Threat From Behind the Meter
The case for utilities to compete directly with distributed resources.
Behind-the-meter energy threatens the utility business model. Does history offer a lesson for crafting a response?
Strategy & Planning
The Growing Footprint of Climate Change
Can systems built today cope with tomorrow’s weather extremes?
Climate change – heat waves, water shortages, and reduced flexibility – poses huge risks for electric utility infrastructure.
Benchmarking Your Rate Case
Show the PUC how your filing stacks up against the others.
With regulators reluctant to OK rate hikes, utilities can better justify an increase – if it compares well with the utility’s peer group.
Redefining Normal Temperatures
Resource planning and forecasting in a changing climate.
Utility planners depend on an accurate estimate of normal weather to forecast resource needs and costs. But as the climate changes, so must the definition of ‘normal.’
Energy Efficiency's False Hope
Only behavioral change will reduce energy consumption.
Standards and technology don't reduce energy consumption, despite the claims of efficiency zealots. Real energy savings only come through behavioral change.
'Resilience'
A new watchword for the industry and its regulators.
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.
Franchise Fracas
Will Boulder be the last city to go muni? Don’t bet on it.
When the goals of a utility and its host community aren’t in sync, breakups happen.
Siting for Success
Using a trial-based approach to improve a project’s chances before state siting boards.
Project development isn’t getting any easier. Using a trial-based approach can improve a project’s chances before state siting boards. And time-tested principles of planning, discovery, and argument lay the groundwork for an effective appeal.
Islands in the Storm
Microgrids begin to make economic sense.
With microgrids in place, doomsday preppers wouldn't need to worry so much about a zombie plague.
March of the Microgrids
Technology is changing the game. Is your utility ready?
Although today microgrids serve a tiny fraction of the market, that share will grow as costs fall. Utilities can benefit if they plan ahead.