Superstorm Sandy

Benchmarking Storm Restoration

Submitted by mburr on Tue, 2013-06-25 15:45
There's no such thing as an average superstorm, and every situation requires a unique strategy. But data on utilities' performance in response to major storms helps identify best practices -- and lessons learned.
There's no such thing as an average superstorm, and every situation requires a unique strategy. But data on utilities' performance in response to major storms helps identify best practices -- and lessons learned.

In the Situation Room

Presidential attention raises the priority level for cybersecurity.

Have industry leaders and regulators turned a corner on efforts to make the grid more secure?

Byline: 

By Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

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Economy of Small

How DG and microgrids change the game for utilities.

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?

Byline: 

Michael T. Burr

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Connecting Before the Storm

Submitted by mburr on Wed, 2013-02-27 11:40
Effective crisis communications requires laying groundwork long before the damage happens. Successful engagement calls for consistent, positive messaging when the lights are on.
Effective crisis communications requires laying groundwork long before the damage happens. Successful engagement calls for consistent, positive messaging when the lights are on.

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.

Byline: 

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

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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.
Byline: 

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

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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?

Byline: 

Michael T. Burr

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Demand Growth and the New Normal

Five forces are putting the squeeze on electricity consumption.

It’s tempting to attribute the recent slowdown in electricity demand growth entirely to the Great Recession, but consumption growth rates have been declining for at least 50 years. The new normal rate of demand growth likely will be about half of its historic value, with demand rising by less than 1 percent per year. This market plateau calls for a new utility strategy.

Byline: 

Ahmad Faruqui and Eric Shultz

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Perfect Superstorm

Could carbon taxes emerge in the election aftermath?

Since Obama won reelection, we must ask whether we’d rather have EPA cracking down on carbon emissions, or whether a legislated framework would be better for everyone.

Byline: 

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

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