Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative Archives | Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative https://smartenergycc.org/resauth/smart-energy-consumer-collaborative/ Listen, Educate, Collaborate Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:56:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-SECC_LinkedIn_400x400_option2-32x32.png Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative Archives | Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative https://smartenergycc.org/resauth/smart-energy-consumer-collaborative/ 32 32 Upcoming Webinar: Engaging Spanish-Speaking Households https://smartenergycc.org/upcoming-webinar-engaging-spanish-speaking-households/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=upcoming-webinar-engaging-spanish-speaking-households Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:54:58 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32578 The post Upcoming Webinar: Engaging Spanish-Speaking Households appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-8i34xow-a18bcc25a7d72e152d2677cc8accdce0{ background-color:#23a8e1; background-image:unset; }

LATEST NEWS

Upcoming Webinar: Engaging Spanish-Speaking Households

October 22, 2024
Latest News


Topics
Webinar, Snapshot Survey, Spanish



Register Here


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Spanish is now spoken at home by nearly 45 million Americans – more than twice as many as in 1990.

During this webinar, we will share the findings from our latest Snapshot Survey – “Don’t Leave Us in the Dark: Engaging Spanish-Speaking Households” – which explores Spanish speakers’ perceptions of their electricity providers, their struggles paying their electric bills, their support for renewable energy targets and more.

Following the research briefing, we will hear from three guest speakers who will share best practices gleaned from their experiences educating Spanish-speaking consumers on important energy topics.

Featured speakers:

  • Nathan Shannon, President & CEO, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
  • Nikki Swoboda, Director of Sales and Marketing, NTC
  • Leititia Bailey, Director of School Outreach, NTC
  • Ivonne Rychwa, Outreach Director, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

The post Upcoming Webinar: Engaging Spanish-Speaking Households appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> October 18: Report Surveys State of EV Smart Charge Management https://smartenergycc.org/october-18-report-surveys-state-of-ev-smart-charge-management/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=october-18-report-surveys-state-of-ev-smart-charge-management Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:26:58 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32574 The post October 18: Report Surveys State of EV Smart Charge Management appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

October 18

New Report Surveys State of EV Smart Charge Management


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

New Report Surveys State of EV Smart Charge Management Across the U.S.


Two national laboratories, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, recently surveyed the national state of smart charge management for electric vehicles across the United States. Smart charge management is “intelligently managing the flow of electricity that charges electric vehicles,” NREL notes.


Read the article

Consumers Energy to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Network to Workplaces


On Monday, Jackson, Michigan-based Consumers Energy announced it was launching an initiative to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at workplaces across Michigan. Consumers Energy said the initiative is part of its efforts to expand EV charging throughout the state and that it expects more than 500 workplaces will have EV charging by 2030.


Read the article

Virtual Peaker

How Demand Flexibility Initiatives Help During Extreme Weather Events


Last weekend, Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction from Florida up the east coast, leaving cities in Georgia and the Carolinas underwater. Nearly a week later, and still around 1M customers are still without power, with power lines down, poles destroyed, and substations literally submerged. Climate change has driven this volatility in extreme weather events, impacting more Americans than ever.


Read the article

ComEd Launches Heat Pump Technology Resource for Customers


ComEd announced it was launching an all-in-one resource to help customers who are considering switching from a traditional furnace to electric heat pumps. The new Go Electric site will provide customers with information about the benefits of heat pump technology at home, including pricing and incentives, and how to locate trained contractors.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

Chart: The Policy Push to Electrify Lawn Equipment, Visualized


In the lawn-care aisle at Home Depot, alongside traditional gas mowers and leaf blowers, you’ll also find battery-powered versions – for roughly the same price, or even less. An increasing number of states and municipalities are encouraging their residents to go for these emission-free, electric options and leave the gas tools behind, as a new map from PIRG shows.


Read the article

GM Energy Launches PowerBank Home Energy Storage Unit for Electric Vehicles


General Motors Co. subsidiary GM Energy has expanded its residential charging product offerings with the launch of the GM Energy PowerBank stationary energy storage unit, which allows its EV customers to store and transfer energy from the grid. The PowerBank is available with a 10.6 kWh or 17.7 kWh storage capacity and can provide power to a home during an outage or help to offset higher electricity rates during peak times.


Read the article

California Now Has 500 MW of Demand-Side Resources. Here’s How They’re Using Them


The California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program has successfully enrolled 515 MW of capacity, with over 265,000 participants contributing to the state’s efforts. Launched in August 2022, the DSGS program is part of California’s Strategic Reliability Reserve of backup energy resources that are meant to serve as insurance when the power grid is strained during extreme events.


Read the article

Rising Demand, Retiring Resources Squeeze Reserves, Increase Extreme Weather Risks, Says PJM


Adequate resources exist to serve the forecasted demand for electricity this winter under normal conditions, though reserve margins continue, according to PJM Interconnection in its recent winter outlook. As the grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia, PJM said it expects to have roughly 179,800 MW of resources to meet the forecasted peak demand of about 141,200 MW.


Read the article



The post October 18: Report Surveys State of EV Smart Charge Management appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> October 11: ComEd Electrifies 450 Low-Income Homes https://smartenergycc.org/october-11-comed-electrifies-450-low-income-homes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=october-11-comed-electrifies-450-low-income-homes Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:07:41 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32560 The post October 11: ComEd Electrifies 450 Low-Income Homes appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

October 11

ComEd’s Whole Home Electric Program Electrifies 450 Low-Income Homes


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

ComEd’s Whole Home Electric Program Electrifies 450 Low-Income Homes


ComEd announced that its Whole Home Electric program has electrified 450 low-income homes and apartment units in the Chicago area. The announcement was made at the Nuestro Hogar affordable housing units in Humboldt Park, one of the first multi-family projects electrified through the program. Through this initiative, homes are retrofitted with all-electric appliances and heating and cooling systems.


Read the article

TVA Report Details Progress in Reducing Carbon Emissions, Adding Renewables


The Tennessee Valley Authority recently released a report that, among other things, details its work so far to reduce carbon emissions and its efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The report notes that TVA is pursuing a clean energy strategy that maintains affordability, adds capacity to the grid and supports energy security. As of April 2024, TVA has retired or announced retirement of 86 percent of our coal fleet, a total of 12,297 MW.


Read the article

Will AI Help with Electrification and Load Growth? Most Utilities Think So


Nearly 90 percent of utilities view AI and machine learning (ML) as crucial for overcoming operational hurdles during the energy transition, according to a new report, with safety, cybersecurity and predictive maintenance as the top use cases. Itron’s 2024 Resourcefulness Insight Report explores the current trends and future expectations of AI and ML on utility operations and strategies.


Read the article

MidSouth Electric Cooperative Adopts Virtual Peaker Grid-Edge Technology


Virtual Peaker this week announced a new partnership with MidSouth Electric Cooperative to enhance demand response management across two major wholesale markets – Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). MidSouth successfully transitioned its smart thermostat program to Virtual Peaker’s Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Management platform.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

Chart: More and More Rooftop Solar Buyers Are Adding Home Batteries


Batteries are all the rage – especially among homeowners who are going solar. The percentage of people who install a battery alongside their new rooftop solar system is surging in the U.S., according to a new report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. That figure – known as the residential attachment rate – jumped from just under 10 percent in 2022 to 12.3 percent last year.


Read the article

We Have More Data on the Energy Benefits of Heat Pumps – And They’re Big


The push to electrify everything has been very good for heat pump sales. Americans are now buying more heat pumps than gas furnaces – outpacing the number of units sold in Europe. Heat pumps are wildly more efficient than furnaces, and the technology continues to improve. But what does real-world experience tell us about how they impact energy consumption and household emissions?


Read the article

U.S. Energy Storage Deployments Jump 86 Percent Year-Over-Year to 10.5 GWh in Q2


The U.S. saw more than 3 GW/10.5 GWh of energy storage deployments in the second quarter of 2024, up 74 percent and 86 percent, respectively, from Q2 2023 and the most for any second quarter to date, Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association said last week. Utility-scale storage accounted for 2,773 MW/9,982 MWh of the total, with 85 percent of new capacity installed in California, Arizona and Texas.


Read the article

New Hampshire’s Low-Income Community Solar Program Finally Moves Forward


More than seven years after New Hampshire regulators first approved the idea of using community solar to create savings for low-income households, electric bill discounts are finally on the horizon for the first batch of participants. Community solar is widely considered an important strategy for extending the benefits of renewable energy to people unable to take advantage of rooftop solar.


Read the article



The post October 11: ComEd Electrifies 450 Low-Income Homes appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> Submit Your Nominations for SECC’s 2025 Awards https://smartenergycc.org/submit-your-nominations-for-2025-best-practices-awards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=submit-your-nominations-for-2025-best-practices-awards Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:08:00 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32556 The post Submit Your Nominations for SECC’s 2025 Awards appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-8d1satt-6ff4e457564e9d7e38254b748454e582{ background-color:#23a8e1; background-image:unset; }

LATEST NEWS

Submit Your Nominations for SECC’s 2025 Best Practices Awards

October 8, 2024
Latest News


Topics
Awards, Best Practices, Consumers, SMBs



Learn More


We are quickly approaching the close of the nominations window for SECC's 2025 Best Practices Awards, a unique awards program that highlights leadership from electricity providers in developing consumer-centric programs, services and strategies. If you plan on submitting nominations for consideration, the deadline is Friday, November 1.

For the 2025 awards, we will again recognize providers in six categories, including the Energy Equity Award, which was introduced in 2022 to recognize initiatives that are advancing a more equitable energy system. The other categories are Consumer Education, Smart Energy Innovation, SMB Engagement, Consumer Engagement and Culture Transformation.

Following the end of the nominations window on Friday, November 1, all nominations will be reviewed by an independent advisory panel, and winners will be notified under embargo in December. We will recognize the winners at the 2025 Consumer Symposium, co-located with DISTRIBUTECH in Dallas.

To learn more about SECC's Best Practices Awards program, read the FAQ here, and when you’re ready to submit your nominations, complete the form here.

More Info


2020 Howell Mill Road NW
Suite D-260
Atlanta, GA 30318
(844) 644-0107

Press inquiries, please contact Jonathan Field.

The post Submit Your Nominations for SECC’s 2025 Awards appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> October 4: Five Ways Utilities Can Tackle Extreme Heat https://smartenergycc.org/october-4-five-ways-utilities-can-tackle-extreme-heat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=october-4-five-ways-utilities-can-tackle-extreme-heat Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:00:01 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32550 The post October 4: Five Ways Utilities Can Tackle Extreme Heat appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

October 4

Five Ways Utilities and Other Climate Planners Can Tackle Extreme Heat


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

Five Ways Utilities and Other Climate Planners Can Tackle Extreme Heat


Extreme heat scorched its way across the U.S. this past summer. Heat domes have brought dangerous record temperatures to all regions of the country, most recently in California. Extreme heat is one of the deadliest and most widespread climate change risks, and new analysis from the ICF Climate Center highlights that it is most hazardous for disadvantaged communities.


Read the article

SRP Customers Surpass Electric Vehicle Adoption Milestone of 50,000


Arizona public power utility Salt River Project recently announced that more than 53,500 electric vehicles were purchased or leased in its service territory as of April 30, 2024, the end of its 2024 fiscal year. “Helping customers reach this new EV adoption milestone is a clear sign that interest in sustainable transportation is growing,” said Jason Smith, SRP’s Manager of Electric Vehicle Strategy.


Read the article

Con Edison Highlights Customer Success in Reducing Carbon Emissions


Con Edison highlighted its customers’ achievements in reducing their carbon footprint in its second quarter Clean Energy Update. Overall, Con Edison has provided customers with incentives for more than 8,400 electric vehicle chargers and more than 70,000 customer solar projects. Those solar arrays have the capacity to produce 622.6 megawatts of clean, renewable solar power.


Read the article

Virtual Power Plants and Time-Varying Rates: The Next Big Power Move for a Smarter Grid


The energy system is changing fundamentally, and new grid management strategies are needed to manage this transition. Decarbonization goals in 24 states and the District of Columbia are accelerating the shift to renewable generation and the electrification of end-uses in transportation, industry and the built environment. At the same time, utilities are forecasting rapid demand growth for data centers, which could triple peak load in some areas.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

Getting a Heat Pump Took Some Effort. Here’s What I Learned.


The home inspection report painted a pretty bleak picture. We were about to close on a charming 1940 colonial, but it turned out that most of the appliances that came with it needed replacement. The water heater was not long for this world, the AC was busted, and the sump pump was shot. One bright spot was the cast-iron gas-fired boiler.


Read the article

California Bill Will Transition Some Neighborhoods from Gas to Electric


In addition to a bill requiring utilities to evaluate grid enhancing technologies (GETs) in transmission planning, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law mandating pilot projects to transition certain neighborhoods from gas to electric. Senate Bill (SB) 1221 would require each gas corporation to submit to the PUC a map of all potential gas distribution line replacement projects.


Read the article

PG&E Highlights Electric Vehicle Affordability for National Drive Electric Week


As part of its recognition of National Drive Electric Week, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is highlighting how EV ownership is more affordable. The utility company reiterated its rebate program that makes EV ownership more affordable. The Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program provided income-qualified customers with up to $4,000 in rebates when they buy or lease a used EV.


Read the article

In Areas Hardest Hit by Helene, Rural Cooperatives Could Need Weeks to Restore Power


Recovery efforts continue after Hurricane Helene knocked out power to about six million customers and devastated communities in the U.S. Southeast. In some areas served by rural cooperatives, utility leaders warn it could be weeks before service is restored. “The consumers of electric cooperatives are in areas that are more remote, more rugged, more difficult to restore,” National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson said.


Read the article



The post October 4: Five Ways Utilities Can Tackle Extreme Heat appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> 4Liberty https://smartenergycc.org/member-spotlight-4liberty/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=member-spotlight-4liberty Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:00:27 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32541 With deep utility expertise in T&D programs and grid modernization, 4Liberty provides complete solutions, specializing in solving tough problems then implementing and operating the solutions through turnkey program, project and construction management. Continue reading →

The post 4Liberty appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-19qr7vd-49095b4fcbdb98729b12227019bce65a{ background-color:#23a8e1; background-image:unset; } .avia-section.av-19qr7vd-49095b4fcbdb98729b12227019bce65a .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; }


October 2024

Member Spotlight


Throughout 2024, SECC will recognize one member every month, providing an organizational profile and highlighting the member's accomplishments in the smart energy space.



About 4Liberty


4Liberty is a solutions-based consultancy focused on professional, technical and infrastructure program delivery for utilities. With deep utility expertise in T&D programs and grid modernization, 4Liberty provides complete solutions, specializing in solving tough problems then implementing and operating the solutions through turnkey program, project and construction management. They wrap financial and capital control services around every program, ensuring projects are delivering more while on budget.

By applying data science, analytics and AI, they deliver insights that derisk projects and keep them in scope through project closeout. 4Liberty is a strategic partner that supports utilities with all aspects of the energy transition from securing funding to supporting upgrades to driving change management, as well as leading end-customer engagement and communication strategies.

The company is a women-owned and operated certified DBE and SBE headquartered in San Diego, California. They have driven outcomes for their clients since their founding in 2009. 4Liberty is dedicated to delivering results through their methodologies by innovating, automating and eliminating waste and driving efficiencies for utilities, which results in direct end-customer benefits, including affordability.

Services that Drive Efficiency and Affordability


As a full turnkey services provider, 4Liberty has a role to play in helping utilities modernize power grids to improve resiliency while focusing on sustainability to create a positive impact in the communities they serve. They apply advanced technologies and business models to activate opportunities in renewables, smart grids, energy efficiency, consumer engagement and more.

Performance-Built PMO Services


Their methodology follows industry best practices and has been refined through use on over 4,000 utility projects. 4Liberty's program management methodology aligns with a utility company's project management model so the solutions are seamless. 4Liberty operates an “owners PMO” and serves as a force multiplier to ensure that utility client’s objectives are met and expectations are exceeded. Some key offerings are described below.

T&D Programs


4Liberty’s team of professionals understands the unique challenges and demands of the electric T&D sector. They have extensive experience managing major capital projects, including implementing AMI, new infrastructure construction, substation upgrades and expansions, as well as maintenance programs. Whether clients require support for overhead, under-build or underground transmission lines, substations or distribution system upgrades, including fire and weather system hardening, they have the expertise to deliver exceptional results.

Their service delivery encompasses the entire lifecycle of a project, from initial planning and design to execution, monitoring and completion. They work closely with clients to understand specific requirements and objectives, ensuring that their tailored solutions align with clients’ business goals and regulatory standards.

Consumer Engagement and Stakeholder Planning


4Liberty extensive experience in helping utilities and cities implement technology and critical infrastructure projects is anchored in successful community benefits and outreach planning. They understand that this planning hinges on deep knowledge of and robust relationships with local community-based organizations. These connections are essential for ensuring that the direct benefits of any technology implementation reach end customers, fostering successful adoption, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities.

As the energy transition progresses, engaging with end customers becomes increasingly critical. 4Liberty prioritizes involving the community and maintaining transparent communication to ensure that new energy solutions are embraced and effectively utilized. By focusing on these key areas, they manage community benefits and execute outreach effectively, ensuring that technology and infrastructure projects not only succeed but also bring tangible, positive changes to the communities they serve.

Grant Administration


With a tremendous amount of grant funding available to support the industry’s critical infrastructure projects, 4Liberty can help utilities take advantage of funding opportunities. 4Liberty’s exceptional grant administration and management capabilities are evidenced by their meticulous handling of Department of Energy reporting requirements. They specialize in identifying, supporting and submitting all necessary documentation, working closely with client staff and project stakeholders. Their team ensures that all information is accurately collected and reported on time, demonstrating their commitment to precision and reliability in managing complex grant processes. This attention to detail and proactive approach guarantees compliance and maximizes the benefits of grant funding for our clients.

Change Management


Effective change management is crucial for utility critical infrastructure projects, as it ensures seamless transitions, minimizes disruptions and drives long-term success. Managing change in these complex environments requires a deep understanding of regulatory demands, stakeholder coordination and operational continuity. 4Liberty, specializes in guiding utility companies through these transformations, leveraging their expertise to manage risks, align teams and implement strategies that ensure every phase of the project runs smoothly. They can drive the change management process, delivering reliable, resilient solutions that safeguard your critical infrastructure.

To learn more, follow them on LinkedIn or visit them at 4liberty.com.



The post 4Liberty appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> September 27: Consumers Energy to Build Community Solar Array https://smartenergycc.org/september-27-consumers-energy-to-build-community-solar-array/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=september-27-consumers-energy-to-build-community-solar-array Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:00:28 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32536 The post September 27: Consumers Energy to Build Community Solar Array appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

September 27

Consumers Energy to Build Community Solar Array


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

Consumers Energy to Build New Community Solar Facility in Jackson County


Consumers Energy will start construction next spring on a new 30-acre community solar array in Jackson County, Michigan. The Blackman Solar project will provide local clean energy to customers through its Solar Gardens program. The facility should start generating electricity by the end of 2025. Blackman Solar will include nearly 5,000 solar panels and will generate up to 2.5 MW of renewable electricity for 2,500 future Solar Gardens customers.


Read the article

How PSE Hopes to Improve Situational Awareness Through Small Sensors


As another wildfire season passes, many utilities, mostly in the West, are thinking about their mitigation strategy for next year and beyond. In Washington, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is undertaking a pilot program to evaluate the performance of the Gridscope, a solar-powered sensor from Gridware mounted on utility poles for wildfire mitigation, fault detection and reliability improvements.


Read the article

Origis Energy, TVA Expand Mississippi Renewable Energy Portfolio


Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority announced a power purchase agreement to expand their solar and storage portfolio in Mississippi. Origis would develop, construct and operate Hope Solar + Storage, a 200 MWac Solar + 200 MW (800 MWh) storage facility, in Clay County, Mississippi, and sell the power to TVA to help fuel some of the fastest growth in the nation – both in terms of population and economic development.


Read the article

Virtual Peaker, FranklinWH Announce Strategic Integration to Enhance Grid Flexibility


Virtual Peaker, a leading cloud-based grid-edge technology company dedicated to advancing the future of energy and supporting global decarbonization goals, announced a strategic partnership with FranklinWH, a pioneer in home energy management and battery solutions. This collaboration allows utilities to support household consumption intelligently and decrease peak load on the grid.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

Why Hyundai’s EV Plans Are Going Just Fine Despite Market Turbulence


The U.S. electric car market is clearly growing. Sales are rising, market penetration is increasing, and we’re getting closer to the dream of emissions-free motoring. But the road is not without its potholes and speed bumps: Several major automakers, such as Ford and Volvo, have in recent months pulled back on their EV goals, citing a trickier-than-expected U.S. market. The brands within Hyundai Motor Group tell a different story, however.


Read the article

Seattle Boosts Electric Heat Pump Incentives with Goal to Eliminate Oil-Heated Homes


The city of Seattle announced last week that it’s offering a new $4,000 rebate for moderate-income households to replace their oil heating systems with electric heat pumps. The rebate means income-qualified residents can access a total of up to $8,000 in support for transitioning to heat pumps, by stacking the new rebate with the city’s existing, non-income-restricted $2,000 instant rebate and a $2,000 federal tax credit.


Read the article

Chart: Which States Have The Most Electric School Buses?


It’s back-to-school season in the U.S., and more students than ever are headed to class on electric, emissions-free, battery-powered buses. Here are the states where EV school buses are truly on a roll, per a new PIRG analysis of World Resources Institute (WRI) data. Electric school buses are a crucial tool for cleaning up transportation, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the country.


Read the article

Dominion Energy Virginia Unveils Residential EV Charging Program


Dominion Energy Virginia plans to launch the Residential Charger Program, a new turnkey solution for customers interested in a Level 2 home charging system for their electric vehicle (EV). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are currently almost 80,000 EVs on the road in Virginia. Dominion Energy said that because that number is growing rapidly, the company has many resources in place to support EV drivers.


Read the article



The post September 27: Consumers Energy to Build Community Solar Array appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> Upcoming Webinar: Preview of the 2024 Members Meeting https://smartenergycc.org/upcoming-webinar-preview-of-the-2024-members-meeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=upcoming-webinar-preview-of-the-2024-members-meeting Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:35:28 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32528 The post Upcoming Webinar: Preview of the 2024 Members Meeting appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-8i34xow-a18bcc25a7d72e152d2677cc8accdce0{ background-color:#23a8e1; background-image:unset; }

LATEST NEWS

Upcoming Webinar: Preview of the 2024 Members Meeting

September 23, 2024
Latest News


Topics
Webinar, 2024 Members Meeting



Register Here


During this half-hour Peer Connect Webinar on Wednesday, October 2 at 2 p.m. (ET), we will provide a look at what attendees can expect at SECC's 2024 Members Meeting & Fall Workshop, which will be held at ICF’s corporate headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area on October 16-17.

Following the agenda overview from SECC’s Deputy Director Jason McGrade, Kelsey Lawhead, VP, Customer Programs & Strategy at ElectriCities of North Carolina and a member of SECC’s Board of Directors, will outline the key objectives of the committee breakout sessions.

Then, attendees will get a sneak peak of two sessions. First, Sanem Sergici, Principal at The Brattle Group, will preview the Point/Counterpoint debate on decarbonization strategies, and then, Geoff Cooper, Director of Energy Markets at DNV, will discuss the panel on SMB customers.

Featured speakers:

  • Kelsey Lawhead, VP, Customer Programs & Strategy, ElectriCities of NC
  • Geoffrey Cooper, Director of Energy Markets, DNV
  • Sanem Sergici, Principal, The Brattle Group
  • Jason McGrade, Deputy Director, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative

The post Upcoming Webinar: Preview of the 2024 Members Meeting appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> September 20: Bidgely Unveils New GenAI Integration https://smartenergycc.org/september-20-bidgely-unveils-new-genai-integration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=september-20-bidgely-unveils-new-genai-integration Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:00:57 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32521 The post September 20: Bidgely Unveils New GenAI Integration appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

September 20

Bidgely Unveils New GenAI Integration for UtilityAI Platform


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

Bidgely Unveils New GenAI Integration for Award-Winning UtilityAI Platform


Bidgely has introduced a new generative AI (GenAI) integration into its award-winning UtilityAI Platform, offering utilities and their customers even more intelligent and intuitive experiences for energy management. A series of secure and scalable product rollouts will enable autonomous query responses for faster results that will redefine data insights and utility program implementation.


Read the article

U.S. Power Demand Could Increase by an Average of Nine Percent by 2028: ICF


After decades of relatively flat electricity demand across the U.S., demand could increase by an average of nine percent by 2028 while peak demand for electricity could increase by an average of five percent over the same period, a new report from consulting firm ICF said. The report measures and maps electricity demand growth across the U.S. over the next four years and the potential costs to utilities.


Read the article

ACEEE Report Reveals Energy Burden Is Higher on Low-Income Households


The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) issued a new report that says a quarter of low-income households spend more than 15 percent of their income on energy bills. This revealed that low-income residents experience higher energy burdens – the share of income spent on energy –than other households. It also found that in 23 of the 25 largest metropolitan areas, one-in-four low-income households have energy bills that exceeded 10 percent of income.


Read the article

Ford Is First U.S. Automaker to Participate in SCE’s Emergency DR Program


Owners of some electric vehicles made by Ford can now participate in Southern California Edison’s Emergency Load Reduction Program, earning money for reducing charging during times of peak grid demand, the companies announced Tuesday. Ford is the first major U.S. automaker to facilitate customer participation in SCE’s ELRP, the company said.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

Are Solar Water Heaters Worth It? Here’s What to Consider.


Every so often in sunny Colorado, I pass by a house with rooftop solar panels that look a little bit different. With their muted luster and thicker frames, these big, dark panels stand out for a reason: They’re not your typical electricity-making solar panels but are instead used to heat up a home’s water. First developed in 1891, well before their power-producing photovoltaic (PV) counterparts, solar water heaters are “the other white meat” of solar tech.


Read the article

GM, EVgo Plan 400 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Metro Areas


General Motors Co. and electric vehicle charging provider EVgo will collaborate to deploy 400 DC-fast charging stations at locations in major metropolitan areas in the U.S., the automaker announced in a press release. The deployment includes flagship charging sites co-branded by EVgo and the automaker’s subsidiary GM Energy.


Read the article

This Colorado Utility Is Building a Virtual Power Plant from Scratch


A small utility in the Colorado Front Range has big plans for a virtual power plant. The Platte River Power Authority is a non-profit, wholesale generation and transmission utility that serves 380,000 thousand customers across the Colorado cities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Its 2024 integrated resource plan includes a new, and ambitious, generation target: 32 megawatts of dispatchable capacity via a VPP by 2030.


Read the article

Chart: Texas Plans to Build the Most Clean Energy of Any State


Texas has become an all-around clean energy juggernaut, thanks to its lax permitting regime, fast grid-interconnection process, competitive energy market, and ample amount of solar- and wind-friendly land. Its plans for the next year and a half underscore that status. As of July, the state intended to build 35 gigawatts of clean energy over 18 months, more than the next nine states combined.


Read the article



The post September 20: Bidgely Unveils New GenAI Integration appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> September 13: JCP&L Relaunches Popular EV Driven Program https://smartenergycc.org/september-13-jcpl-relaunches-popular-ev-driven-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=september-13-jcpl-relaunches-popular-ev-driven-program Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:19:30 +0000 https://smartenergycc.org/?p=32512 The post September 13: JCP&L Relaunches Popular EV Driven Program appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]> .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070{ background-color:#6bb645; background-image:url(https://smartenergycc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lock-network_smallstandards.jpg); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:50% 50%; background-attachment:scroll; } .avia-section.av-113hwkpv-13b5af8fc3f57c031986c06243c75070 .av-section-color-overlay{ opacity:0.4; background-color:#000000; }

September 13

Jersey Central Power & Light Relaunches Popular EV Driven Program


Top consumer smart energy news hand-selected and brought to you by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Member News

Jersey Central Power & Light Relaunches Popular EV Driven Program


Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, is relaunching its EV Driven residential electric vehicle charging incentives program. The relaunch comes after the popular program was maxed out with customer participation in 2023. JCP&L’s EV Driven program was established to provide incentives for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the company’s service area.


Read the article

Virtual Peaker

Betting on Customers Will Pay Off for Demand Flexibility


The 20th-century formula for a reliable and functional grid depended upon the stability and predictability derived from designing generation and one-way power flow operations to meet peak customer demand requirements with limited customer interaction outside of responding to outages and billing questions.


Read the article

EWEB Details Customer Achievements Tied to Environmental Stewardship


Eugene Water & Electric Board customers who voluntarily chose to invest extra money in community-wide sustainability efforts cut carbon emissions by 730 metric tons in 2023, the Oregon public power utility said recently. Customers achieved those emissions reductions by voluntarily subscribing to EWEB’s Cleanpower, Greenpower and Carbon Offset programs.


Read the article

EV Drivers Are Satisfied with Their Electric Vehicles, New Survey Says


Almost 90 percent of EV drivers are apt to purchase an EV for their next vehicle, and most consumers’ concerns about EVs decrease across the board once they lease or own an EV, according to a newly released consumer survey. Plug In America, the EV nonprofit, in collaboration with EPRI’s EVs2Scale2030 initiative, recently released findings from the 2024 EV Driver Annual Survey Report about EV drivers’ satisfaction with their vehicles.


Read the article

Get Your Weekly Edition


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Industry News

NYC Looks to Kick its Curbside EV Charging Plans into Second Gear


Perhaps the only thing harder than finding a spot to park a car in New York City is finding a spot to charge a car. EV owners in the city could soon get some relief on that second problem, thanks to a $15 million federal grant to build 600 curbside EV chargers – the largest network of its kind in the United States and a step toward the city’s goal of building 10,000 curbside chargers by 2030.


Read the article

U.S. Energy Storage Installations Rise 62 Percent in Q2 to 2.9 GW: ACP


The U.S. energy storage sector marked its second strongest quarter on record in Q2 2024 with 2.9 GW of newly installed capacity, a 62-percent jump from Q2 2023, the American Clean Power Association said last Thursday in its latest clean power quarterly market report. Developers installed 11 GW of new utility-scale solar, storage and wind capacity in the second quarter, up 91 percent year over year.


Read the article

Biden’s Rural Electrification Program May Also Help Coops Invest in DERMS


As November’s election closes in, the Biden administration is working to push Inflation Reduction Act dollars out the door. The latest installment totals $7.3 billion in grants for clean energy projects for rural electric cooperatives, in what the administration is characterizing as the biggest investment in rural electrification since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.


Read the article

Here’s a Blueprint for Building Virtual Power Plants in Every State


Rooftop solar, backup batteries, electric vehicles and smart thermostats and appliances are all crucial to the energy transition in their own right. But if utilities are able to combine these distributed energy technologies together to form so-called virtual power plants, the result could be greater than the sum of its parts – and make the energy transition tens of billions of dollars cheaper.


Read the article



The post September 13: JCP&L Relaunches Popular EV Driven Program appeared first on Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

]]>