Rates, Reliability, and Region
Customer satisfaction and electric utilities.
The conventional wisdom about utility spending is correct, but key factors affecting customer satisfaction aren't obvious—and are tricky to control.
Law & Lawyers
Evolution of an Energy-Efficiency Forecast
Building a model that works across states and programs.
ISO New England develops the nation’s first multistate long-term forecast of energy-efficiency savings.
DSM in the Rate Case
A regulatory model for resource parity between supply and demand.
Integrated resource planning must level the field for both supply- and demand-side resources. Commissions in several states are showing the way.
Smart Grid at a Crossroads
Refining the business case for advanced distribution investments.
As utilities plan their capital budgets for the next few years, investments in advanced distribution systems face an uncertain future. Customers question the value—and propriety—of some programs, while long-term strategic goals depend on seamless integration. What will be the path forward for smart grid technology?
Very Roughly Commensurate
Analyzing the Order 1000 comply filings from non-RTO regions.
Last fall, utilities across the country began filing tariffs with FERC to explain how they’ll comply with Order 1000. That’s quite a handful, but maybe not a stretch for the RTOs. Not so for the non-RTO regions.
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.
Transactions (January 2013)
Entergy acquires Kgen gas-fired plants in Arkansas and Mississippi; TransCanada buys BP share of Alberta gas storage facility; PSE acquires Tenaska plant; AEP issues $850 million in debt; Duke units float $650 million in bonds; plus debt issues by NextEra, Southern Company, Entergy, and others totaling nearly $3.2 billion.
People (January 2013)
Sempra board names Debra Reed chairman; Entergy utilities and FENOC appoint new CEOs; Rep. Heath Shuler becomes Duke’s federal affairs v.p.; Dominion gets new CIO; NARUC names new officers; plus executive appointments at Constellation, ITC Holdings, Gas Technology Institute, and others.
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.
First Refusers
Order 1000, the RTOs, and the power of incumbency.
In Order 1000, FERC wanted—among other things—to open grid development to private developers. But FERC’s natural allies—the regional transmission organizations—are refusing to go along with this new vision.