Advanced Energy Perspectives

A successful transition to a 21st Century Electricity System requires careful consideration of a range of issues that will ultimately redefine the regulatory framework and utility business model while creating new opportunities for third-party providers and customers to contribute to the operation of the electricity system. In this second of a 7-part series published by Utility Dive, AEE lays out strategies for achieving performance-based regulation. Previously, we covered Advanced Meters: Connectivity for the Modern Grid.

Over the past week, the energy industry has been rocked by the release of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) from the Department of Energy (DOE) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that, if implemented, would upend the wholesale electricity markets where advanced energy is thriving. AEE is deeply involved in this proceeding, and has joined with a diverse group of energy industry associations to express concern about the aggressive timeline for this rulemaking called for by DOE. But while DOE pushes for a quick action on its radical proposal, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is undertaking a thoughtful series of hearings, entitled Powering America, on electricity and the role of the federal government for energy policy. Last week, AEE was asked to testify, and took the opportunity to explain how technology innovation, declining costs, and consumer preference are driving growth of the advanced energy industry – and will do so even more, if the nation’s electricity markets are open for competition from all technologies.

This is a guest post from Navigant, an AEE Gold Affiliate Member

For decades, utilities have had success reaching large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers as well as residential with demand-side management (DSM) programs like energy efficiency and demand response (DR). Large C&I customers typically have utility account managers catering to their service needs, while mass marketing techniques like bill stuffers, direct mail, door-to-door canvassing, advertising, social media, and retail channel partnerships effectively reach residential consumers. However, the small to midsized business (SMB) customer segment is harder to reach, and these customers are typically underrepresented when it comes to DSM program participation. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

A successful transition to a 21st Century Electricity System requires careful consideration of a range of issues that will ultimately redefine the regulatory framework and utility business model while creating new opportunities for third-party providers and customers to contribute to the operation of the electricity system. In this first of a seven-part series published by Utility Dive, AEE looks at the transformative impact of advanced metering infrastructure. Commonly defined as an integrated network of smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems, AMI has the potential to transform how utilities, customers, and third-party providers manage electricity generation, delivery, and use.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 16, the California legislature’s 2017 session came to a close. It was a jam-packed year, full of debate, negotiations, and deal making. The legislature took on a number of big ticket issues this year, including cap and trade, transportation, and housing. While the cap and trade extension was secured in early summer, a host of other measures important to AEE on energy storage, advanced transportation, and PACE financing cleared the legislature at the tail end of session. They were sent to Gov. Brown’s desk, with the expectation that all would gain his signature. That leaves us with much to wrap up about what got done this year – and what remains to be done next year.