New York Energy Storage Bill Calls for Updates After the Governor Signs Memo

‘But wait, there’s more!’ — Cuomo seeks update to New York storage bill Utility Drive, December 5, 2017 The governor’s signing memo for the energy storage bill last month calls for the legislation to be amended in 2018. “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.’ In the context of energy storage in New York, … Read more

CA, MA, and NY Continue to Shine in ACEEE CHP Rankings

ACEEE CHP Rankings

Dan Pidgeon, ERS, for Zondits The 2017 ACEEE Scorecard was released in September, highlighting more state-led energy efficiency progress. The 11th edition of the scorecard continued to measure states’ energy efficiency success by the following metrics: utility and public benefits programs and policies, transportation policies, building energy code and compliance, combined heat and power (CHP) … Read more

California Creates a Plan to Meet Energy Efficiency Goals

California Establishes a Path to an Energy Efficient Future nrdc.org, November 27, 2017 California recently established an ambitious blueprint for how the state will meet its target of doubling statewide energy efficiency savings by 2030, which would be equivalent to avoiding the annual electricity use of 12 million households and the natural gas consumption of more than … Read more

Stretch Codes Could Potentially Expedite the Advancement of Green Buildings

Stretch Codes

Could stretch codes supercharge the green building marketplace? GreenBiz, November 10, 2017 This week, thousands of building industry professionals converged at Greenbuild 2017 to share their excitement and progress toward advancing green buildings. But while the number of green buildings has grown dramatically over the last decade, the pace of construction still falls far short of what … Read more

Massachusetts and Boston Take Top Spots in 2017 ACEEE State and City Scorecards

M&V Data 2017 ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard

Lisa Markowski, ERS, for Zondits It’s a tie no more, as Massachusetts has edged California to claim the sole number-one position atop the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The council determines the rankings by evaluating states’ energy efficiency programs, policies, and practices across six categories. As an ongoing effort, … Read more

Is Carbon Capture the Solution for Climate Change?

David Harary, ERS, for Zondits Catastrophic hurricanes, raging forest fires, flooding and drought. The last two months of summer have shown America glimpses of a new era of climate. The environmental, social, and economic costs of this problem are simply too high to turn a blind eye. Mitigating the adverse effects of climate change starts … Read more

Lawmakers Seek to Ban Programs That Allow School Districts to Exceed Revenue Limits

school districts

More School Districts Using Energy Efficiency Program To Exceed Revenue Limits Wisconsin Public Radio, August 28, 2017 A growing number of school districts are voting to exceed revenue limits for energy efficiency projects, while state lawmakers seek a ban on the program that lets them do it. The Revenue Limit Exemption for Energy Efficiencies program lets … Read more

Duke Energy Abandons Lee Nuclear Project Due to Bankruptcy

Duke Energy

Duke Cancels the Lee Nuclear Project, Files for 13.6% Rate Increase Green Tech Media, August 25, 2017 Duke Energy Carolinas announced today that it is abandoning plans to build the Lee Nuclear Station in light of the bankruptcy of the project’s principal designer and contractor. The decision was noted in a rate case filed with the North … Read more

NJ PBU Approves Spending to Expand PSEG’s Energy Efficiency Programs

energy efficiency ratings PSEG

New Jersey regulators approve $69M in efficiency spending for PSEG Utility Dive, August 24, 2017 Dive Brief: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities yesterday signed off on a $69 million slate of efficiency programs to be implemented by Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) The decision will extend three energy efficiency programs the … Read more

Innovation Leads to Accelerated Performance Pilot As a New Construction Program

Accelerate Performance

ComEd Adopts DOE Accelerate Performance Pilot as Official New Construction Program Offering Energy.gov, August 14, 2017 Recent innovations in the procurement approach for new construction buildings developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have been shown to deliver deep and persistent energy savings at little or no additional upfront cost to building owners. The … Read more