We, the Regulators
The way forward, amidst new markets, technologies, and environmental imperatives.
NARUC’s incoming President – from the Montana PSC – shares his vision on how utility regulators should navigate today’s industry disruptions.
efficiency
Forum for Our Industry's Civil Discourse
Fortnightly’s new chief reflects on his background and our principles.
The public interest is the coin of this realm.
When Water Meets Energy
Each essential. Each dependent on the other.
Water depends on energy and energy depends on water, creating opportunities for synergies and efficiencies.
Business Model Mashup
Three ‘power plays’ for utilities seeking growth.
Threats to the utility business model mean that it’s time to make choices about future growth to protect cash flows while investing in new ventures.
Searching for Equilibrium
How to achieve it in the era of distributed energy
In the emerging era of distributed energy resources, we will find the distribution utility increasingly in the role of an integrator and enabler – more than their longstanding role as energy provider. Accordingly, the regulatory approach must go through its own structural shift to keep pace and restore the system to regulatory equilibrium.
Becoming Customer-Centric
Two utilities embrace technology and innovation.
Today the rise of customer-centric technology and innovation has created a whole new set of challenges. Advances have occurred in energy efficiency, demand response, distributed solar, energy storage, and electric vehicles, as well as smart grid infrastructure and analytics. Electric utilities have two basic choices: react to the agendas of the special interests or chart a path forward to create the most value for stakeholders and customers.
Smart Gas Investment
As a bridge to a low-carbon future, natural gas can’t – and shouldn’t – meet every need.
Some describe natural gas generation as the “Swiss army knife” of technologies, as it can meet a variety of electric system needs. Yet while a Swiss army knife can prove handy, we don’t often use it when we have access to a well-equipped toolbox. It can introduce unnecessary costs and unacceptable risks.
First Solar Achieves World Record 18.6 % Thin Film Module Conversion Efficiency
Submitted by aburr on Sun, 2015-06-21 16:43First Solar set a world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) PV module conversion efficiency, achieving 18.6 percent aperture efficiency for an advanced full size module. For the first time ever, First Solar has demonstrated a record module that is more efficient than the best multi-crystalline module recorded. The record has been measured and certified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Distribution Optimization: Ready for Takeoff
Part 1: How markets today are out of sync.
The time has come to consider options for optimizing distributed energy resources, with the intent of supporting a least-cost, reliable, and clean system that delivers more choice and control for customers.
CEOs are Charged Up
But guiding their companies in times of change is a challenging task.
It’s a new era for utilities and their consumers. Today’s leaders are atop those economic, political and technological happenings.