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AMI in Review | Informing the Conversation
July 2020
Numerous utility AMI proposals have been approved over the past decade; however, recent years have seen noteworthy denials. Understanding the transformative potential of AMI but not seeking to offer an opinion on state actions, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Grid Research Division (AGR) undertook a phased research study to investigate regulatory applications from various parties’ perspective. The resulting report captures the findings and collective insights gained through an in-depth analysis of public records and conversations with more than 120 individuals from utilities, advocates, and commissions across the U.S.
Artificial Intelligence
August 2020
January 2021
This article examines the application of grid resilience measures to manage the energy impacts caused by heatwaves and wildfires in California. The installation of smart appliances and distribution of individual batteries to homes will mitigate energy demand and prevent mass losses of power during a heatwave or wildfire. The article also reviews the demand for policy action as a result of battery distribution.
November 2020
This article introduces Saul Griffith, author of Rewiring America: A Field Manual for the Climate Fight, and his goal of total electrification. Griffith has calculated the job market impacts of near 100% electrification by 2050 and found that 5 million more American jobs would be created, compared to the current fossil-fuel-dominated energy industry.
December 2020
This report was commissioned by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to create a roadmap for the state to achieve its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This report provides technological context for future policy development, explores a range of pathways, and maintains flexibility for stakeholders in terms of strategy implementation. Additionally, the report includes integrated cross-sector energy system analyses, four state-specific sector analyses, potential carbon sequestration solutions, and economic and health impact analysis.
August 2020
In Wisconsin, Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE) filed an application to change electric and natural gas rates. Within this application was a settlement that expanded MGE's Bring Your Own Device Program, which provides bill credits to incentivize smart thermostat participation, and an Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging Pilot rate, which provides discounts for customers with separately metered charging infrastructure.
December 2020
In Virginia, Dominion Energy filed for approval of 11 Demand-Side Management programs intended to begin in 2021. Included in these programs is a demand response residential water savings program, which incentivizes the installation of smart communicating water heating technology, and an energy efficiency smart home program, which incentivizes the purchase of smart control technologies.
November 2020
In North Carolina, Dominion Energy filed an application for a residential smart thermostat demand response program. The program was approved and will provide customers with a $54 rebate to incentivize the purchase of a smart thermostat which will be utilized to manage load reduction during times of peak demand.
November 2020
In North Carolina, Dominion Energy filed an application for a residential smart thermostat demand response program. The program was approved and will provide customers $35 annually in exchange for their participation in load reduction measures during peak demand beginning in March 2021.
February 2021
This article reviews recent Massachusetts legislation that is designed to spur utility rate design innovation and urge the alleviation of the financial burden placed on electric vehicle (EV) owners. The use of fast-chargers requires a significant amount of energy in a short amount of time, which incurs high demand charges and causes electricity bills to skyrocket. This state legislation asks utilities to form their own plans to solve this issue, as older demand charge rates are not compatible with transportation electrification infrastructure and will hinder EV adoption in the state.
March 2021
This article reviews a recent multi-utility plan to unite in creating electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging throughout the South, Midwest, Gulf, and Central Plains regions. Duke Energy, American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Entergy Corporation, Southern Company, and the Tennessee Valley Authority plan to team up as The Electric Highway Coalition to provide adequate charging infrastructure for current EV owners, alleviate range anxiety, and prepare for a boom in EV adoption. The article reviews the actions the utilities are taking to implement their plan.
July 2020
This article reviews the disproportionate impacts of transportation on different racial communities and the necessity to focus transportation electrification efforts in BIPOC communities. The pollution from transportation, among many other sectors, disproportionately impacts Black, Latinx, and other communities, and exacerbates respiratory health issues, which puts BIPOC people at an increased risk of COVID-19 virus complications. The article also reviews holistic approaches to electrifying transportation in the most polluted areas and stakeholder perspectives.
May 2020
This report, prepared by Synapse Energy Economics for E4TheFuture, evaluates the thermal and transportation electrification markets in New England and forecasts the impact of low, middle, and high adoption scenarios on electric demand through 2030. The report also examines two important factors in adoption: technological advancement and state policy. The report predicts that electrification will not threaten the power grid system.
February 2021
This article evaluates ComEd's development of their relationship with the Bronzeville community and highlights the Bronzeville Microgrid pilot, which includes a battery storage facility and mural. The article highlights the utility's community engagement approach during their pilot planning process and following microgrid deployment. Additionally, local advocates provided suggestions for utilities in their future community-engagement endeavors.
December 2020
This article evaluates the distribution and accessibility of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Chicago. Far fewer stations are available in BIPOC communities, adding to the existing barriers of EV adoption. This article evaluates the legislation passed by Illinois and the Chicago City Council to work towards equal accessibility to EV infrastructure, and reviews a potential pathway to EV adoption in BIPOC communities.
March 2020
This plan from the City of Seattle identifies a pathway to fewer emissions, the challenges of electrification, and how to successfully rise above each challenge. The city plans to meet several zero emissions goals across various modes of transportation by 2030, while maintaining a focus on environmental justice within the community.
March 2021
This NREL webpage contains links to technical reports, informational webinars, and data associated with the Electrification Futures Study series. These resources shed light on electric technology costs and performance, projected electric technology adoption and power consumption, long-term power system impacts of electrification, and the future evolution of the power system.
April 2020
This report presents the findings of The Building Electrification Equity Project, which was created to evaluate electrification through the lens of underserved communities. The report recommends several principles that should be used in the development of equitable electrification policies. Additionally, the report provides recommendations for local governments and utilities as they facilitate the transition to electrification.
