Smart Transition
Embracing a competitive and digital future for utilities.
A recent Accenture survey shows utility executives believe smart grid capabilities will transform the industry and bring competitive opportunities.
DR
Microgrid Milestones
Submitted by mburr on Thu, 2013-12-19 12:09One of the most interesting trends of 2013 was the rise of microgrids. While the hype overshadows the reality of actual projects, several key developments have set the stage for growth.
One of the most interesting trends of 2013 was the rise of microgrids. While the hype overshadows the reality of actual projects, several key developments have set the stage for growth.
Rise of the Machines
Who’s afraid of the transactive grid?
Smart grids and nodal markets spark the emergence of a transactional grid. In fact it’s already happened, and we’re just becoming aware.
Smaller, Cheaper, and More Resilient
The rationale for microgrids.
Despite an array of challenges, microgrids are becoming a force in the market. Innovative projects bring greater efficiency and resilience.
California Orders SCE to Procure Energy Storage
Submitted by aburr on Wed, 2013-02-27 16:04The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously approved a decision ordering Southern California Edison (SCE) to procure between 1,400 and 1,800 MW of energy capacity in the Los Angeles basin to meet long-term local requirements by 2021. Of this amount, at least 50 MW is required by the CPUC to be procured by SCE from energy storage resources, as well as up to an additional total of 600 MW of capacity required to be procured from preferred resources – including energy storage. “Preferred resources” also include energy efficiency, demand respon
Set and Forget
Submitted by mburr on Thu, 2013-01-24 12:57The underlying premise of demand response hasn’t changed in 30 years, but the technologies and approaches to executing DR programs today are worlds away from the basic, one-way load control programs of yesteryear. Engagement and automation are changing everything.
The underlying premise of demand response hasn’t changed in 30 years, but the technologies and approaches to executing DR programs today are worlds away from the basic, one-way load control programs of yesteryear. Engagement and automation are changing everything.
CEO Forum: Facing the Future
Three CEOs, three business models, one shared outlook.
Cheap gas, regulatory uncertainties, and a technology revolution are re-making the U.S. utility industry. Top executives at three very different companies—CMS, NRG, and the Midwest ISO—share their outlook on the industry’s transformative changes.
Vendor Neutral
(April 2012) MidAmerican Energy awarded a contract to Siemens Energy to supply wind turbines for its 407-MW project expansion. American Electric Power began operating the 580-MW Dresden natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant. Duke Energy and ChinaHuaneng Group signed a three-year agreement expanding their research cooperation to include coal and carbon capture and sequestration technologies. And others...
Edison Under the Hood
Can utilities put EV batteries in the rate base?
Thomas Edison once hoped to make a fortune in the auto business—selling electric cars. Of course it never happened; he and Henry Ford tried and failed to bring a low-cost electric car to market. They scuttled the project after investing $1.5 million toward the effort—more than $32 million in today’s dollars. Edison’s nickel-iron batteries just couldn't match the performance of Ford’s petrol-powered bang-bang.
Vendor Neutral
(March 2012) DTE Energy awards contract to URS; Exelon and Constellation reach an agreement with Electricite de France; Dominion and Lockheed Martin enter a joint marketing and development alliance; plus deals involving Nissan North America, CenterPoint Energy Field Services, Honeywell, Silver Spring Networks, and others.