Recent technological and economic events are poised to transform the electric utility industry. Described as “game changers” by industry thought-leaders, these “disruptive challenges” stem from a convergence of factors.
1 Distributed energy resources (DER) and demand-side management (DSM) programs continue to capture market share, resulting in lower revenues, higher integration costs, lower profitability, and potential credit impact.
2 Existing regulatory process and tariff structures challenge the ability to recover lost revenues (albeit, slowly changing)....
How mobile solutions improve restoration efforts BY JIM MENTON, ClickSoftware Electric utilities are modernizing the power grid to meet the demands of an increasingly digital society. In the same way, mobile solutions are helping service personnel (line crews, contractors, and supervisors)...
For utilities who want to reduce costs in record time BY ROB HOYSGAARD, ARI Save, or saving, is defined as the act of avoiding unnecessary waste or expense. The key word in that definition is unnecessary. A 50 percent reduction is essential, on-the-road vehicles do not result in savings; rather it...
How technology is changing testing and performance monitoring BY AARON RUDGER, Keynote North American electric utilities are experiencing a rapid shift to a mobile- first environment. Numerous research firms are confirming that the sale of smartphones and tablets has overtaken personal computers....
Field data management: The value and challenge of asset health insight BY PAUL BARNETT, JOHN STEWART, Tennessee Valley Authority & PAT BROWN, Electric Power Research Institute Intelligent management and operation of assets is of major importance to electric utilities. In an era where assets are...
In a significant shift in its renewable energy strategy, New Jersey has recently decided to cancel its plans to award a fourth offshore wind farm project. The decision marks a crucial moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its offshore wind sector, which has long been hailed as a...
Whales, the majestic giants of the ocean, have long captivated human imagination. Beyond their grandeur, these marine mammals are now providing scientists with invaluable insights into climate change, offering a unique perspective on the health of our planet. Whales as Climate Change...
In December 2024, President Joe Biden's administration set an ambitious target to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This goal aligns with the Paris Agreement's framework, which requires participating nations to update their emission reduction...
As the world grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change, U.S. policymakers are increasingly recognizing the need for bold and effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions. One of the most outspoken advocates for such action is Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island, who has...
In a significant move that underscores the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy to power the expanding digital infrastructure, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved an interconnection agreement between Talen Energy, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Exelon. This...
As Hurricane Helene churned through the Atlantic in September, its formidable presence served as a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change. This hurricane, along with others in a tumultuous storm season, has thrust climate change back into the spotlight of the presidential...
