 |
Changes in electric power regulation can unleash billion-dollar markets overnight. Or stall progress for years. Explore this section for links to guidelines, resources and case studies.
Results: 539 results found. You are on page 1 of 36 pages.
 |
|
After weeks of delay, the U.S. Senate confirmed physicist Ernest Moniz, President Obama's nominee, as head of the Energy Department Thursday in what was an unusual and surprising unanimous vote considering the political climate in Washington, D.C. We share some reactions from energy industry and environmental groups.
|
|
|
|
Grid modernization is critical of course, but today's regulatory/financial model often bogs down those upgrade and improvement initiatives. IBM's Matt Futch shares his insights and lays out a case for why performance-based regulation deserves a closer look.
|
|
|
|
For the second time, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has vetoed legislation that would have allowed ComEd to raise electric rates for smart grid upgrades. He said utilities shouldn't be allowed to "take over and run roughshod over families and businesses in our state."
|
|
|
|
The Energy Department says it will award $13 million to boost the performance of marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy systems. Click for a look at the kind of MHK projects the DOE intends to support.
|
|
|
|
The aging U.S. infrastructure - power grids, bridges, municipal water systems, etc. - may require astronomical sums to fix. But in an interview with AOL Energy, Colin Sabol of water technology company Xylem maintains that fixing leaky water pipes could offer a substantial economic return. Find out why.
|
|
|
|
Supporters and critics alike have been watching closely as some states move to raise renewable energy requirements and others try to dismantle them. In the latest chapter, the Colorado House approved a bill Tuesday that would raise renewables requirements for rural electric cooperatives to 20% - a 10% increase. The Senate still has to weigh in.
|
|
|
|
The Energy Collective posted an interesting discussion of the Obama Administration's proposal to create a "contest" to spur grid innovation along the lines of the "race to the top" effort to promote educational reform. Will it work? We have our doubts, but click and see what you think.
|
|
|
|
There are positive signs we are getting smarter about water, though Neil Strother of Navigant Research says there's no need to celebrate just yet. Click to read why he says the latest moves are more incremental than transformational.
|
|
|
|
A week after Walmart said it was changing the way it made and bought power, here comes Google. It is equally determined to alter the business model. But in Google's case, it is not solely concerned with itself. Click to see what the Internet giant is proposing.
|
|
|
|
Other issues may have eclipsed energy news out of D.C. this week, but there are three developments worth watching: new legislation for a national energy efficiency policy, a House vote on revamped cybersecurity legislation and Ernest Moniz got a step closer to becoming the next head of DOE.
|
|
|
|
We told you about the Wall Street Journal editorial warning that California's renewables mandates could have bad consequences, and about the strong response to it from the state's PUC. Today we've got another perspective that we think you'll find of interest, this time from Ted Craver, Chairman, President and CEO of Edison International.
|
|
|
|
The retail giant just made a mind-blowing announcement about its energy strategy - and it's not just a PR stunt to tout what it's doing to help the environment. It's about what Walmart is doing to save big bucks on its power bills. If you haven't worried about the antiquated utility business model before, this ought to do it. Find out why.
|
|
|
|
Utilities in many states are hamstrung when it comes to grid upgrades and improvements because there's no guarantee they will get paid for their work until after it is completed... that is, if it is approved. We're glad to see the Missouri legislature is considering a bill to eliminate that serious obstacle.
|
|
|
|
Another round of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will support smart grid initiatives and other electric system upgrades in rural areas in 13 states. Click to see where the money is going and how it will be spent.
|
 |
|
U.S. Senate Energy Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) offers his perspective on the opportunities and challenges in the smart grid during the Edison Foundation's "Powering the People" event.
|
|
|
|
|
