June 30, 2010

Insiders at Commonwealth Edison figured they would ace their advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) pilot program rollout. Who, after all, wouldn't be thrilled to delve into a survey and eight scintillating pages of intricate text detailing all the bells and whistles that automated metering infrastructure makes possible? Their customers, it turns out. Consequently, last summer's introduction landed with a resounding thud.

"Our focus groups were totally confused," said Val Jensen, vice president of marketing and environmental programs at the Chicago-based investor owned utility. "When we tested our prototype, we found out we completely missed the boat."

June 25, 2010

With pressures on utilities to reduce peak loads and integrate variable renewables, third-party demand response (DR) solution providers are playing an important role as a bridge between the power supplier and commercial, industrial and institutional customers to manage peak demand.

Whether utilities see third parties as competitors or helpmates, they are a useful route to getting DR quickly and cost efficiently. Over the past decade, as a consequence of providing a much needed service, they are an industry force forging partnerships with utilities around the world.

June 18, 2010

BP's oil spill cuts two ways in terms of nuclear energy. On the one hand, it would tend to bode well for the growth of the non-fossil-fired energy. On the hand, it begs for a greater dialogue about nuclear safety.

With images playing out every day on TV of thick, dark oil splattered all over the Gulf of Mexico, the nation is now looking inward and asking from which energy sources it should depend. The most consistent drum beat is coming from those who advocate sustainable fuels, but those who have long pushed for relatively pollution-free nuclear energy are not far behind. Before it can assume a leadership role in this debate, the industry must reassure a skeptical public.

June 11, 2010

The BP oil disaster is spilling over and affecting other fossil-fired fuels as well as the prospects for climate change legislation.

While deeply saddened by the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, environmentalists are using the occasion to ensure that future energy projects get the scrutiny they deserve before such facilities are allowed to operate. And they will have a sympathetic ear both from federal and state regulators as well as the constituencies who are involved. Ironically, though, that strategy will likely cost them a favorable vote this year on climate change.

June 04, 2010

Just as offshore natural gas drilling got its legs, the rug has been pulled out from underneath it. The mammoth oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is to blame.

The question of whether to allow more production in light of the BP oil disaster is one that is likely to haunt the oil and gas sectors for a long time. It's tantamount to how the accident at Three Mile Island has derailed nuclear development for three decades. For now, the Obama administration has pulled back on its earlier commitment to allow more offshore drilling and instead has decided to "study" the issue.