Estimating what customers are saving

Both customers and analysts are always trying to determine what are the savings from energy efficiency programmes. According to Renew Grid, one utility in Detroit has made such estimates and given customers a pleasant surprise. Understandably, such estimates have often been undertaken; yet, these positive results are impressive. Utilities Reveal Just How Much Customers Are … Continue reading Estimating what customers are saving →

Some US states show that emission cuts are possible

Recently, the Obama administration announced plans to cut GHG emissions by 30% from power plants by 2030. Justin Gillis and Michael Wines write in the New York Times about the states that have already achieved such savings. In Some States, Emissions Cuts Defy Skeptics The cries of protest have been fierce, warning that President Obama’s … Continue reading Some US states show that emission cuts are possible →

How political experience can be used to promote renewables

It is difficult for small “green” electricity companies to make gains in the market. Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about one former political operative and his move to break into the market. Applying the Lessons of Politics to Green Power Over the years, Tom Matzzie — by working as a political … Continue reading How political experience can be used to promote renewables →

New California plan dealing with energy efficiency programmes and employment issues

The Donald Vial Center on Employment in the Green Economy at the University of California, Berkeley has published a report that provides a plan for California’s utilities related to employment and energy efficiency programmes. This could possibly provide some lessons for other countries and utilities. Workforce Issues and Energy Efficiency Programs: A Plan for California's … Continue reading New California plan dealing with energy efficiency programmes and employment issues →

Summer planning

Barbara Vergetis Lundin writes a good article in Fierce Energy about the role that energy efficiency is playing in New England to help meet consumer demand. Energy efficiency helps ISO NE meet 2014 summer demand The New England Independent System Operator (ISO NE) is reporting that it expects the region to have the needed … Continue reading Summer planning →

What we need – an energy efficient baguette

L’EnergieD’avancer website provides a good story about bakeries working with the French energy company, EDF, to significantly reduce the costs of the traditional French mainstay, the baguette. A cheaper baguette thanks to energy efficiency Cooking, refrigerating, lighting ... : A bakery is a relatively energy-intensive activity. As part of its business of selling gas … Continue reading What we need – an energy efficient baguette →

Saving energy in this digital world

Utilityproducts.com describes a new app for the iPad in the US that makes it easier for small businesses to participate in utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs. Undoubtedly, SMEs have been one of the sectors that have puzzled analysts because of the range of barriers stopping the energy efficiency potential from being achieved. Maybe these new approaches … Continue reading Saving energy in this digital world →

More on the impact of renewables on electric utilities

I’m not sure we can hear enough about how the electricity sector is affected by the low-carbon energy transition underway. Matt McFarland writes in the Washington Post about the good news and the bad news. Grid parity: Why electric utilities should struggle to sleep at night What’s good news for those concerned with climate … Continue reading More on the impact of renewables on electric utilities →

Renewable energy and the “old-guard” utilities

Renewable energy is not going away and in the US it is estimated that its market share could more than double between now and 2025. John Watling writes for The FInancialist, a digital magazine of Credit Suisse, about the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy and how it will affect the traditional electricity producers. He argues … Continue reading Renewable energy and the “old-guard” utilities →

Open consultation for the future of the Energy Company Obligation in the UK

The Department of Energy & Climate Change recently announced an open consultation on the Energy Company Obligation, which is also an obligation under the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive. This consultation closes at 16 April 2014. The proposals contained in The Future of the Energy Company Obligation consultation were highlighted as part of Government’s announcement on … Continue reading Open consultation for the future of the Energy Company Obligation in the UK →