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Efficiency embraces both suppliers and end users. Generation facilities use 5 to 6 percent of the electricity they produce to power their own operations. Transmission losses drain off an additional 2 to 3 percent, while distribution accounts for an additional loss of 5 to 6 percent. Fortunately, the industry is aggressively exploring ways to increase its own efficiency while rolling out programs to help end users do the same. Scroll down to learn more about both sides of this topic.
Results: 240 results found. You are on page 1 of 16 pages.
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A U.S. DOE lab say the efficiency of air conditioners can be dramatically improved, so much so that it should be considered as a component of energy efficiency strategies in countries struggling with climbing power demand.
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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.
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The challenge in energy efficiency is not so much rolling out the programs. The hardest part is the verification that allows the utility to get proper credit. Seattle-based EnergySavvy and its partners are out to change that. Click for details on the new Audit Partner Program.
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That the smart grid has become broadly accepted is certainly a good thing. But it's not enough, says the executive director of the International Energy Agency. While there are bright spots, she says we aren't moving fast enough in areas like R&D or taking full advantage of readily available tools like energy efficiency. See if you agree.
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In the first phase of its life, Nest Labs used its highly successful thermostat's learning capabilities to adapt to customer preferences. Click to read about the company's latest move, which is to roll out a suite of features and programs of value to utilities.
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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.
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An Australian research center has raised a red flag over widespread and increasing use of cloud services with the message that it will be the cause of a "massive surge" in energy consumption. And it's not the data centers - it's the wireless networks connected to them.
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ABB has launched what it describes as the world's first low-voltage circuit breaker with energy management functions, which could potentially produce significant energy savings. Looks like breakers aren't just for protecting circuits anymore.
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Ameren and ComEd joined in what may seem an unlikely alliance in Illinois to develop precise metrics to evaluate the utilities' efforts in a broad range of areas, from customer outreach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Click to see why we think it's a story well worth watching, and learning from.
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Do energy-efficient homes really make a difference? A new study says yes. It tied energy-efficient homes with mortgage default rates and came up with what seems like a common sense but possibly surprising conclusion. It might be worth passing along to your customers.
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The pros and cons of time-of-use electricity rates have been debated in the U.S. for some time, with much handwringing over whether customers will go for it. As it turns out, a UK trial has shown that customers there prefer TOU and are willing to change their energy use habits to save money.
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An analysis of the relationship between prepaid energy services and electricity consumption came up with some surprising results: Participation in prepay plans has a significant impact on electricity use. Click for a look at the numbers.
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Against the backdrop of smart meter rollouts - and some well-publicized resistance to them - many utilities have had to rethink customer strategies. Click for a new report from the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative that highlights the successes of four U.S. utilities that are doing it right.
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Pecan Street and collaborators are launching a field trial to identify the impact and benefits of new pricing models and other tools designed to move electricity demand away from periods when the grid is stressed. But we can't help wondering: Do we really need another trial?
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Boulder, Colorado's explorations into severing ties with electricity provider Xcel Energy have been high-profile, but the moves other cities are making toward independence from their utilities haven't gotten a lot of attention until recently. Click for a look at some of those efforts and what's driving them.
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