DR could save Mid-Atlantic up to $182M per year. According to a study by the Brattle Group, even a modest reduction in electricity usage through use of demand response (DR) programs could reduce energy prices by $57M to $182M per year in the US Mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, DR participants could save an additional $73M on capacity charges and between $9M to 26M annually from reduced energy use.

   QuickTake: This kind of numbers-driven analysis is invaluable in persuading by utilities and regulators that demand-side technology pays f.

   M&C Article

   PJM News Release

   Brattle Group Report (PDF)

Peak electricity use to grow by 16.7% in the next 10 years. PJM Interconnection estimates peak electricity demand will grow by 16.7% in the coming decade. PJM’s Southern region will experience the highest annual demand growth of 1.9%, whereas electricity demand in the Mid-Atlantic and Western regions is expected to grow by 1.5% per year.

   QuickTake: These statistics are a warning for state regulatory bodies to spur increases in transmission capacity. Additionally, regional interconnection needs to be strengthened to enhance reliability and reduce outages.

   TD World article

   PJM News Release(PDF)

Plexus Research smart metering guide. Plexus Research has prepared a smart metering guide commissioned by Edison Electric Institute (EEI). The guide addresses compliance issues faced by utilities in conforming to the 2005 Energy Policy Act. The guide aids understanding of the technical, economic and strategic implications of EPAct 2005. In addition, it scans the implementation and compliance issues.  

   Electric Energy Online article

   Smart Metering Guide(PDF)

Smart metering gaining popularity in Europe. A Delphi Roundtable of European metering experts suggests Europe could be an emerging hotbed for advanced metering.  A majority of the experts opined that Smart Metering implementation plan will be adopted in three to five years. They also forecast price declines and a higher demand for integrated solutions.

   QuickTake: For a long time North America has been the leader of smart metering technology, but Europe is soon to catch up. As smart metering expands in Europe, it could begin to drive the agenda around standards and new technologies, taking advantage of North America's inability to coalesce around common standards.

   Utility T&D article

Ultra-high voltage DC testing in Sweden. ABB has set up an 800kV ultra-high voltage DC (UHVDC) test facility at Ludvika, Sweden. It also announced that a first UHVDC station will be operational in 2009. UHVDC technology will primarily be used by China and India, to transfer power over long distances with minimal losses. Brazil and Africa are also likely to use the technology.

   Utility T&D article