| Fortnightly

October Birthdays: George Westinghouse, and Greats of the U.K., Italy, Russia, France

It was Westinghouse that shortened the typical American work week from six days to five and a half.

Westinghouse saw disadvantages in Thomas Edison’s direct current-based systems, preventing a grid of centralized power stations.

Byline:

Steve Mitnick

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PUF Top 20 Financial Performers

PSEG, NextEra, Wisconsin Energy, OGE Energy, Pinnacle West, IDACORP, etc.

The PUF Top 20 Financial Performers were selected through a four-year average ranking of profit margin, dividend yield, free cash flow, return on equity, return on assets, and sustainable growth.

Byline:

Steve Mitnick

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Modernizing PURPA

Should FERC rewrite rules or let states make reforms?

Idaho has a problem with PURPA. So does North Carolina, and other states in between. Utilities have complaints too. Consider industry groups like EEI, representing investor-owned companies, NRECA, representing co-ops, and even NARUC, representing state utility regulators. Each has proposed new rules to fix PURPA, a longtime favorite of enviros. And don’t forget Berkshire Hathaway.

Byline:

Bruce Radford

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Don't Cry for Utility Shareholders, America

Maybe Steve Huntoon Was Right

We decided to check out the numbers. Utilities earned more than the cost of capital in most years. Utility investors earned an average market return, while taking a lower than average risk.

Byline:

Leonard Hyman and William Tilles

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Intersection of DER, Energy Efficiency, DR

Three Initiatives That Fit and Complement

Energy efficiency and demand response need to align with the broader purpose of distributed resources.

Byline:

Greg Wikler

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Future Service-Oriented Utility

What is value of going digital?

We see the potential for a large pot of value for utilities, sitting in clouds of smart meter data.

Byline:

Arun Mani and Stephanie Gainger

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A Mindset to Mimic

What if Utilities Were Lead Like Amazon?

Reflect for a moment on the Amazon story. Yes, it’s a different type of business. But take careful note of how their leader’s mindset has shaped the outcomes.

Byline:

Roger Woodworth

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Finishing Transmission Planning Reforms

No Way to Get There Without FERC Acting Now

Ineffective interregional transmission policies, not technical or economic barriers, are the chief factors holding up the construction of new interstate transmission. This will not change without FERC intervention.

Byline:

Betsy Beck

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Active Grid

Where Smart Energy Meets Internet of Things

Imagine what could be achieved if the current modernized grid evolved to be even more dynamic, a complete solution encompassing electricity, gas and water.

Byline:

Philip Mezey

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Book Review: Gretchen Bakke's Meditation on The Grid

Sweeping Generalizations, Unsupported Statements, Conjecture, Speculation

Bakke’s background guarantees we will get a fresh perspective that has favorably garnered the attention of The Wall Street Journal and Canada’s National Post.

Byline:

Ahmad Faruqui

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