taking place in the realm of public policy. But utilities that pursue collaboration rather than confrontation are finding interesting opportunities for profitable investment.

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'Resilience'

A new watchword for the industry and its regulators.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

If the concept of resilience—including cyber and physical security—had been baked into the industry’s culture from the beginning, the energy grid might look a lot different from what it does today.

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IT-OT Convergence

Breaking down silos to achieve a more enabled workforce and more informed stakeholders.

Tim Taylor

Operations are finally getting together with IT. As a result, utilities will be able to achieve a range of business goals&emdash;and serve customers better.

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Franchise Fracas

Will Boulder be the last city to go muni? Don’t bet on it.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

When the goals of a utility and its host community aren’t in sync, breakups happen.

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Islands in the Storm

Microgrids begin to make economic sense.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

With microgrids in place, doomsday preppers wouldn't need to worry so much about a zombie plague.

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March of the Microgrids

Technology is changing the game. Is your utility ready?

Stephen Schneider

Although today microgrids serve a tiny fraction of the market, that share will grow as costs fall. Utilities can benefit if they plan ahead.

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