Fighting the Cyber Threat
How To Prepare
Growing up as an Air Force brat, I had certain values drilled into me: Be aware, take responsibility, work as a team, and be prepared. These same values can help combat security threats facing our industry.
Law & Lawyers
The New Energy Math
NY Operations Center Saves Millions
New York’s Energy Manager Network Operations Center is an example of how the development and robust use of smart electric technology is moving the industry in a new, unprecedented and necessary direction.
Energy Highways
Politics and Infrastructure Development
Technology adoption is an incomplete strategy. What is needed is a more comprehensive and long-term approach to infrastructure development.
The Sun Shines for All
Solar Options Abound
As utilities get better at distribution planning, it is likely they will incentivize putting solar in older neighborhoods where the grid needs to be strengthened. A portfolio of rooftop solar, community solar and utility-scale solar is the only way to make solar accessible to all.
Nuclear Power as A Carbon Reduction Strategy
Low Carbon, not Always Low Cost
Consider the current U.S. low power price environment as the country shifts away from coal and toward cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. What are the prospects that nuclear energy will continue to play a role in the U.S. power mix? That's the question that Michael Haggarty addressed in a recent report on global nuclear power generation.
What is the Right Rate Design?
Fairness Is In the Eye of the Beholder
Fairness has conflicting meanings for customers, utilities, power generators, DER providers, and others. Regulators and policymakers must understand their goal should not be the perfect rate design; it doesn't exist.
Golden Rule Applies to Public Servants
Harassment is Wrong
It is appropriate that people are passionate about sharing their views with utility regulators. But demonizing or implicitly threatening a public servant should have no place in public discourse.
New Year 2017: The Trump Administration
Change Will Occur, Slowly
It is not possible to know what priorities the new administration will pursue. It is possible for legislators, regulators, and utilities to make some assumptions: coal will continue to decline as a generation fuel, previous utility investment and court decisions will carry forward. Legislators will continue to promote generation fuel diversity to best ensure system reliability.
Is It Finally Time to Embrace Multiyear Rate Plans?
Customers and Utilities Benefit
In the U.S., electric utilities are the major supporter of MRPs. In other countries, the government has been a major proponent. Countries such as Australia, Canada and Great Britain have relied heavily on MRPs, often citing the deficiencies of traditional rate-of-return ratemaking.
One Size Doesn't Fit All!
Offer Choices
Offer end uses as the product, and not therms or watts. The utility becomes a true energy service company.