August 26, 2019 4:06 PM EDT
The electricity industry is watching closely for news that will raise consumer costs some $2.5 billion per year. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to change the payments for new and old power plants in 13 states. This decision has been delayed a year by the resignation of a commissioner leaving split FERC and has an added feature: it tramples on state policies and prerogatives. Read more >
May 28, 2019 10:23 AM EDT
Our modern economy depends on electricity, the miracle technology of the 19th century. Many old policies and practices of the electric utility industry have stuck with us into the 21st century. Electricity has had heroes and villains along the way, as well as enormous accomplishments of engineering, public service and safety. While economics and public attitudes have changed about many things since the first electric bill was sent in January 1883, there are tools and techniques, as well as attitudes in the utility industry that do not change as much. To serve society and maintain a healthy environment, we need a utility industry open to modern ideas and new approaches.
March 11, 2019 11:15 AM EDT
Who is in charge, and where are they leading us? Read more >
October 12, 2018 3:41 PM EDT
Excitement over storing electricity, and expectations for new market rules in the US, promise great changes in energy. Instead of hype and speculation, this blog offers a preview of those market changes. Read more >
July 27, 2018 1:12 PM EDT
Imagine if the US had these three things: access to unlimited electricity from clean sources everywhere in the country, an electricity grid impervious to outages and electricity prices that were even cheaper than they are today. These aspirations can become reality with advancements in energy storage.
This technology was developed right here in the good ole’ US of A, but unfortunately, the US is now falling behind other countries in this increasingly lucrative global market, and our outdated electric grid is growing more vulnerable to increasing threats like cyber-attacks and extreme weather. So how do we regain our leadership in this critical technology, and how can we increase the development and deployment of energy storage here at home? The answer is innovation.
