Utilities
PPL Electric Utilities will offer a portfolio of energy conservation programs over the next three years under a plan approved this month by the state Public Utility Commission. The new elements will target farms, schools and low income multi-family residential with energy audits, rebates and recommendations.
Source: The Morning Call
National Grid US has named John J. Donleavy to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Donleavy was President and CEO of Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), where he spearheaded the largest capital infrastructure construction program in the company’s and Vermont’s history.
Source: Power Engineering
Public Service Electric and Gas is seeking support for its $3.9 billion Energy Strong infrastructure upgrade from the customers who would pay for it. Energy Strong was proposed in response to superstorm Sandy, which knocked out power to 2 million of PSE&G’s 2.2 million customers, some for nearly two weeks.
Source: Energy Central
Institutions, Cities & States
The City of Boston has released a proposed energy disclosure and reporting ordinance, recommended by the Mayor’s Climate Action Leadership Committee. Energy efficiency in existing buildings is the single most important component of the City’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020.
Source: City of Boston
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is considering establishing improve energy efficiency measures for 15 products in four categories: consumer electronics, lighting, water appliances, and other appliances. The CEC issued an Invitation to Participate to gather market data from manufacturers, consumer rights groups, utility companies, energy efficiency advocates, industry associations, and other interested parties.
Source: Marketwire
The Energy Trust of Oregon’s 4th quarter report reveals that annual results exceeded even the stretch goals for electric and natural gas efficiency savings. Existing Buildings, which helps commercial properties upgrade to energy-efficiency features, reports its pipeline for 2013 is the strongest it has been in the program’s 10-year history.
Source: Energy Trust of Oregon
Louisiana Public Service Commission chairman Eric Skrmetta has argued that he supports energy efficiency as long as it doesn’t involve “a government mandate”. He was responding to a Forbes article criticizing Louisiana for dropping its efficiency mandates.
Source: Zachary Today
North America
ACEEE recognized the nation’s best energy efficiency initiatives, including small business programs from Xcel Energy, National Grid and two Connecticut utilities. The National Review of Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs is the third of its kind, following previous versions in 2003 and 2008.
Source: ACEEE
International
The UK’s largest smart grid project has completed the first stage of its research, part of ongoing trials with 14,000 customers. Dr Liz Sidebotham, Communications Manager for the Customer-Led Network Revolution (CLNR) project, told Solar Novus Today that there is “a great demand from domestic users for time-of-use tariffs.”
Source: SmartGridNews
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