The Breaking Energy Team is en route to Anchorage for what promises to be a great series of speakers and events at the USAEE/IAEE North American Conference. Maybe we’ll see a bear! Or a Palin! The United States Association for Energy Economics, and its parent organization, the International Association for Energy Economics, are kicking off… Keep reading →
Just because one energy source yields fewer emissions than another doesn’t mean it’s overall better for the environment. “The environmental benefits of an energy diet low in carbon emissions might be diminished by increased water consumption (or waste), and the unforeseen tradeoffs between the two resources can hurt us in the long run,” writes Environmental… Keep reading →
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy gives out Champion of Energy Efficiency awards annually for “leadership and accomplishment in the energy field”. This year’s winners have made big strides in energy efficiency advocacy, policy and actual implementation of energy efficiency programs. Let’s face it…it’s not quite as sexy as the Oscars. But energy efficiency is… Keep reading →
FERC Order 784 revises regulations governing sales of frequency regulation services, thereby increasing the opportunities for energy storage projects in the ancillary services market. On July 18, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued FERC Order 784, which revises its Avista policy regulating ancillary-service sales at market-based rates to public utility transmission providers. The… Keep reading →
If you are a regular reader, then you may be tired of me warning that utility business models are in trouble. I started years ago. And just a few weeks ago I alerted you once again to the very real dangers of net metering. But now we’re hearing a similar litany from the people who advise… Keep reading →
Investment bank Raymond James published a note to investors today examining assertions that US oil production growth may be slowing in light of Energy Information Administration data over the last three weeks showing that supply has risen by 284,000 barrels per day since early July – almost 95,000 bbl/d per week. “Many in the investment… Keep reading →
Energy regulations affecting New York property owners under the PlaNYC Greener, Greater Buildings Plan are giving a boost to the market for energy efficiency solutions, creating a wealth of opportunities for energy efficiency and consulting firms like Bright Power. Bright Power handles the full suite of energy management services, from audits and benchmarking of existing energy… Keep reading →
New large-scale solar projects earmarked for funding under the NY-Sun initiative will potentially increase New York’s solar capacity by 64 MW, bringing the state to the forefront of solar energy development. On July 9, 2013, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $54 million in funding for large-scale solar projects having a combined capacity of… Keep reading →
Utilities are just beginning to utilize the advanced data monitoring, recording, and event reporting capabilities of smart meters. Around the world, new government mandates and stimulus funding have catalyzed the deployment of smart meters. In the U.S. alone, $3.4 billion allocated from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will be used to facilitate the installation… Keep reading →
It sounds counterintuitive, but Texas’ energy boom its taxing its energy capacity. “Many municipalities and businesses are bracing for big surcharges this year, after having been hit hard last summer, as energy use by oil drilling and production equipment outpaces the capacity of the region’s power grid.” [Wall Street Journal] India’s oil imports from Iran… Keep reading →
