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VARs

Problems, Not Just on Transmission Lines

No part of the grid seems to be more obscure or misunderstood than reactive power. "It's like the head on a glass of beer," is one of the amusing descriptions of VARs. But to understand the operation, limitations and problems facing our transmission system as we transition to the greater use of renewables, an understanding of VARs is critical.
Byline: 

Charles Bayless

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Are We Paying Too Much for Residential Solar?

Many Voters Unaware of Costs

The typical solar customer in Southern California could recover their investment in seven years. After which, the facility would provide essentially free electricity for at least 18 more years. If this sounds too good to be true, it is. Those generous returns are paid for by federal taxpayers and California residential customers that lack rooftop solar.
Byline: 

By Robert Borlick

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Cybersecurity, Part 1

Opportunities and Challenges for State Utility Regulators

This article examines the evolving role of state regulators in addressing cybersecurity in the energy sector. It highlights the importance of developing state regulatory processes that promote efficiency, maintain confidentiality, consider affordability and incentivize investment, while ensuring both the cost-effectiveness and security of utility infrastructure.
Byline: 

By Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards, Illinois Commerce Commission, and Caitlin Shields, with Anne McKeon and Nakhia Crossley

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The Power of Innovation, Part II

Utility Execs' Roundtable: We sat down with five utility execs who lead their companies on innovation

Migrating to a model that focuses on product and service volume to produce margins is a fundamental shift. But the challenge these executives acknowledge is learning how to blend several unique business models as the scope of their business expands.
Byline: 

By Public Utilities Fortnightly

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Utility's Role in Electricity's Future, Part I

Utility Execs' Roundtable: We sat down with execs from seven utilities in the Northeast who help lead their companies on future strategies

Navigant and Public Utilities Fortnightly convened a roundtable of utility execs to peer into electricity's future, hosted by Con Edison at its historic Manhattan headquarters.
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Energy People: Barry Worthington

We talked with Barry Worthington, Executive Director of the United States Energy Association (USEA)

Barry Worthington is the Executive Director of the United States Energy Association (USEA), the U.S Member Committee of the World Energy Council.
Byline: 

Barry Worthington with Steve Mitnick

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Smaller, Smarter, and by the way, Efficient!

EPRI Podcast: Smartphones pushed us into a more efficient world.

The smartphone ushered in an opportunity for a new era of energy efficiency. The challenge for grid planners is better understanding the market changes that are having an impact and that aren't related to DSM programs.
Byline: 

Aimee Mills with Doug Lindsey, EPRI

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Leading Beyond Authority

Leadership Lyceum Podcast: A Conversation with American Water Works CEO Susan Story

A key measure of success is continuously achieving safe, clean, reliable, affordable delivery of service. These objectives are dynamic and their parameters are often dependent on public policy, legislation, and regulatory relationships.
Byline: 

Susan Story with Tom Linquist

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