Advanced Energy Perspectives

Data is the lifeblood of a modern economy. Today, consumers are empowered with unprecedented data access in virtually all aspects of their lives. Yet the ability of utility customers to access their own energy usage data – and the means for them to easily share that data with the companies of their choice – is lagging. This is unfortunate, because making better use of energy usage data can provide a range of benefits, including achieving greater energy efficiency savings and smart energy management during times of peak electricity demand when costs are higher and the risks of power outages increase. That’s why we were surprised when the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) closed its investigation into how to enable this type of data access without taking any action. 

From July to August, Advanced Energy United hosted 23 candidate education meetings with six member companies for Virginia’s General Assembly candidates, Governor Youngkin’s policy team, and the Virginia Department of Energy in Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and McLean. These small group discussions provided a space for both new and seasoned candidates to ask questions and learn more about who we are, what we do, and how our member companies are saving consumers money, creating good-paying jobs, and generating new economic rewards while decarbonizing the American electricity grid and transportation sector.

The California legislature has set a goal of net zero by 2045, and dozens of California cities and counties have doubled down on ambitious – but achievable – climate commitments.  Meeting that goal will be nearly impossible if homes and businesses in the state remain dependent on fossil fuels for their appliance and energy needs. What’s needed is a process by which the state “fully electrifies” its building stock.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of sponsoring The Hill’s event Clean Energy Permitting Reform: The Path Ahead, which convened members of Congress, policy leaders, and United member company representatives at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to discuss permitting reform for clean energy manufacturing, transmission, and the production and recycling of critical minerals. 

This blog post is an excerpt from the Overview of the Advanced Energy Now 2023 Market Report, prepared for Advanced Energy United by Guidehouse Insights. This post is the third in a series of excerpts from the report.